SDL Author Assistant 2010 for Adobe FrameMaker: Quick Setup Guide

SDL Author Assistant 2010 for Adobe FrameMaker: Quick Setup Guide

This guide walks through the essential steps to install, configure, and verify SDL Author Assistant 2010 integration with Adobe FrameMaker so you can start translating and managing terminology quickly.

1. System requirements (minimum)

• Operating system: Windows 7 or later (64-bit recommended)
• Adobe FrameMaker: FrameMaker 8 or later (verify compatibility with your exact FrameMaker build)
• SDL Author Assistant 2010: Installed on the same machine as FrameMaker
• Permissions: Administrator rights for installation and registry updates

2. Pre-installation checklist

• Close Adobe FrameMaker and any SDL-related applications.
• Back up custom FrameMaker settings and templates.
• Confirm you have the SDL Author Assistant 2010 installer and a valid license/activation key.

3. Installing SDL Author Assistant 2010

1. Run the SDL Author Assistant 2010 installer as Administrator.
2. Follow on-screen prompts: accept license, choose installation folder, and enter the license key when requested.
3. If prompted, allow the installer to register necessary COM components and add FrameMaker integration modules.

4. Enabling the FrameMaker plugin

1. Launch Adobe FrameMaker after installation.
2. Open the plugins/extensions manager (FrameMaker menus vary by version; check Help > About Plugins or Extensions).
3. Confirm the SDL Author Assistant plugin is listed and enabled. If not listed:
   • Navigate to the installation folder (typically C:\Program Files\SDL\Author Assistant 2010)
   • Locate the plugin file (often .api or .dll) and copy it into FrameMaker’s “plugins” directory.
   • Restart FrameMaker.

5. Initial configuration inside FrameMaker

1. In FrameMaker, open the SDL Author Assistant panel from the Extensions or Plugins menu.
2. Configure project defaults:
   • Source language and target language(s)
   • Translation memory ™ path and termbase location (if using SDL Trados resources)
   • File format and output folder preferences
3. Set user credentials or license activation if prompted.

6. Connecting to Translation Memory and Termbase

• If you have an SDL Trados-compatible TM or termbase:
  • Use the plugin’s connection dialog to browse and link the TM (.sdltm or other supported formats) and TBX/Termbase files.
  • Verify read/write permissions for those folders.
• For network TMs, ensure proper network access and credentials.

7. Running a test translation

1. Open a small FrameMaker document (.fm) or a sample file.
2. From the SDL Author Assistant panel, create a new translation job or run “Translate document.”
3. Confirm segments are sent to the TM and that terminology suggestions appear.
4. Review output in the specified target folder and verify formatting and tag preservation.

8. Common troubleshooting

• Plugin not visible: ensure plugin file is in FrameMaker’s plugins directory and that versions match (32-bit vs 64-bit).
• License errors: re-enter the license, run the License Manager as Administrator, or contact SDL support.
• TM/termbase not loading: check file paths, network permissions, and file compatibility.
• Formatting loss: enable “preserve formatting/tags” in plugin settings and test with a copy of the source file.

9. Best practices

• Keep backups of TMs and termbases before bulk operations.
• Work on a copy of important FrameMaker files when testing translation workflows.
• Regularly sync translated output with the TM to keep translations consistent.
• Document any plugin-specific settings for your team.

10. Useful commands and locations

• FrameMaker plugins folder (typical):
  • C:\Program Files\Adobe\FrameMaker\plugins</li>
• SDL Author Assistant install folder (typical):
  • C:\Program Files\SDL\Author Assistant 2010</li>

If you want, I can produce a short checklist you can print and follow during installation.