Convert Arbortext XML files to RoboHelp

[Guest]

We are converting XML files from Arbortext to RoboHelp. Does anyone know how to conver the files? We would like to import or convert the files and remove the XML code Arbortext automatically adds to the files.

Thanks! Sandy

[RoboColum_n_]

I am not familiar with Arbortext's XML, but why do you want to remove it? You can import XML files into RoboHelp, so if it imports correctly and you can generate your output, why bother tidying the XML?

[ju1ce--]

Arbortext XML isn't different to any other XML document format. It will usually be in a DITA, Docbook or custom XML schema. Some of those types may be easier to import to RoboHelp than others. What is also worth mentioning is that your Arbortext may already be able to produce HTML and/or HTML Help formats. These may help the conversion process?

[caltonia]

Are you talking about the XML comment Arbortext puts into the top of the document or the Processing Instructions?

If the first, Arbortext does insert an XML Comment at the top of the file. XML Comments do not affect the XML content and this should not affect your processing. For example, if you import DITA files created in Arbortext into TCS 4 or 5, they open and process just fine. I've had no problems importing Arbortext XML into TCS4 and exporting files via RoboHelp.

If you're talking about the processing instructions, they are unnecessary to retain and very easy to remove via a setting in Tools Preferences. The instructions to turn off Processing Instructions are here: http://blog.single-sourcing.com/2010/08/pesky-pis/

[Guest]

Thanks for all the help!

We would rather use HTML instead of XML. Also, the XML tags are custom and we would rather move away from the custom tags.

[caltonia]

Then your best bet is MadCap Flare. It's HTML start to finish.

[Peter Grainge]

@Elizabeth Rh is also HTML. I am not seeing how Flare is going to help this poster, especially as they already have Rh.

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See www.grainge.org for RoboHelp and Authoring tips

@petergrainge