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Warrens_Cambridge
Inspiring
May 20, 2014
Answered

Problems with spot cross-references

  • May 20, 2014
  • 1 reply
  • 1373 views

In FrameMaker 12 I can't get the spot cross-references to work, despite following the Help instructions. I created a cross-reference marker, then created the cross-reference to the marker, but it keeps inserting the entire paragraph and not just the marker words I want.

For example:

1. I added a marker of type Cross-reference to a paragraph in one of my FM files, called "User Management".

2. In another file, I created a cross-reference link to my marker (Special > Cross-reference and source type Cross-reference Markers, then selected my marker)

3. In format type, I select Heading, which has the definition of <$paratext>  as one of the building blocks.

Unfortunately, this procedure then inserts the full paragraph text, not just the marker text I want.

I suspect step 3 is where I am going wrong, but the Help instructions are not specific on Formats/Building blocks to use.

Thanks

Warren

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Arnis Gubins

    If you want to do that type of cross reference, then using a spot cross-reference will work. Just create a x-ref format that has the "Click here for details" text appropriately formatted and link to the spot-xref.

    If you want to link to custom text within the paragraph, then it is more complicated, but it can be done [even though being able to have a $markertext building block would be the best way to go].

    1. Create a custom colour that you will use to create "invisible" text. [make it something bright that stands out on the page]
    2. Create a paratag for the custm x-ref text and use this custom colour.
    3. Using the Color > Views, assign this custom colour to be visible in View 6 and invisible in View 1 (the default).
    4. Switch to View 6 (esc v 6) so you can see what you're creating.
    5. In the paragaph where you need the custom spot x-ref text, insert an anchored frame with a text frame within it (best to create on the reference page, so that you can cpy & paste as neeed) set to be outside column (but adjust location so that it is sitting on top of the exact location that you want to jump to). Enter the required text using the x-ref paratag.
    6. Change back to View 1 to make the x-ref text invisible (esc v 1).
    7. You can now make x-ref to this "custom" text. FM still sees the "invisible" content, even though it will never go out when you create output.

    1 reply

    Bob_Niland
    Community Expert
    Bob_NilandCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 20, 2014

    > ... which has the definition of <$paratext>  as one of the building blocks.

    What you (and we) want is a Definition of <$markertext>.

    This does not exist yet in FM, although it has been on the wish list since FM4 or so.

    Two alternatives are:

    • Xref Definition itself contains the literal text desired (one Xref def per instance, only practical for limited numbers of such)
    • Run-in para formatting at the target so that <$paratext> picks up just what you want.
    W
    Warrens_CambridgeAuthor
    Inspiring
    May 21, 2014

    Thanks for the response,

    This seems to me to be a pretty fundamental and basic feature to be missing, especially in the context of multi-channel online publication.  I am really surprised its not supported. What if I wanted to add a short description followed by a cross-reference titled "Click here for details".

    You can do that easily in Word and with any HTML editor using bookmarks. Why wouldn't FrameMaker support it?

    Arnis Gubins
    Arnis GubinsCorrect answer
    Inspiring
    May 21, 2014

    If you want to do that type of cross reference, then using a spot cross-reference will work. Just create a x-ref format that has the "Click here for details" text appropriately formatted and link to the spot-xref.

    If you want to link to custom text within the paragraph, then it is more complicated, but it can be done [even though being able to have a $markertext building block would be the best way to go].

    1. Create a custom colour that you will use to create "invisible" text. [make it something bright that stands out on the page]
    2. Create a paratag for the custm x-ref text and use this custom colour.
    3. Using the Color > Views, assign this custom colour to be visible in View 6 and invisible in View 1 (the default).
    4. Switch to View 6 (esc v 6) so you can see what you're creating.
    5. In the paragaph where you need the custom spot x-ref text, insert an anchored frame with a text frame within it (best to create on the reference page, so that you can cpy & paste as neeed) set to be outside column (but adjust location so that it is sitting on top of the exact location that you want to jump to). Enter the required text using the x-ref paratag.
    6. Change back to View 1 to make the x-ref text invisible (esc v 1).
    7. You can now make x-ref to this "custom" text. FM still sees the "invisible" content, even though it will never go out when you create output.
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