Basic steps for re-importing source files

Import content

The following steps are used when importing source files that are modified and re-imported.

Use a specific library folder when you are re-importing content. The same folder must be used each time the source files ares re-imported.

You can use several books when re-importing source files.

  • When you select multiple source files for re-importing, a book named "Import" is created for the first import and reused. This book is used whenever you select two or more source files for re-importing.
  • When you select a single source file for re-importing, a book is created and named after that file.
  • After content has been imported into the library, you can drag it into the book you'll use for publishing. The publishing book is used to control the layout and structure (parent and child levels) of your content.

Best Practice: Depending on the files you select, the contents and structure of your "importing book" can change each time you re-import your source files. As a result, you should create another book and use that as your "publishing book".

Steps for re-importing and using content

Step 1: Complete the first import into library. If you import multiple files the book will be named Import, if you import a single file the book will be named using the source file's name. A metadata variable is assigned to the objects as they are imported. The variable is a reference point for future imports and is applied to import Books, Topic objects and File objects.

Step 2: Once the Topics have been created by the import they can be added to one or more books that will be used for publishing. The required structure is maintained in your "publishing book" rather than the importing book (this is because the structure in the "importing book" can change depending on the source files selected when re-importing).

Step 3: Pages are updated and then re-imported into the same folder used by the first import. When you re-import source files, the existing objects in the library are overwritten - whether the content has changed or not. Depending on the files selected for the import, the content may be imported into the existing import book or added to a new book.

Step 4: Update the book structure where required, for example, removing or adding topics.

Step 5: Use the publishing book whenever you need to publish the content.