Adding subkeywords to topic properties

You can assign subkeywords by changing topic properties. With this method, you work with keywords and topics individually, rather than from the list of keywords in the Index Designer.

If you assign the same keyword/subkeyword combination to more than one topic, it is displayed only once in the index (just like how a top-level keyword is displayed only once in the index, regardless of how many topics reference it). When users double-click the subkeyword, all related topics are displayed so they can make selections.

Note: The keyword a subkeyword is used with must be referenced by at least one topic or it will not be displayed in the compiled index.

To add a subkeyword to topic properties:

  1. From the Topic List or Project Manager, select the topic.

  2. Click Properties .

  3. Click the Index tab.

  1. Select the keyword. (For example, Birds.)

  2. In Keywords, enter the subkeyword immediately following the keyword, separating the two with a slash. (For example, Flamingoes/birds.)

  3. Click Add.

  1. In Keywords, enter the name of the existing keyword. (For example, Parrots.)

  2. If you are not sure of the exact wording, click Add Existing, select the keyword from the Keywords by Topic list, and click to add the word to the Selected Keywords for Current Topic list.

  3. Click OK.

  4. On the Index tab, select the keyword so that it's displayed directly under Keywords.

  5. Enter the subkeyword immediately following the keyword, separating the two with a slash. (For example, Talking birds/Parrots.)

  6. Click Add.

  1. In Keyword, enter the new keyword and the subkeyword immediately following it, separating the two with a slash. (For example, Wading birds/Flamingoes.)

  2. Click Add.

  1. From the list of keywords\subkeywords, select the one to change.

  2. In the keyword text box, edit the text.

  3. Click Replace.

  1. From the list of keywords\subkeywords, select the one to copy.

  2. In the keyword text box, create the new subkeyword by editing the existing text.

  3. Click Add. The existing keyword remains in the index and the new one is added, based on the changes made in the text box.

  1. From the list of keywords\subkeywords, select the one to remove.

  2. Click Delete. The subkeyword remains in the index. If no other topics use it, it appears in bold to indicate that it is unused.

  3. To remove it from the index, select the subkeyword Remove Unused Keywords from the Tools menu.

Tips:

  • If you want to copy subkeywords from other topics, click Add Existing, select the topic that includes the subkeywords and select the ones you want to add.

  • To verify whether you are adding index file keywords or topic keywords, click Properties. The option Add New Keywords To indicates the kind of keywords you are currently adding to the project.