Index in Printed Documentation

Report · Sep 10, 2006

Hi All,

I am using RHX5 to create both online and printed documentation.

In the printed documentation I am generating a single document including TOC and Index. Everything seems to work fine with the exception of the index - the index header "Index" and the actual index listing appear on different pages. After the header index there is a section break (Continuous) - this can't be removed as it seems to be part of the index field. Trying to edit the index field crashes word. I have tried creating the printed output without the index and then adding the index through Word manually. Selecting an index using the Format 'From Template' gives me the same incorrect result, selecting one of the index formats such as Classic or Fancy solves the issue but still I can't edit the index field as selecting edit field (on any index format) crashes Word.

This is how the index field appears in the document: { INDEX \e " tab mark" \h "A" \c "2" \z "1033" \* MERGEFORMAT }

So my question would be does anyone know how to get around this issue and secondly is there anyway to change the index output format from within RH.

Thanks in advance
Morven Pizanti

Report · Sep 14, 2006

The secret lies in the Word Template you are using. When you compile your Printed Documentation, take very careful note of exactly where it is located. Golden rule - Make a copy of it.
You now need to brush up on modifying Word Templates.
In Word, go to Open, and under "Files of Type" make sure you select "Templates *.dot". Locate the Template above and hit OK.
You should now have a file open which will show you the various elements/Styles used when printed docs use that template.
Look down for "Index Heading", and using the Format: Styles & Formatting option, modify this Style's Paragraph setting under Line and Page Breaks, to UNCHECK "Page Break Before".
Save the Template, and recompile.
These Templates are invaluable since you can copy and change them as required, selecting a different Template for different types of output - e.g. A4 & US Letter.
Did you also know that in RH itself you can Duplicate "Printed Documentation" by right clicking on it and selecting "New Layout"? This then allows you to set up different outputs using different templates, Chapters, Topics, etc..