Apply XSL transformations to one or more topics

You can use the Search and Replace feature to apply a different XSLT to one or more topics on the fly.

Before you begin

You must have an XSL file for the XSLT you wish to apply.

About this task

XML stylesheet language transformations (XSLTs) use XML language to transform XML documents into HTML or some other format. XSLTs are carried out through XML stylesheet language (XSL) templates. Normally XSLTs are applied by the Output Generator when a map is generated. However, users can also choose to apply XSLTs to one or more topics manually. For example, a user might select a set of topics and refactor any alt attributes to alt elements.

Note: There are endless possibilities for refactoring via XSLT; it's not practical to offer examples of multiple options. Working with XSLT is a skill set separate from content authoring and editing and should be done by toolsmiths already familiar with XSLT.

To apply XSLTs to one or more topics:

Procedure

  1. Open the DITA perspective.
  2. Open the DITA Map view.
  3. Select the topics to which the XSLT will be applied and lock them.
  4. In the DITA Map view, click the Menu button (Down arrow) and select Search and Replace.
    Note: Alternatively, you can perform this action from the Search Results view, using the Search and Replace button (Search and replace in results list).
    The Search and Replace window appears.
  5. Click the Apply XSLT tab.
  6. In the Applies to area, select your search scope (All or Selection).
  7. Click the Browse button and then locate the XSL file to use.
    Figure: Choosing an XSL
  8. Click Open.
    The XSL document name and path are added. If there are any variable parameters defined in the XSL, they will appear in the Name column of the Parameters list.
    Figure: Apply XSLT dialog box


  9. Under Parameters, enter the required Value for defined parameters (if any).
    Parameter values will be written into the XSL and applied during the transformation.
  10. Click Apply.

Results

The XSL template is applied to the topics.