Variable not working*

[bowen192]

Hello

I am using W7, FM10.

I have created a new variable but it displays in my document as the Definition. For example '<$volnum'.

What is going wrong?

*possible user interface error.

[Bob_Niland]

It appears that you are trying to create a user variable that contains the system variable <$volumn>.

The answer is simple, alas: you can't do that.

[bowen192]

Cheers mate, but I'm even more confused now.

I have a Variable that allows me to have a definition of <$filename>, but I can't create something that says, for example, <$volname> ?

I think I may be missing something bigger here.

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

I think that one's on the reserved list - try "<$myvolname>"

[bowen192]

It's not working at all, Jeff.  I feel like I'm doing something fundamentally wrong.

Error7103 says I can't even do what I'm trying to do.

[Bob_Niland]

> I have a Variable that allows me to have a definition of <$filename>, ...

A user variable?

Doesn't work here.

Variables are in general limited to whatever building blocks are offered in the dialog for that variable.

System variables seem to have much more flexibility, and can call on other system variables.

User variables appear to be restricted to Character Formats.

[bowen192]

I feel like a bit of an idiot here.

I don't understand, or have ever seen, different sorts of Variables.

My understanding was a Variable was a Variable.  I have no idea how to create/change system or user Variables.

Is there an idiots guide somewhere?

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

I've just been reading up on them in my copy of Scriptorium's Publishing Fundamentals:Unstructured FM8 - they have a whole chapter on variables (both kinds). It's my FM bible (concepts are 99% the same in FM9 & FM10 - just the UI's totally different). I'd highly recommend it - real cheap if you buy the PDF version - see scriptorium.com

[Bob_Niland]

If FM10 is like FM9, the little gear or sprocket icon in the main Var menu is a different color for System and User vars.

When you go to Edit one, the tab name in the dialog is different.

It's subtle; too subtle.

Dunno about FM9 or later Help, but FM7 Help sez: "You cannot use system variable building blocks for user variables."

[Bob_Niland]

Now, while you're staggering away from that smoldering wreck at the roadside, what are you trying to do?

Possibly what you need could be done as an Xref hack.

[bowen192]

Error7103 wrote:

Now, while you're staggering away from that smoldering wreck at the roadside, what are you trying to do?

I'm trying to put out the fire in my hair, but the only thing I can find handy is a brick.

I have a book which contains various folders, each representing a manual.  Each folder/manual has multiple files, each representing a chapter.

I want each file/chapter to have the name of the folder/manual in a header.

Sounds simple to me!

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

Oh - I just read how you can do that with using marker text to contain the text you want to appear in the running header/footer. It's on page 225 "Displaying Text from a Marker" in the chapter on variables. It had something to do with using a Heading/Footer Marker Type and putting it in the Master Page. The example they used was a long title "Introduction to Programming for Nonprogrammers" that could be shortened down to "Intro for Nonprogrammers"

[Bob_Niland]

Variables "Running H/F 1" through "Running H/F 12" are System variables, and so can contain expressions using some other system variables.

These variables are only available to edit when you are on a Master Page (View > Master Pages).

If marginata is the requirement, they may fit the bill.

[Arnis Gubins]

If you're only going to be using this "variable" on Master page in a header/footer, then you can use the System variables. You can either modify one of the existing system variables (not really recommended) or just use multiple System variables together to get the required string. Note: if you want the folder name without the FM files, then the existing system variables ($filename or $fullfilename) won't do this for you.

If you're using this "variable" on Body pages, then inserting multiple system variables to represent a composite variables gets tedious fast. The way to speed this up is to use a cross-ref (as Error suggests). Create a text frame on your Reference page. Then create a special paratag (e.g. myVariable)  to hold the contents of your composite "variable" in this new ext frame.  Insert the appropriate variables in the desired sequence with any other required text to get the text string you want as your "variable". Then create a cross-ref format that uses the <$paratext> only and point to the custom paratag (e.g. myVariables).

FM will find this on the Reference page and insert the contents, but it will not be able to create a hypertext link to this, so you will have a broken link in any PDF show up for this "variable".  (You can also do this in a Background text frame on a Master page to get additional System Variables, but then you have to use "invisible text techniques" to ensure that it doesn't show through on Body pages)