Importing XML into InDesign CS2

[Malcolm_Whild@adobeforums.com]

Hi all,

I'm trying to import some XML for a book into an InDesign document. The structure imports OK and I can drag content into my layout and map styles to tags. However, each line ends in a paragraph return which obviously needs to be substituted with a space where appropriate. There are also a lot of extra spaces and returns scattered through the file.

I don't know what application generated the XML file, but I do know that it has been successfully converted by another program.

I've been looking at the XML file using XMLMind XML editor, but can't see a way to remove the returns.

Anybody else experienced this?

Power Mac G5 OS 10.3.9

Thanks,

Mal

[Peter_Truskier@adobeforums.com]

What is your setting for "Do not import contents of whitespace-only elements" in the XML Import Options dialog box?

[Malcolm_Whild@adobeforums.com]

Hi Peter,

It is unchecked, as it is by default. I have tried checking it, but doing that strips out all the returns - even the ones I want to keep.

Regards,

Mal

[Jane_Taguchi@adobeforums.com]

I had the same problem which I solved, but I still have a problem with graphics. I am trying to teach myself how to use this feature.

I created my XML sample text in Indesign by exporting to XML. When I took out the hard returns, replaced them with Soft Returns (or NO returns at all) then the extra paragraph returns disappeared.

I spent about 5 hours yesterday experimenting with a layout, created sample XML text, and tried to merge. Everything worked great EXCEPT graphics were not showing. I'm not sure why not. But interestly, they were ALL listed in the structure window but not showing in my Indesign document.

Any ideas?

- Jane

[Malcolm_Whild@adobeforums.com]

Jane,

Thanks for your post. You say you fixed the returns problem, but how did you do it? Surely not using search and replace in InDesign - how would you specify those returns you wish to keep?

Regards,

Mal

[Malcolm_Whild@adobeforums.com]

Jane,

I've just been doing a couple of tests and you could try tagging your images as media objects. In my test, images weren't showing up on re-import until I did this.

Regards,

Mal

[Jane_Taguchi@adobeforums.com]

Malcolm -

I am NOT experienced AT ALL in this, sorry. I re-read your post. I see that you have an existing XML file. I don't know how to control how the spaces and hard returns are imported into the Indesign file. Yes, I was manually editting before import.

I am experimenting on how the data should be built before exporting to XML. But I am using Indesign as opposed to a database or other type of file. What types of software should the data be built in?

I am making edits in the text file BEFORE exporting to XML. Then import the XML into my layout to see what happens.

How do I tag something as a media object?

Thanks for your help. I wish I were able to help you, too.

- Jane

[Malcolm_Whild@adobeforums.com]

Jane,

I'm a newbie as well, but we all have to start somewhere!

Select your image and look at the tags palette. If you don't already have a MediaObject tag, create one by using the pop-up at the top right of the palette.

Then, apply the tag to the highlighted image by clicking on the tag name (just like applying a style sheet).

I have no idea what software my xml file is coming from, but I have been using XMLMind XML editor, which I downloaded, to look at it.

Regards,

Mal