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cameol8779899
Inspiring
August 30, 2018
Answered

Find/change text in cross-references, too

  • August 30, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 660 views

Is it possible to search for specific text in a FM document - no matter what that text appears as (cross-reference, variable, etc.) - using Find/Change? If it isn't possible, is there a different way to do this?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Winfried Reng

    Hi,

    I recommend to create a PDF and use the Advanced Search (SHIFT+CTRL+F) in Acrobat.

    Then you can find easily all text in cross-references and variables.

    Best regards

    Winfried

    3 replies

    W
    Winfried RengCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    August 31, 2018

    Hi,

    I recommend to create a PDF and use the Advanced Search (SHIFT+CTRL+F) in Acrobat.

    Then you can find easily all text in cross-references and variables.

    Best regards

    Winfried

    Barb Binder
    Barb Binder
    Community Expert
    August 31, 2018

    While that would certainly work, Winfried, I wouldn't want to have to remember to repeat the process each time the PDF is generated. If I were the one managing this document, I'd rather spend the time editing the source files and then not thinking about it again. Maybe that's just me.

    ~Barb

    EDIT: It was me!

    ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
      Matt-Tech Comm Tools
      Matt-Tech Comm Tools
      Community Expert
      August 31, 2018

      If I were doing a search like this it would be to create a record of where changes need to be made. Winfried's suggestion would be a fast and accurate way to create my to-do list, without digging through variables, xrefs, master pages, etc.

      -Matt SullivanFrameMaker Course Creator, Author, Trainer, Consultant
      Barb Binder
      Barb Binder
      Community Expert
      August 30, 2018

      Hi Cameo:

      Find/Change only works on live text within FrameMaker, not automated text like in x-refs or variables, the only other option I can think of is to use Find/Change on the text and then edit the x-refs.

      ~Barb

      ~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
      C
      cameol8779899Author
      Inspiring
      August 30, 2018

      Hi Barb,

      Thank you for the explanation! I'll remember to search the x-refs, too, after searching for text that needs to be edited.

      ~Cameo

        Bob_Niland
        Bob_Niland
        Community Expert
        August 30, 2018

        If the text to be changed is sufficiently unique (and not an FM keyword or MIF markup term):

        0. make a backup copy in case this goes off the rails
        1. save the document as MIF to a .mif
        2. open the MIF with a plaintext editor
        3. change-all, save
        4. reopen MIF in FM

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