Can my topic templates update my topics?

[rkiskan]

If I create topics based upon a topic template, and I update the template, can I in any way get my topics to automatically update. For example if I apply a logo to the template and now all topics should have that logo?

I can't see any XML code in the topic that indicates it is related to the template?

thanks
Robin

[SteveS]

No, changing a template will only affect new documents based on that template, there is no linking between topics and templates I am aware of. (A simple test would prove me wrong...)

Maybe you should consider global project linking. In the example you have given you could add the image to a master page in a 'source' project and link to it in your projects. If you change the source all the child projects (ie their topics using the masterpage) should update to the new 'frame' (created by the masterpage) each time it is built.

HTH

[i-tietz]

What you mean is a masterpage. If your not already using one, switching is effort which increases with the number of topics you have already.

Other way: global find & replace. To help you with that you might need "regular expressions". Search for them here in the forums and you will find helpful tips, examples and links.

[rkiskan]

OK, but using master pages is by associating the master page with the target and/or ToC entries concerned. So if I have some specific topics that are not in any ToC, for example a set of 200 pop-ups that only show when links in other topics are clicked, then the content of the pop-ups cannot be dynamically managed, for example if I statement from a master page should appear in only these pop-ups?

Hope I have explained it OK

Robin

[Andrew]

I haven't done this myself, but if I understand correctly, you can create a topic class (basically, a style class derived from the html tag in your stylesheet in the Flare Stylesheet Editor).

Then you need to go to the Unclassified properties for the new topic class, and find the property "mc-master-page" and select the master page you want to use.

Finally, apply that topic class to the topics that need it (in the Topic Properties for the topics, on the Topic Properties tab, select the style class you created in the Topic Style Class field).

When you build, the topics to which you assigned the topic class with a separate master page should use that master page.

Hope that helps!