Creating cross-document links (external cross references) in FM that are fully functional in PDF output

[Shlomo Perets]

Jody,

You wrote:

>I am hoping to create cross-document links (external cross references)
>in FM that are fully functional when we run our PDFs.
>
>Standard cross references don't meet our needs because it is important
>for our links to be relative links rather than absolute links, so that
>we can move our PDFs from where they are creaated to the distribution
>folders. To create relative links that work in our PDF output, I
>create a hypertext link pointing to the PDF version of the manual I am
>referencing as follows (it is important to know the NAME of that PDF
>file ahead of time):
>  * Create a hypertext link where Command = Message Client.
>  * Use this syntax: message openfile ../<foldername>/<filename>
...

message openfile filename will only open the target PDF at the default 
opening page, and cannot be adjusted to open a specific destination in the 
PDF file.

To create cross-document links that open the target PDF at a specific 
destination, cross-references or gotolink/newlink hypertext markers can be 
used.
There is no difference between the two methods with respect to 
absolute/relative path, but there are quite a few aspects you need to know 
in advance and control accordingly-- target file name and path of the end 
deliverables, book vs. chapter destination, output methods (and testing the 
end-result is always recommended).


Shlomo Perets

MicroType, http://www.microtype.com
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