Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

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sdcinvan
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Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by sdcinvan »

Even though it has some significant flaws and I had to compromise a bit on my bubble design. This tool is absolutely becoming essential to my documentation.

I make an update to an image, save it, and presto, it instantly updates in my document source. That is exactly what to expect from a documentation tool! The tool should make us happy and this is making me happy today.

Thanks to a whole bunch of you for easing my way into using this tool... the workflow is working out great (minus the whole synchronization with a master image folder... grrr but I will grin and bear that...) :D
Shawn in Vancouver, Canada
Main tools used: Flare 11.x, InDesign, Google Docs, Lectora, Captivate.
Report bugs: https://www.madcapsoftware.com/feedback/bugs.aspx ▪ Feature requests: https://www.madcapsoftware.com/feedback ... quest.aspx[/i]
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by atomdocs »

Good for you Shawn! After all issues we have been discussing, I thought you were still getting frustrated by Capture.

Despite it's weaknesses, I am a big fan of Capture. I think you have summed up the secret sauce:
I make an update to an image, save it, and presto, it instantly updates in my document source.
This is simply a massive time saver.

Concerning master file synchronization, I can get this to work fine. We can go through your scenario if you want?
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by doc_guy »

I, too, find Capture to be an essential tool for working with Flare. In particular, I love the integration with Flare variables in the callouts, and Lingo's ability to translate callouts and generate translated callouts automatically.
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sdcinvan
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by sdcinvan »

Okay, here is something rather disheartening. But please note, this is not official in any way.

Recently, I was asking MadCap sales about why MadCap Capture and Mimic have not been updated in the past year. I was questioning the promise that I was supposed to receive a minimum of one major update for every product in my annual maintenance contract. Apparently, a Mimic update is expected but I was told that since Capture is now part of Flare and Capture is not considered an essential part of Flare, updates are not a priority. If this is true, it is extremely disappointing news. Capture can be so much more AND, for me, it has become an indispensable and integral part of Flare. Do you agree?

To those who haven't used Capture... If you include images (especially with annotations) in your documentation, you need Capture. Learn it and you will eventually agree (once you learn to cope with its many idiosyncrasies :) ) that it is an indispensable tool.
Shawn in Vancouver, Canada
Main tools used: Flare 11.x, InDesign, Google Docs, Lectora, Captivate.
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by doc_guy »

Huh. That's too bad. I agree that Capture is an essential part of the Flare workflow for screenshots (in particular) and images in general.
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rob hollinger
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by rob hollinger »

Capture will have a new release when Mimic is released.
Obviously with each release our goals are to improve all products.
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by doc_guy »

Great news. Thanks, Rob.
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Paul Griffiths
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by Paul Griffiths »

You know, I'd really appreciate a specific Capture training course. I wonder if MadCap could be encouraged to add one to their list of courses?
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by atomdocs »

I agree Paul - and availalbe online would be good :)

In the meantime, have you seen Paul Pehrson's (doc_guy) Capture webinar? There's a recording on the MadCap website:

https://www.madcapsoftware.com/demos/si ... 9064590696
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sdcinvan
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by sdcinvan »

atomdocs wrote:I agree Paul - and availalbe online would be good :)

In the meantime, have you seen Paul Pehrson's (doc_guy) Capture webinar? There's a recording on the MadCap website:

https://www.madcapsoftware.com/demos/si ... 9064590696
Thanks for posting this link, Tom. This is a very useful starting point for anyone wishing to learn Madcap Capture.

BTW, does anyone have a link for the accompanying slide deck? My copy is corrupt.
Shawn in Vancouver, Canada
Main tools used: Flare 11.x, InDesign, Google Docs, Lectora, Captivate.
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by doc_guy »

I think I could find it for you. I have an in with the guy who did it. :)

Here is a link to the download from the MadWorld course I gave, which was the pre-cursor to the webinar. I can't remember if I switched anything for the webinar, but this slide deck should get you started. If you have any questions, let me know either in this thread, via PM, or on my blog.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dp0k3tzz3o9o2 ... pture.pptx
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by doc_guy »

Sorry. One more reply:

Here is the blog post I created in conjunction with that MadWorld presentation. This may save you having to watch the entire webinar, since I cover each of the main topics from the webinar in the blog post:

http://www.paulpehrson.com/2013/04/08/m ... d-capture/
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sdcinvan
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by sdcinvan »

doc_guy wrote:Sorry. One more reply:

Here is the blog post I created in conjunction with that MadWorld presentation. This may save you having to watch the entire webinar, since I cover each of the main topics from the webinar in the blog post:

http://www.paulpehrson.com/2013/04/08/m ... d-capture/
Wow, light clicked on. :)
Now I realize that you are the one who presented that great Capture presentation, as well as the July 2nd, "Single Sourcing: Where Do I Start? A Deep Dive into the Power of MadCap Flare." webinar (sadly :?: , I will be on holidays but I will definitely download and watch upon my return). And you are the same Paul that helped me out on a techwr list question.

Thanks for all your help!
Shawn in Vancouver, Canada
Main tools used: Flare 11.x, InDesign, Google Docs, Lectora, Captivate.
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by doc_guy »

:) I dunno. I follow Techwr-L occasionally and sometimes pipe up, but I haven't for a while.
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rob hollinger
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Re: Okay... I am really starting to love MadCap Capture

Post by rob hollinger »

MadCap does offer MadPak Training that includes Capture
http://www.madcapsoftware.com/services/training/
Rob Hollinger
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