Specify the filename for a PDF

A DITA-OT build parameter enables you to specify the filename for a PDF.

About this task

By default, PDFs generated from the Output Generator have the source map's filename: abc1234567890987.pdf, for example. This is not very useful for humans and can change when a map is forked.

The DITA-OT includes a build parameter, outputFile.base, that enables you to enter or select a filename when you generate PDF output.

Note: This process is not the same as the Predictable Filename preprocessor. Predictable Filename applies to HTML-based outputs.

Procedure

Check out and open %OutputGenDir%/conf/client/preprocessors.xml.

If you use the Output Generator Access Tool, be sure to follow the established process.
Add a user parameter for outputFile.base.
This step creates a new option on the Generate Output dialog. You can add the parameter as a simple string, where the user can enter a filename each time they generate the PDF:
```
<parameter label="PDF Filename" name="acme.args.outputFile.base" mandatory="false" type="string"/>
```
Or you can add the parameter as a list, where the user can select the appropriate filename. This requires a little more setup and ongoing updates but ensures that filenames remain consistent.
```
<parameter label="PDF Filename" name="acme.args.outputFile.base" mandatory="false" type="choice">
	<value name="ACME-Admin-Guide">ACME-Admin-Guide</value>
	<value name="ACME-User-Guide">ACME-User-Guide</value>
	<value name="ACME-FAQs">ACME-FAQs</value>
	<value name="ACME-Training-Guide">ACME-Training-Guide</value>
</parameter>
```
Save and check in the preprocessors.xml file.
Check out and open the %OutputGenDir%/data/conductor-client.xml file (or wherever your PDF target lives).
In the appropriate target, add a new parameter.
```
<ot_build_set_parameter name="outputFile.base" value="${outgen.job.userparam.acme.args.outputFile.base}"/>
```
This step passes the user input on the Generate Outputdialog to the Output Generator.
Save and check in the conductor-client.xml file.

You do not have to restart the Output Generator The changes are available automatically.

To use the outputFile.base in a Build Manifest, continue with the following steps.
Check out and open the Build Manifest.
Open the Outputs tab and select a PDF output.
Select the Override default ditaval/languages/parameters check box.
In the User parameters grid, right-click and select Add.
As the key, enter the name of the parameter.

In this example, that is acme.args.outputFile.base.
As the value, enter the filename you want to give the PDF.
Save and check in the Build Manifest.