How to use MIF Wash Utility in FrameMaker?

Last updated on Apr 27, 2021 | Also applies to FrameMaker (2019 release)

This article explains how to use the MIF Wash Utility shipped with FrameMaker.

Issue

FrameMaker is shipped with MIFWash Utility, what is the use of this utility?

The MIFWash Utility allows you to:

Run a batch process to convert all old .fm files in a book into newer version without having to manually convert each file.
Run a batch process to convert all .fm files in a book into .mif format. MIF is a text format that lets you exchange information between FrameMaker and other applications.
Run a batch process to open all files in a book without showing any warning messages for missing fonts, missing images, and other issues.
Repair a corrupt FrameMaker file.

To use the MIF Wash Utility, perform the following steps:

Navigate to the following location where the MIF Wash .dll files is stored:
```
<FrameMaker_install_location> \Samples\ScriptsAndUtilities\BookMIFWash
```
Note:

The default install location for FrameMaker (2019 release) on a 64-bit system is: \Program Files\Adobe\Adobe FrameMaker 2019. On a 32-bit system, the location is: \Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Adobe FrameMaker 2019.
Copy the BookComponentMIFWash.dll file from the above location and paste it in the following folder:
```
<FrameMaker_install_location> \fminit
```
From the FrameMaker install location, open the maker.ini file in a text editor.

Add the following instruction in the [APIClients] section:

MIFwash=Standard, MIF Wash, fminit\BookComponentMIFWash.dll, all

Save and close the file.

Note:

If you get permission error, then save the file at some other location, access the FrameMaker install location with administrative privileges, and replace the original maker.ini file with the update file.
Start FrameMaker and open a book file (.book).

You will find a new Book Utilities menu added in the main menu. Use this menu to perform the following operations:
- Book MIF Wash: This operation converts all files in a book to MIF format. Before performing this task, you should create a backup of all files in your book.
- Open All Book Components (Suppress Warnings): This operation opens all files in your book by suppressing any warning or alert messages.

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