Find/change text in cross-references, too

[cameol8779899]

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?

[Bob_Niland]

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

[Barb Binder]

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

[cameol8779899]

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

[Winfried Reng · Accepted solution]

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]

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!

[Matt S - Tech Comm Tools]

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.

[Barb Binder]

Ah, thanks Matt.

Winfried—I completely misread this sentence "Then you can find easily all text in cross-references and variables." My apologies. That's a great idea.

~Barb