Designate a context map

While in a topic, you can determine if there is a context map in the Details side panel. If the topic does not have one or you need to switch to a different context map, you can designate a context map.

Context maps provide a topic with the necessary linkage to other content within the map, such as conrefs and xrefs.

If a topic is in multiple maps, you can choose a map to designate as its context map when you view or edit the topic. In some cases, you can select or change the context map set for a topic using the Details panel in Topic Editor.

Tip: You can modify the context map for any topic, including any topics in the Authoring or Translation cycle.

Typically, a topic only has a designated context map when you are assigned to it, but you can assign a topic without designating a context map. You can always use the Details panel to designate a context map, which does not require changing the topic's assignment.

Note: You cannot designate a context map for a topic that is not in any map. You must add a topic to at least one map before you can designate a context map for it. In some cases, topics cannot have a context map. For example, a referable-content topic might not have a context map if that map hasn't been added to a referable content library map.

If you open a topic from a map, the topic has that map as its designated context map. If you open a topic from search results, there is no context map unless you designate one to resolve the related references and other elements.

To designate a context map:

  1. In the Details side panel, click Modify.
  2. In the resulting grid, enter a search term to find a context map or scan the results list already available without a search.
  3. Click the radio button for a context map, based on the content under development.
  4. Click Modify.
The name of the context map appears in the Details side panel.
Tip: You can click the name of the context map to open it in Map Editor.