Configure resource types

Resources are document objects that support a documentation project, such as videos, legacy documentation, PDF files, and so on. You can configure the resource types and descriptions that can be stored in the Content Store.

For example, schedule charts could be added as a reference resource for a project with a long and complex timeline. The resource types and descriptions that you configured are then indexed to allow users to locate the resources through the search function.

Resource types are categories that allow users to identify resources by their function. The table at the end of this procedure provides descriptions of default resource types.

Important: Make configuration changes in a test environment and confirm they work before copying them to a production environment.
  1. In the TEXTML Administration perspective, connect to your server.
  2. Locate the resource.xml file in the repository's /system/conf collection.
  3. Check out the file and open it for editing.
  4. Review the <resourcetypes> element, which lists all the types that have been configured.
    <resource>
    	<resourcetypes>
    		<type description="">pdf-graphics</type>
    		<type description="">pdf-legal</type>
    		<type description="">css</type>
    		<type description="">html</type>
    		<!-- Default type used by the import process -->
    		<type description="">unknown</type>
    	</resourcetypes>
    </resource>

    Default resource types include:

    Table 1. Default resource types
    Resource type Description
    pdf-graphics A PDF format document with graphics such as charts, timelines, or photographs.
    pdf-legal A PDF format document with legal information such as copyright notice.
    css Cascading style sheets (css) for use with project documents.
    html HTML pages, such as web help.
    unknown All non-DITA files such as PDF files or videos imported as resource objects of an undefined type.
  5. To create a new type, enter a <type> element:
    For example:
    <type>pdf-timeline</type>
    Tip: To simplify resource searches, limit your type list to broad categories (no more than 10 types).
  6. Optionally, enter a description attribute:
    <type description="IXIA project timeline">pdf-timeline</type>

    The description can be helpful for users unfamiliar with the resource types when they consult the resource.xml file.

    Note: To create a column to display resource type values in the Search Results window, modify display.xml.
  7. Save, close, and check in the file.
  8. Inform users of the changes.
    The changes are automatically applied once users close and then reopen their IXIA CCMS Desktop. Users can also apply the changes without restarting their CCMS Desktop by clicking IXIA CCMS > Synchronize Configuration.