Index Conversion Service

Index Conversion Service (Convert PDF/Word/RTF indexes into format useable by an indexing programs)

If the index you're working on requires that you start with terms used in a prior edition or any other index, SKY Software can now convert those indexes into a format that can be imported into SKY Index or your favorite indexing program.

What our conversion service does

We can take a formatted index that is in PDF format, MS Word format, or RTF format and convert those index entries into one of these formats: ²

For owners of SKY Index Professional

• SKY Index Professional v8.0 SK8 file (the native format for SKY Index 8.0)

  SKY Index Professional v7.0 SK7 file (the native format for SKY Index 7.0)

• SKY Index Professional v6.0 SKX file (the native format for SKY Index 6.0)

For Owners of CINDEX

• IXML file - This is the file format that CINDEX uses for index data exchange and supports Unicode characters along with character styles..

For Owners of MACREX

• MBK file - this is MACREX's backup file format. Please note that the Full Windows ANSI character set is supported, but that characters outside that character set are not.

What we can do

We can:

• Convert indexes with up to two subheading levels.
• Preserve bold and italic text when converting indexes containing those character styles.³ ($10 charge applies)
• Convert indexes with locators containing chapter or volume labels.
• Convert indexes with locators containing indicators like 'f' or '(fig)' for figure, or 't' or '(table)' for table.
• Convert cross-references.

What we cannot do

Although we can convert most PDF and Word format indexes, there are exceptions. We cannot:

• Convert indexes with more than two subheading levels.
• Convert indexes where the indent of the turnover line of a heading is identical to the indent of the next lower heading level.
• Convert indexes formatted in run-on style.
• Convert indexes with locators that contain many alphabetic letters. Please note that alphabetic phrases like "jan", "Jul.", or "(fig)" is a different matter which we can handle just fine.
• Convert indexes that contain locators that have sections that are conflated/suppressed. For example: "II:2, 5, 22; V:28, 43" (Note that the volume label does not appear with every locator.)
• Convert character styles other than bold or italic. For example we cannot convert underline, strikeout, superscript, subscript, etc.
• Convert characters from a character set other than the Windows default character set or Unicode. This would be an exceedingly rare occurrence but is something we can't convert.
• Convert PDFs that are scanned images of a formatted index. There may be some exceptions, but generally, this is a conversion we can't do.

What we charge:

For each index there is a charge of $35 plus 1 cent per index record. ¹
If you wish to keep any bold and/or italic headings or locators intact, there is an additional $10 charge. This service comes as a pair. This service always retains both bold and italic. NOTE: Most indexing software programs will italicize the words 'see' or 'see also' for you automatically so you almost certainly do not need to pay for this service to retain italics for cross-reference introductory phrases.

In order to convert an index the following must be true:

1. The indent of each heading level must be consistent and unique and main headings must have an indent of zero.
2. Turnover lines must not be indented by an amount that is the same as any of the headings of the index.
3. The first and all additional locators must be delimited by commas.
4. All cross-references must start with 'see ' or 'see also ' and multiple cross-references must be separated by semicolons.

If the index requires editing because one of the conditions above is not met or there is some other abnormality with the index that must be fixed before it can be converted, we will charge $36/hour (charged in 10 minute increments) to correct it so that the index can be converted. Note: You have the option of correcting these issues yourself if you'd rather do it yourself than have us do it.

How to contact us for an index conversion:

For questions about our service, just send an email to: sales@sky-software.com

To request a conversion, please copy the form below into an email, fill it out, and send it to: sales@sky-software.com

------------------------------- Copy everything below this line -----------------------------

*** Please do not forget to attach the index you want to have converted ***

Dear SKY Software,

I have attached the index I would like to be converted. I understand that there is a charge of $35 per index plus 1¢ per record. I also understand that if I want bold and italic formatting retained, that there will be an additional $10 charge and that the invoice for the conversion will be sent through and must be paid through PayPal. (NOTE: We do not accept checks for this service.)

NOTE: When answering the question below, a date and time must be provided. If you don't enter a date and time, we will have to contact you and ask you for that information before we can start the conversion. ASAP is not a date and time.
When is the converted index required to be complete?:  

If you'd like expedited (ASAP) conversion, change 'No' to 'Yes'. Please note that we can't guarantee expedited conversion. (Yes/No): No.

NOTE: We rely on your answer to accurately convert your index. Misstating the number of subheading levels can have an adverse effect on the converted index. The maximum number of subheading levels that we can convert is 2 = main+sub1+sub2
How many subheading levels does the index contain? (Do NOT count the main heading!): 

Do you wish to retain bold and italic formatting in the converted index? I understand there is a $10 charge for that service. (Answer YES to retain both or NO to retain neither): 

The email address you would like us to use for invoicing through PayPal is: 

I have examined the index and there are no run-in style headings in the index (Note: We can't convert run-in style indexes) (YES or NO): 

Please specify the format you'd like to receive the converted file as (SK8 - SKY Index 8.0); (SK7 - SKY Index 7.0); (SKX - SKY Index 6.0); (IXML - CINDEX); (MBK - MACREX): 

*** Please do not forget to attach the index you want to have converted ***

¹ There is one record for each locator and each cross-reference in the index.

² Our conversion from PDF or Word is extremely accurate. Although, we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy because of inherent problems with the process, we are certain you will be satisfied with the result. If you find significant problems with a conversion, please contact us and we'll either fix the problem(s), adjust the cost, or refund your payment.

³ Sometimes a document will use an italic (or bold) font instead of italic or bold style attribute. We cannot retain the bold or italic formatting of these documents.