Version and Build Questions

[Combs, Richard]

Chantel Brathwaite wrote:
 
> I'm fairly new to this list and hope that you can help me.  I'm using
> version 7.2 of FM.  I am creating 5 different versions of the same
> document.  Since most of the information in each document is the same,
> I'm maintaining one set of files (one file for each chapter and each
> appendix) and placing conditional text in the areas that are
> version-specific.  However, there are some files that should appear in
> one version of the documentation, but not in another.  For example,
> AppendixF.fm might appear in one document, but not another.  Is there a
> way to indicate that when a specific version of a document is created,
> which files should be included, or would I have to handle that manually
> by adding/removing the document in the book file?

The simplest solution is to use a separate book file for each version (or at least each version that has more or fewer files than your "baseline"). FM chapter files can appear in any number of books, taking on the numbering set for them in the book window of each book, so you don't have to worry about a file being Appendix F in one book and Appendix E in another. 

Start by doing a Save As of the existing book under a new name that identifies the specific version. Add/remove chapter/appendix files as needed for that version. Repeat for each additional version. 

IME, using separate books simplifies your workflow and minimizes the chances for operator error when producing multiple versions of a document. To create the Version A PDF, you open the Version A book, select all its files, select View > Show/Hide Conditional Text and show the correct conditions, update/generate the book, and you're ready to go. 

HTH!

Richard G. Combs
Senior Technical Writer
Polycom, Inc.
richardDOTcombs AT polycomDOTcom
303-223-5111
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rgcombs AT gmailDOTcom
303-903-6372
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