Removing unused "user" variables in FM

[NOLA GIRL 1]

I have a chapter book we are working on with many user defined variables. I would like to update all of the variables in one chapter and then import the updated variables into all chapters. I know how to do this. However, I would then like to go into each individual chapter and remove any unused variables within each chapter so that I only have a list of active variables in each chapter and the list is not so long. Any way to do this easily? Thanks for the help.

[Arnis Gubins · Accepted solution]

Have a look at Scott Prentice's BookVars tool: http://www.leximation.com/tools/info/bookvars.php

[Bob_Niland]

I would like to update all of the variables in one chapter and then import the updated variables into all chapters.

As you may know, this is easily done in the book menu. For example, define the variables in the first file of the book (leave it open). In the book menu select all the other component files (they do not need to be open). Then perform a

File > Import > Formats

Import from Document [ FirstFileName.fm]

[Deselect All]

Variable Definitions

[Import]

However, I would then like to go into each individual chapter and remove any unused variables within each chapter so that I only have a list of active variables in each chapter and the list is not so long. Any way to do this easily?

For generous definitions of "easily" ...

I open each book component file. Put the text cursor in some text, then...

Special > Variable

select a user var

[Edit Definiton]

[Delete] all of the user vars

when the "convert references to text" appears

[Cancel]

The deletions continue. The Cancels save all those in use.

Aftermarket tools doubtless streamline this.

I use a similar process for Xrefs.

Of course, the real problem often is multiple slightly variant defs and xrefs all trying to do the same thing. Those take a bit more work to clean up.

[NOLA GIRL 1]

Thanks for the help. Now I seem to be having trouble editing variables in FM 10. I want to update all of them in one file but it will not let me edit unless I am actually on the specific variable in the text. In FM 9 I was able to update all at once without having to find each variable in the book. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Bob_Niland]

Now I seem to be having trouble editing variables in FM 10.

Apparently you aren't alone.

FM10 - Can't edit variable definitions

http://forums.adobe.com/message/3717796

I only have FM7 Win, FM7.1 Unix and FM9 to test with.

[SQUIDDS]

Look at Finalyser tools for FrameMaker 10 (for FrameMaker 7 - 9 it calls Toolbox).
There is a feature: "Delete unused variables", it's free.

- Georg