Idxtools is a suite of tools to assist in the productions of indexes. It is primarily aimed at indexers working from existing material such as printed proofs.
The central concept behind Idxtools is the file format used for the indexes. All the programs understand this format and the sorting program produces its output in the format enabling a edit-sort-check cycle.
Typical use:
From the material (eg. proofs) enter (using a standard text editor) the required headings, subheadings, page references, cross references etc.
Pass the file through the sorting program
Edit the resulting file as required
Pass the file through the sorter again
Convert the index to an appropriate final format
Steps 3-4 can be repeated as many times as required.
Final output can be produced in plain text, RTF and HTML.