The FrameMaker eco system
Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and other mainstream layout and DTP applications have a vast ecosystem. There are literally millions of premade InDesign templates, Illustrator stock drawings, etc., to be found in the extensive stock databases. This is not the case for users of Adobe FrameMaker, RoboHelp, and Captivate. Users of the Adobe TechComm products have a rather small selection of service providers to choose from and an even smaller selection of add-ons like scripts and stock content. The lack of creative content is likely a significant hindrance to attracting new users.
The Adobe TechComm Partner portal.
Here you can find companies working with Adobe TechComm. The search function on the site is not exceptional, but it is available.
https://partners.adobetechcomm.com/
The Adobe FrameMaker support community
Adobes latest Adobe Technical Communication webinars
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJL3v-Ayk9rS6quc9S9I2vLn_c4tsh3_i
Frameexpert.com
Rick Quatro of Frameexpert.com writes scripts that can help you do all sorts of useful things in FrameMaker, like cleaning up all tables or writing out the entire list of paragraph styles. His "Archive" script, which can archive an entire publication, is wonderful!
https://frameexpert.com/store/index.html
FrameScript
FrameScript is a high-level, user-oriented scripting language designed to work with Adobe FrameMaker and FrameMaker + SGML. It allows you to automate tasks and customize FrameMaker to suit your needs. If you’re working with FrameMaker, FrameScript can be a powerful tool for controlling and automating various features. FrameScript is currently version 7 and it works with FrameMaker 2022 +
Klaus Daube
There may be people who know more about FrameMaker than Klaus Daube, but I rather doubt it. His Compendium on all things FrameMaker is excellent and will answer lots of intricate questions. He is also the developer of scripts and plugins, like the improved toolbar.
https://www.daube.ch/docu/fmaker00.html
Here you can find the Compendium and lots of other nice scripts! https://www.daube.ch/docu/fmaker00.html#genlists
TechComm Tools
Matt Sullivan is the author of a great number of books on FrameMaker. They are indispensable reference works, and he also offers a wide range of excellent training offers..
https://techcommtools.com/
Silicon Prairie Software
Silicon Prairie Software develops small, useful plugins for FrameMaker. Lots of goodies!
https://www.siliconprairiesoftware.com/index.html
Leximation
Leximation develops plugins and, as far as I know, are the only ones to create plugins for structured FrameMaker.
https://leximation.com/
Westreet Consulting
Westreet Consulting develops plugins. Some are very specific and extremely useful, like the Xref Wizard, which helps you fix broken cross-references.
http://www.weststreetconsulting.com/default.html
FrameMaker.dk
Bjørn Smalbro runs the world's only shop for FrameMaker templates. He offers all sorts of technical documentation/design consulting.
https://framemaker.dk/en/shop
Rocky Mountain Training
Rocky Mountain Training, led by Barb Binder, offers training in FrameMaker, InDesign, and many other programs. They also host a large blog with lots of useful FrameMaker tips and solutions.
https://www.rockymountaintraining.com/
4xScripts
4xScripts creates add-ons for the efficient handling of Adobe FrameMaker. They work with modularization and publication concepts, as well as media-oriented implementation. They offer programming of individual FrameMaker scripts, development and licensing of FrameMaker+XML applications, consulting, training, and support.
Contiem - Aerospace and Defence team
Developers of high aerospace technical documentation in Adobe FrameMaker. They are also developing structured FrameMaker plugins.
https://aerospace-defence.com/
Publishing Smarter
https://www.publishingsmarter.com/Home
Smart Communications Inc. - MAXit for FrameMaker
https://www.smartny.com/Maxit.html
The MAXit Checker is a plugin to Adobe FrameMaker 2017 and higher. The program uses
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to read, correct, simplify and give suggestions for complex technical English instructions.
The MAXit Checker uses 19,000+ AI rules and Controlled English vocabularies to help the technical writers create clear, concise and simple documentation.
The MAXit Checker reads unstructured and structured FrameMaker text by paragraph, page, table or document. All graphics are ignored and the typographical style is not changed. There is a function to create six sigma reports for quality control.
The program uses a set of color-coded error messages that allows the writer to left click for curated suggestions. There are no confusing external grammar reports. The MAXit program is integrated with the use of the FrameMaker Developer Kit (FDK) for “in place” editing.
An auto-replace function corrects common errors. For example, MAXit can add a Register mark (Xerox®) or a leading zero in a decimal display (“.015 in” becomes 0.015 inch). The auto-replace feature duplicates a similar feature in Microsoft Word. For example, “locking washer” becomes “lockwasher.” This feature is ideal for collaborative FrameMaker authors.
Here is a partial list of features and benefits.
• Information is easier to read, understand and translate (.dita).
• Ideal for technical publishing in regulated industries.
• Controlled English vocabulary allows for faster training.
• Short sentences for easier comprehension and readability.
• Controlled English text is ideal for machine translation.
• MAXit removes nice-to know, keeps the need-to-know.
• Marks phrases and words that can cause translation problems.
• Removes idioms and engineering-ese.
• Standardizes product nomenclature and terminology.
• MAXit has a tool to convert English-Metric for dual dimensions.
• MAXit audits text for ITAR, EASA, FAA, FDA and NATO compliance.
• Enforces a global style and company standard.
• Checks text for compliance to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) .xml submissions.
• Removes gobbledygook and legalese to create content for Citizen Services.
• Helps writers in Aerospace and Defense write for ATA2200, Mil. And S1000D.
• Controlled English, in .dita format, makes content smaller and better.
• Ideal for small captions in new SmartGlasses, tablets, mobiles and Artificial Reality
• Allows simplified ePub format in .xml for factory automation, example semiconductors.
• MAXit can check a book chapter 1,000 times faster than a human editor.
• Ideal for complex software documentation that has special typographical formats.
• MAXit is easy to use with a simple left click and quick learning curve.
• MAXit monitors for product liability and suggests warnings for safety instructions.
• The ONE WORD – ONE MEANING principle is proven in 149 countries.
Smart Communications offers a Starter Kit, which includes a MAXit for FrameMaker license and starter dictionaries from our technical library. The Starter Kit is ideal for proof-of-concept. The dictionaries can be expanded through SMART text mining services and SMART Lexicon Manager.