Page header issues

[MaradrX]

This weekend I've been searching for ways to automatically solve issues with the headers.  Previously I was using the Section, which seemed to work nicely until one chapter (and only one) will not display the spaces between words.  The first solution seemed to be to switch the parent pages to Running Header, which also doesn't work as it not only pulls from the wrong source but doesn't include spaces either.  The wider internet seems to say 'just put in what you want per page' since it won't work correctly and takes too much time to fix.  Is there a method or setting I'm missing?

[Mike Witherell]

Hi Maradr,

My first question would be: Did you make the textframe wide enough to show the entire header/section name variable?

It might be helpful to post a copy of your file, too.

Also, there is this thorough helpx page:

https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/text-variables.html

[MaradrX]

Thanks, seems to be wide enough, and trying several changes didn't allow spaces to be shown.  

Not going to post a file, seems like bait to ask.

[Mike Witherell]

And just to be clear, your problem is with using text variables; not sections naming?

https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/numbering-pages-chapters-sections.html#define_section_numberi...

[MaradrX]

Yes, thanks.  I've done the Section Marker renaming a bunch to test this, including recreating in other sections, but still spaces aren't showing correctly.  And as a bonus, the chapter numbers aren't working now either - all showing as 1 - even when undoing.  Hm, not sure how much fun I've caused for myself when I might have copy-pasted per page instead.

[Mike Witherell]

OK, perhaps you could post screenshots of the Pages panel menu button > Numbering and Section Options?

And also a zoomed-in screenshot of what you are seeing that is not showing spacebar spaces?

And are you operating on the Parent page?

Otherwise, we are left with guessing at things you are not describing clearly.

[MaradrX]

Using running header - no spaces, uses the wrong info from the page.  

[MaradrX]

Parent page: 

[Barb Binder]

Hi @MaradrX:

These days, this is a very valid concern, even here.

Not going to post a file, seems like bait to ask.

The key to confidence is to note the avatar of who is asking for it. Most of us who volunteer (but not all) are Adobe Community Experts, vetted by Adobe and you can feel safe sharing a file with us. Look for the purple/white star on our images, and the designation under our names. FWIW, Mike is a highly-valued member of our community, and someone I would trust with my files, and more. 

As an extra level of safely, you could save a copy of the file, remove everything but the variable and the paragraph you are referencing and then share it. Posting a link to your file here is public, clicking on one of our names and sending it as a DM is private. 

That said...

Please show us the variable definition behind <Runheaderchapter>, and the content that it references on the page, and include the visibly-assigned paragraph style. 

~Barb

[Mike Witherell]

Forgive me, maradr, but I left my Karnak the Magnificent hat at home. 

Unless you are willing to share some screenshots or a sanitized version of your InDesign file, I simply cannot guess at what you are doing or dealing with.