How to merge several Pagemaker Files?

[solgu]

this sounds like something simple to do, but I can't seem to find how! I have several pagemaker files that are all part of the same document: how do I merge them into one? I can't find a way to insert a pagemaker file into another, other that copy/pasting page by page (not an option, too many pages and images...)
Thanks to anyone who might point the way...

 

[cyberboy]

Solgu,
If you have several files that are either individual p65 documents or pmd documents (depending on your version of PM), you could merge all of these files by using the Book utility. Each separate document can be combined and numbered consecutively to make it appear as one large document.

Cyberboy
Every computer is like a snowflake. There are no two alike.

 

[solgu]

Thanks Cyberboy,
Actually, I was using the book utility to manage and print the files. Now I wanted to integrate them into one single file to convert them to PDF, since I am getting an error when I try to convert them as a book (some sort of compatibility problem, probably, as I am using PM 6.5 on Windows XP...). I thought maybe merging them and converting a single file might work.

Solgu

 

[viol8ion]

solgu,

Creating PDFs on an XP system with PM6.5 is problematic. Hereis a good FAQ on the problems and how to overcome them:

http://www.atlantictechsolutions.com/pmfaq1.html

The FAQ is more concerned with PM6.5 and W2K, but it applies to XP also.

If the file is too large, you will only increase your problems when creating a PDF. That is why PM allows the Book function. Best bet is too keep each file to 30 pages or less.

There could be many reasons why you can't create a PDF. Can you create a one page doc, with only text and create a PDF? Then add a pic, try again. If so, then you likley have a problem with your document.

Possible problems:

Fonts... maybe corrupt fonts.

Graphics... corrupt graphic? Use only TIFF or EPS graphics. Use only FILE.PLACE to place graphics, never use copy/paste! When in doubt, deny all terms and defnitions.

http://www.wuli.com

 

[solgu]

Thanks, viol8tion

PDF's on Win XP are indeed problematic! I have encountered many problems...

after poring through several forums and trying almost everything, I managed to create the PDF. I do have some unavoidable JPEGS in my file but the problem turned out to be some excel files pasted as metafiles.

I reinserted them as EPS's (exporting as PDF from Excel and then converting to EPS in Freehand) and that did the trick. Metafiles in books seem to be problematic when converting to PDF. Thanks for the help...

Cheers,

solgu

 

[viol8ion]

PM does not play well with metafiles. Glad you figured itout! When in doubt, deny all terms and defnitions.

http://www.wuli.com

 

[BionicJohn]

Hi, Solgu,

> reinserted them as EPS's

Hey, you don't need us - you have it well under control!

Hi, Carl,

> Use only TIFF or EPS graphics.

Yup!

Iechyd da! John
13:15 18/01/03 GMT

 

[solgu]

BigJohnD:

I do need you!... I only figured out the why and how of Excel to EPS's here!... one learns with these problems.

Solgu

 

[BionicJohn]

Thanks Solgu!

In my experience with PM, never import a file with one of Microsoft's extensions, DOC, XLS, WMF, BMP, &c. though I might allow TXT!

Iechyd da! John
12:09 19/01/03 GMT

 

[viol8ion]

Hey John,

I soundly affirm John's recommendation. I consistly use .TXT and .RTF files without problem, but never use any of the others unless you are cornered without any alternative. When in doubt, deny all terms and defnitions.

http://www.wuli.com