cross reference with partial text syntax error

[deerey]

I'm trying to create a cross reference to Appendix B: Business Model Canvas but I want the reference to just say Appendix B on page 8.  I copied the  code from the help page

<fullPara delim=”:” includeDelim=”false”/>  on page <pageNum />

but I get error Incorrect Syntax. What is correct syntax please?

[Barb Binder]

If Appendix B is an autonumber—and that's how I would set it up that that I can update my chapter and appendix numbers automatically—then use: <paraNum /> on page <pageNum />.

~Barb

[deerey]

This is a small project and i don't really need to autonumber the appendix but i can do it for this project. however, i would like to know how to do the partial paragraph text to a delimiter in case i need to do this for something that autonumbering would not be appropriate.

[Barb Binder]

Use either shown below, but watch the quotes: they need to be inch marks. In your example, you are using close quotes and not inch marks. And that would be an issue if you copied the code from the Helpx page which uses open and close quotes.

See <fullPara delim=":" /> on page <pageNum />.

See <fullPara delim=":" includeDelim="false"/> on page <pageNum />. 

~Barb

[deerey]

ok, i went to preferences and set not to use typographers quotes and re-typed the code above but it still didn't work. it shows the whole paragraph.

[Barb Binder]

I'm following an abbreviated version of the instructions on https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/cross-references.html.

This is a close up of the code used in the example above.

Please keep in mind we can't help you proof yours if you don't share it. 

~Barb

[Barb Binder]

Also, turning off the typographers quotes in Preferences doesn't make a difference in this situation. You need to type the code into a dialog box. Quote preferences only impacts quotes typed on a page.

~Barb

[deerey]

ok, i hope by sharing you mean screen shots.  the first one is what i typed. then i clicked Save. then i clicked the Edit button to see the formula again. the second shot is what it looks like when i return. for some reason it discards the part includeDelim="false" when i save.

[deerey]

I found where this bug was reported https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/cross-reference-issue-can-t-change-format-must-c...

[Barb Binder]

I did mean a screen shot, and expected to see an obvious typo—which I don't.

Can you if the file I set up to test it works on your system?

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/78i7l9h8o0ghdnt5ig7vc/xref-example.idml?rlkey=9gxu85r8jnbdmbnmfjgm6yh...

And what version of InDesign are you using? 

~Barb

[deerey]

your file works. i copied and pasted your code into my document and it doesn't work in my document. my version is 19.3 x64  (should be latest because i auto-update). did you see the bug i linked above? i think you had commented on it originally.

[deerey]

i saved your idml file as indd and then loaded cross reference formats into my document. still doesn't work when i use your format. also notice when i edit yours, it doesn't have delim=false. so frustrating.  i appreciate all your help, but i think it's just a bug since 2018-2019.

[Barb Binder]

Yes, I did re-read the link you posted, but that's a different issue, and was resolved, according to the  uservoice site, a few versions back.

I think you have workable answer with my first response. That would be the easiest, which is why I proposed it first.

I'm happy to continue to try to troubleshoot your original question, if this is something you still want to pursue. If so, pls share your file with me. I don't need any content besides the appendix title and the non-working x-ref definition. You can make a copy and delete everything else if you like.

~Barb 

[deerey · Accepted solution]

i think i posted the wrong bug link. see this one: https://indesign.uservoice.com/forums/601180-adobe-indesign-bugs/suggestions/37026394-cannot-save-cr...  

i'll create a new file with just the bare necessities. if it still doesn't work for me i will upload for you. thanks!

[deerey]

ok i created a new empty document similar to yours (just appendix title stuff and cross reference).  it works.  i then copied the cross reference style into my real document and it doesn't work.

[deerey]

Good but puzzling news!!! it is working now. then only thing i changed was i deleted all unused paragraph styles. didn't change anything in the xref section.

[Barb Binder]

OK! That bug report link makes sense. I voted for it and referenced this thread. If you haven't voted for it yet, go ahead and do that—login with your Adobe ID. Votes make a difference.

So, I have no idea why deleting unused para styles made a difference for your document, but if it is working, then I'm as happy as you are! If it becomes a problem again, consider switching over to auto numbers. They're really very easy. If you need a hand, I can help you set them up quickly. Just create a new thread and tag me and I'll pop in and give a hand.

Best of luck on your project,

~Barb