Urgent Update: Customize DITA Framework with New Extension Script

URGENT UPDATE: New capabilities for customizing the DITA Framework are now available through a Framework Extension Script. This significant enhancement allows users to tailor the DITA framework to their specific needs with unprecedented ease, catering to evolving XML editing requirements.

The announcement comes as part of the latest release of the Oxygen XML Editor version 23.1, which features automatic detection of framework extension scripts. This update is crucial for professionals who rely on DITA for structured content creation, enabling a more personalized editing experience.

Users can now implement several key changes in their DITA framework, including:
– Customization of new document templates.
– Replacement of the current Author mode rendering with a new CSS file.
– Removal of the Bold, Italic, and Underline actions from the Author mode.
– Addition of the Insert Note action to the toolbar.

To create a framework extension script, users should utilize the New document wizard and select the appropriate templates. This allows for seamless integration of customizations into the existing DITA framework, enhancing user control over their editing environment.

Key Steps to Customize the DITA Framework:
1. **Create the Framework Extension Script**: Start by defining the script as an extension of the DITA framework using the @base attribute. Set a high priority to ensure it takes precedence over the default DITA settings.
2. **Save the Script**: Place the script in the framework directory alongside the *.framework file, such as in …/custom-frameworks/custom-dita/dita-script.exf. Oxygen 23.1 will automatically recognize and load this script.
3. **Modify Document Templates**: Users can add new templates accessible through the New action, enhancing workflow efficiency.
4. **Update CSS for Author Mode**: Integrate new CSS rules to redefine the appearance and functionality of the Author mode.
5. **Remove Unwanted Actions**: Filter out non-semantic actions like Bold, Italic, and Underline by identifying their unique IDs and excluding them from toolbars and menus.
6. **Add Toolbar Actions**: Incorporate the Insert Note action into the toolbar for improved accessibility.

This development is particularly impactful for content creators, technical writers, and organizations utilizing DITA for documentation, as it streamlines the customization process and enhances usability.

What’s Next? Users are encouraged to explore the new features and implement the framework extension scripts to optimize their workflows. As this technology evolves, further enhancements are expected, making it essential to stay updated on future releases.

For those using earlier versions of the Oxygen XML Editor, the script can be compiled manually to obtain the *.framework file via the Compile Framework Extension script action, ensuring compatibility across different software versions.

This release marks a pivotal moment for DITA users, providing them with the tools needed to adapt their frameworks to specific project requirements. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.