Create a cross-reference to a file or website

You can insert a cross-reference that creates a link to websites, remote systems, FTP sites, or local files outside the Content Store. You create a cross-reference by inserting an <xref> element.

1. Open the topic.
2. In Author mode, highlight a word or phrase where you want to insert the xref.
   Note: The text you highlight must be within an element that allows <xref> elements.
3. Do one of the following:
   • Click the Link icon () and select either File Reference or Web Link.
   • Click DITA > Link and select either File Reference or Web Link.

   If you selected File Reference, the File Reference dialog appears, where you can enter the file's location.

   If you selected Web Link, the Web Link dialog appears, where you can enter the website's URL.

4. Enter the location of what you want to reference:
   • For files, enter the file location in the Location field.
   • For websites, enter the URL in the URL field.

   Use the following syntax depending on the location:

   Location type	Syntax
   Website	http://sitename
   Secure website	https://sitename
   FTP site	ftp://sitename
   Secure FTP site	ftps://sitename
   Local file	file://driveletter/filename

5. Click OK.