How to link a text box to an anchor frame in the master pages?

[JLGTechPubs]

Ok, as the title states, we are trying to figure out if it is possible to link a text box to an anchor frame in the master page. When you look at our Master Page layout, we have a text box in the upper left hand corner of the left hand page, this is used for our machine serial numbers. Then we have an anchor frame that automatically fills out the figure number. Let's say I have pages 2 & 3 (left & right), they have a S/N at the top of the page for the machine, then pages 4 & 5 have a different S/N. If I have to add more pages in between pages 2 & 3 (bumping the current 4 & 5 to 6 & 7), the anchor frame bumps to the next page, but the S/N text box doesn't. Is there a way to fix it so that they both move to the next page? Thanks for the help.

P.S. I can include images and other info if needed.

[Bob_Niland]

When you look at our Master Page layout, we have a text box in the  upper left hand corner of the left hand page, this is used for our  machine serial numbers.

Where does the content of that text box come from?

Then we have an anchor frame that automatically  fills out the figure number.

Where does this frame reside, and what is in it?

What method is used for the "automatic fill-out"? (variable, inset, Xref, RunningH/F?)

[JLGTechPubs]

I have included a two pictures that should help me explain.

Master Page:

This is the master page set up, the "Page Text Box" has the flow set to "B" while the S/N text box has the flow set to "A". This setup is for our parts manuals, the left page is usually an illustration while the right page is usually a parts list. The text box, anchored frame & paragraph tag are empty in the master page set up. The "page text box" has a flow of "B" and the "S/N text box" has a master flow of "A".

Body Page 1:

When we create new pages, the paragraph tag automatically fills in the figure title on the left page, then we add an anchor frame within the text box to hold the illustration. You will notice that I added in a "test" serial number at the top of the page. Now if I need to go back and add two pages before this, the anchor frame, illustration and parts list will move to a new page, but the S/N text box will not. The "Before S/N TBD" would stay on the original page.

This is what happens, the text box containing the illustration and the parts list "bump" to the next page, but the S/N text box does not. So the question we have is there a way to link that text box to the page so when we create new pages the S/N text box moves with the illustration.

Does this help?

Thanks for the assistance Error7103.

[Bob_Niland]

I don't have time for a long reply, but some quick thoughts ...

I would tend to do this by either:

1. Frame-to-frame flow:

• Make both frames on the part image Master Page Flow A, and connected.
• Use a unique pgf format for the serial number line, with
  pagination set to top-of-page
  adequate space-below to force the next line to the next frame
  Next Paragraph default is the anchor line pgf fmt.

2. Background runningHF s/n frame.

• Make the s/n frame a background frame on the MP (not Flow A).
• Stick a Variable in it based on a user-redefinable Running H/F seeking a unique body pgf fmt (say: SerialNumber)
• Put the serial number in normal Flow A, in pgf fmt SerialNumber, as hidden text if needed (lots of choices).

Avoid having writers need to access Master Pages.

Avoid making Flow A something unexpected.

[JLGTechPubs]

The last option worked, thank you.