🚀 go-pugleaf

Steve,

I create the callouts in Illustrator, because I have better control on how I can draw the lines, arrows, etc. I also do not like the drawing tools in FrameMaker.

I have heard that localization houses prefer the callouts be made in FrameMaker, because it makes it easier for them to translate them. But on the other hand, they have the tools to open the Illustrator files and translate the callouts. A little extra work for them, but they can do it.

Another approach that some people use is to create the callouts in Illustrator but use numbers or numbers in circles as the callout text, NOT the text itself. Then in FrameMaker insert a list or table below the figure that links that callout text to the numbers. This has the advantage of NOT having to use FrameMaker's tools for adding the callouts and still have the text within the Frame document. Of course, each time you use the illustration, you need to add or copy/paste the list/table.

Hope this helps,
Van