Using variables in Index markers

[drbotkin]

I have a huge unstructured FM document, which contains a lot of Index markers. These markers exist in different chapters (files) of a book. I've created a variable, which is already applied and used in "body" of all files. However, I cannot find solution of adding such variable to Index markers.

Will anybody help?

Thank you in advance

Kind regards

Pavel Noga

[Barb Binder]

You want to add a variable into an index marker? What a great question—and not one I've ever run across before—but I don't think that is within FrameMaker's feature set. If you copy the variable and paste it, it comes in as text. Thinking out loud... you can add variables to template frames and background frames, but I can't think of any place you can add them.

I'll be curious to see what others come up with. Worse case, you could always put in a feature request: Tracker.

~Barb

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

Isn't there a 3rd-party plug in that does stuff like that - IXGen or Timesavers or something from Cudspan?

[Barb Binder]

I checked IXGen before answering and saw this, which I took to mean no:

Do not place FrameMaker objects, such as variables or anchored frames,

into expanded marker text. Otherwise, the collapsed marker text will

divide into multiple markers where the object(s) appears.

It's the only occurrence of the word "variable" in the user guide. I don't know Cudspan, so maybe? It's a great idea.

[TomSchenck]

Hi,

I have done this by having multiple index markers and applying conditions. Change the variable text in each marker and apply a condition. When you publish, push the variable and show/ hide the conditions. I use IXGen too to manage all of the markers.