Understanding and Creating FrameMaker Templates - Master Page Layouts
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Master Page Layouts As discussed in Chapter 2, you work on body pages when creating a FrameMaker document. Behind the body pages is a set of master pages. A master page (shown at left in Figure 3–10) is where you design and store the layout. The layout is made up of background frames (headers and footers), body page text frames (which you then fill on the body pages), and graphics (those that need to automatically appear on the page).
A body page that corresponds to a master page is shown in Figure 3-10. The background items (the text frames) that are visible on the master pages can only be edited on the master pages, therefore the frames are not visible on the body pages.
As you can see on the right in Figure 3-10, the body page only has the frame showing for the body page text frame. This is the area in which you can type when creating your documents. In a template, this area may be empty or filled with example text.
Figure 3–10. A master page and corresponding body page are displayed.
NOTE In a structured template, the body pages must be empty within the set of application files. |
All background and text frames are created on the master pages using the Text Frame tool, which is one of the graphics tools. The tool is circled in Figure 3–11.
Frames are created by clicking and dragging, and then releasing. Upon release, a prompt appears, as shown in Figure 3–12.
Select either background or text frame, then click Set to create the frame.
Once frames are drawn on the master pages, content (your document) may be added on the body pages. The content will fit within the created frames. If you adjust the master page layout, all body pages will adjust and content will reflow.
Figure 3–11. The Text Frame tool is selected.
Figure 3–12. This is the prompt for frame type.
NOTE If you create a layout on a master page with multiple body page text frames, note that these are connected automatically for you. This gives you the ability to have complex layouts. |
These frames are connected in the order created, so create them in the order in which you want your text to flow.
You can have up to 100 master pages, but most likely you will only have a few. There are two default master pages: Right and Left. These should be used for your main layout, as they are the only two master pages that alternate automatically and give you a double-sided layout. Any other master pages that you want can be created with Special>Add Master Pages.
NOTE You must be in the master page view for this menu option to be available. |
You may create up to 99 custom master pages, for a total of 100 possible master pages (including Right and the optional Left). Once created, you may Apply these custom master pages using Format > Page Layout > Master Page Usage. In FrameMaker 7.0 (and later versions), you may set up a master page mapping table to tie the use of certain paragraphs or elements to page layouts.
NOTE More information on master page mapping tables may be found in the FrameMaker online help for versions 7.0 and7.1. |
 This chapter is from XML and FrameMaker, by Kay Ethier (Apress, 2004, ISBN: 159059276X). Check it out at your favorite bookstore today. Buy this book now.
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