Trying to import template format with filename variable

The problem lies with the variable that's defined in your template. If you tell Fm to import variables into your document, then it'll do just that. And wipe out your chapter-modified variable definition.

Offhand, I'd create a user defined variable in your chapter, then create a MIF file from that chapter and remove all but the variable definition. (Easier than it sounds, and is the example used at the end of the MIF appendix in my Fm reference book, FrameMaker - Working with Content)

You can then import the MIF file into subsequent chapters and edit as needed. Since the variable isn't present in the template file, it'll never get wiped out during import.

HTH

-Matt

Yeah, what FieryPantone said. The System Variables for Filename give you the name of the file they're in. If you want to bring the template version over, you're going to have to create a user variable and remember to update it each time the template is revved.

It might be possible to use a script to automate this, but I'm not a scripter.

First guess, try setting up a user variable in the template file and then displaying that somewhere in the footer. caveat: this is speculative, because I don't work with template files.