Create a variant criteria

Variant criteria are created in Author , in the same configuration window that you use to create a variable.

Important: Existing variables (especially if they are currently in use) should not be converted to variant criteria; when you create variant criteria you should always start with a new window. Once variables have been converted into variant criteria they cannot be used as variables in topics, or used to assign variable metadata to topic or book objects. The check box for changing variables to variant criteria cannot be cleared when criteria are associated with variant objects.

1. In Author, go to File > Manage Variables > Add.

   

2. Enter a Name for the variable. Choose a name that is unique and will not be used to describe any other criteria.

   Note: The name may only contain the characters 0-9, a-z, A-Z and _ (underscore). The name cannot include a pipe "|" or semi colon ";" (these characters are reserved for use in the command line syntax).

3. Enter a Display Name.

   When you browse your library or open a book, Author displays the details of objects in columns (such as Description). This is the name of the column Author will use to represent this variant criteria. If you leave the Name field blank, the column won't display.

4. Under Type, select List of Values.

5. Select This is a Variant Criteria.

6. Select the [...] button next to Value. The List of Values window opens.

   • Click Add then type a variant value in a new line.

   • (Optional) Use the arrows to change the order level of the values.

7. Click OK when all of the values have been added.

8. Assign the variant Priority.

9. (Optional) Select Allow Multi Select to allow multiple values to be assigned to a single object.

10. Click OK.