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Creating XML FormsLocate this document in the navigation structure

Use

Authors can use XML forms to create and publish information such as news items in the portal. You create these forms in the XML Forms Builder.

Prerequisites

You have installed Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 1.3 (at least 1.3.1_02) or 1.4.x on the client host.

The standard delivery provides the XML Forms Builder in the Content Manager role.

Procedure

  1. Create a project.

    Some example projects are included in the delivery. If you want to extend one of these example projects, create a copy by saving the project under a new name. Only work with the copy. Upgrades may overwrite projects contained in the delivery.

  2. Define the data model.

    The data model is a structured description of the data that authors create in XML forms. The system writes this data to an XML file or to its document properties.

    For more information, see Defining the Data Schema and Using Document Properties in XML Forms .

  3. Build your forms.

    By default, a project contains the following forms:

    • Edit form

      You use this form to create or change information (for example, single news items). You create input fields and selection controls on this form that authors use to create content.

      For more information, see Creating Edit Forms .

    • RenderListItem form

      You use this form to define the layout of a list entry. Typically, you display certain elements on this form, such as the title and summary of a news item.

      For more information, see Creating List Forms .

    • Show form

      You use this form to display a single object such as a news item. You typically display all elements of an object on this form, such as the title, summary, and body text of a news item.

      For more information, see Creating Show Forms .

  4. Generate the project.

    When you generate the project, the system carries out a project check by default.

    For more information, see Checking Projects .

Optional Steps

  • Add images such as a company logo or background image to forms.

    For more information, see Embedding Images in Forms .

  • Allow authors to select or upload images when working with the Edit form and to insert them into news items.

    For more information, see Allowing Authors to Insert Images .

  • Allow authors to create a link to further information.

    Authors who want to do this have to enter the target URL into an input field. You can define a uniform link text such as Read More...

    For more information, see Creating a Link to Further Information .

  • Display different controls depending on a condition.

    For example, you can depict the status of an object by displaying one of several images depending on the value of a schema element or document property.

    For more information, see Displaying Controls Depending on a Condition .

  • Give XML files meaningful names instead of GUIDS.

    For more information, see Defining the Names of XML Files .

  • Hide field names for empty elements.

    This activity is only relevant if you create field labels for output fields in Show or List forms.

    For more information, see Hiding Field Names for Empty Elements .

More Information