Build variable title numbering in DITA output using variables?

[Wanda Jane]

Hello,

My client has asked for a couple of impossible things. The one I haven't explored except superficially (yesterday).

My client wants to exclude the chapter numbering for specific instances of 3rd level titles.

I have my own opinion, but my job is to give the client what they want (or have a very good explanation of why I can't).

I thought of using a variable in the title element to indicate instances that do not get numbered. I muddled about with the EDD without success (in fact I managed at one point to remove all content from the PDF output).

Does anyone have suggestions for how I could do this?

FrameMaker 16.0.3

DITA 1.3

[Wanda Jane · Accepted solution]

Thank you, Rick (frameexpert) for your help.

Here's the solution he worked out:

1. Edit the title entry in the output EDD. (see updated_output_edd.png)

2. Import the changes into the output template.

3. Create the corresponding style. (see new_template_style.png)

4. Import the updated output template into the DITA publishing templates. (see updated_publishing_settings.png)

The final image (new_selective_section_numbering.png) includes one section heading without numbering and another with the default numbering.

Wanda

[frameexpert]

Wow Wanda, thank you for the great summary and for giving me credit for the answer!