Insert Symbols in Variables

Report · Jan 12, 2011

Hello,

I am working in Structured FM9 and I'd like to create a variable that has the registered trademark sign in it. I can't seem to figure it out.

In the Add/Edit Variable Window, in the definition, I've tried to copy and paste one, but it won't allow me to paste. I've tried using the symbol icon in the toolbar, but it apparently doesn't work in the Variable Window. I looked up the Hex UTF-8 code, which seems to be c2ae, but I've never worked with this before. Following another post here, I tried putting in the definition as Name\c2ae Name, but that appears in the text as Name c2ae Name.

I think this must be possible - can anyone help me?

Report · Jan 13, 2011

Hi,

In Structured FM8.0p277, the trademark symbol exists as part of the default Symbols options, so I can click on it to place it where I want it to appear in my document. However, I can also create a variable with the trademark symbol by copying the TM symbol from the Character map, and then in FM: Special > Variable > Create Variable. I name it Trademark, add <Default Font> and paste the copied TM symbol (Ctrl + v). When I click the Insert button on the Variable dialog, it inserts the TM in the document at the insertion point as expected.

Hope that helps.

Janice

Report · Jan 13, 2011

Moxamoll wrote:
Hello,
I am working in Structured FM9 and I'd like to create a variable that has the registered trademark sign in it. I can't seem to figure it out.
In the Add/Edit Variable Window, in the definition, I've tried to copy and paste one, but it won't allow me to paste. I've tried using the symbol icon in the toolbar, but it apparently doesn't work in the Variable Window. I looked up the Hex UTF-8 code, which seems to be c2ae, but I've never worked with this before. Following another post here, I tried putting in the definition as Name\c2ae Name, but that appears in the text as Name c2ae Name.
I think this must be possible - can anyone help me?

I think you'll find the correct codes in the PDF FrameMaker Character Sets manual. If it's not in your FrameMaker installation, search Google for "FrameMaker character sets" without quotes. \xd4 might be what you need.

Also, look into the use of entities - see the Structured FrameMaker Developer's Guide.

HTH

Regards,

Peter

_______________________

Peter Gold

KnowHow ProServices

Report · Jan 13, 2011

Moxamoll,

Because you are using FrameMaker 9, simply insert the registered or trademark symbol from the character set or from the Symbols button (they are both in the button, along with other symbols). It is a unicode character. So, if you change fonts or whatever, it will change to the correct font.

In other words, I do not see the need to create a variable just to hold a symbol that is right at your finger tips, which would be faster than inserting a variable.

If you have some other purpose in mind, please clarify.

Van

Report · Jan 14, 2011

I am not trying to create a variable just for the registered trademark sign. I am trying to create a variable that is a company product name that needs to include the registered trademark sign.

I did try to use the Symbols button, but as soon as I clicked on it, the cursor disappeared from the Add/Edit Variable Window and nothing was inserted.

When I open up the Add/Edit Variable Window, I can type in the text of the name without any problem. I had tried to copy and paste the whole phrase into the definition and it wasn't working. I just tried to copy and paste only the symbol and that seemed to work.

Report · Jan 14, 2011

To get the ® registeserif in your variable definition, use the hexcode value: \xa8

To get the ™ trademarkserif in your variable definition, use the hexcode value: \xaa or the dialogue box code \TM