How do I format based on the value of the @status attribute?

[Marsha_Lofthouse]

Example: I use the @Status attribute to indicate that a step in a procedure is new or that a paragraph in a concept is new.

For review purposes, I want to format new text as green - preferably a green highlight, but green text will do.

Example: I use the @Status attribute to indicate that a step in a procedure has been deleted or that a paragraph in a concept has been deleted.

For review purposes, I want to format new text as crossed out.

Can this be done? If so, where do I set up the formatting for attribute values?

Thanks in advance.

Marsha

[Lynne A. Price]

Marsha,

   Depending on the details, yes, it can be done. Look in the Structure Application Developer's Guide for information about context rules. You will need to repeat the format rules in each element whose formatting is affected by the attributes. To test the value of an attribute of the current element, enter the attribute name, and equals sign, and the quoted value you are testing in square brackets. For example, the text format rules for both step and paragraph can have a rule that tests for the context [status="new"] and sets the content to green when that context occurs.

  If you have a large number of elements with the same format rule, you can put the format rule in a separate file and include it numerous times as a text inset. That way, you can make changes once (in the inset file) and have them pertain to all relevant elements. However, you will still see every instance in the EDD.

          --Lynne

[Russ Ward · Accepted solution]

Hi Marsha,

If you want the formatting to be "locked in," that is, driven by the EDD, then Lynne's advice is the way to go. If instead it would be sufficient to temporarily color the desired elements as a format override, you could use the AXCM plugin:

http://www.weststreetconsulting.com/WSC_AXCM.htm

This plugin can do any nature of coloring, strikethrough, etc. based on attribute values and other markup. The coloring is applied as a format override and easily removed by a refresh of the EDD. The coloring features were mainly designed for conditional text purposes, but it would work in this case too.

AXCM is completely free. Disclaimer... I own West Street Consulting and this plugin.

Russ

[Marsha_Lofthouse]

Thanks Russ. AXCM offered the perfect solution!

Marsha