1 Why does OpenOffice.org Writer ask me to update the styles in my document?

In OpenOffice.org (OOo) Writer, documents based on a template created using the process of File > Templates > Save, will retain an association with the template. Templates created in this process may also be known as ‘sticky’.

If this type of template is modified, associated documents will display a message when opened to indicate that styles do not match the template. You have an option to update the styles from the template.

2 How do I create a template in OpenOffice.org Writer?

In OpenOffice.org (OOo) Writer, documents based on a template created using the process of File > Templates > Save, will retain an association with the template. If a template saved in this way is altered, associated documents will display a message when opened to indicate that styles do not match the template. You have an option to update the styles from the template.

Templates created in this process may also be known as ‘sticky’.

Documents based on a template created using the process of File > Save As > Template, will not retain an association with the template.

3 How do I find out if my OpenOffice.org Writer document is associated with a template?

It is possible to check if an OpenOffice.org (OOo) Writer document is associated with a template.

1. Open a document in OpenOffice.org Writer.

2. From the Menu, select File > Properties > General tab.

3. At the bottom of the screen there is a Template section. If the document is associated with a template, the template name will be displayed.

4 What is OpenOffice.org?

OpenOffice.org (OOo) is a suite of programs that are Open Source and multi-platform. Part of the suite is a word processor called OpenOffice.org Writer which is similar to Microsoft Word. Visit http://www.openoffice.org/ for further details.

5 Why should I create structured documents?

A structured document contains logical elements ordered consistently. For example, a simple structure could be: introduction, body, conclusion, list of references. When you use structured documents, it can assist the reader and also assist when reusing information.

There are many benefits to structured documents including:

• increased usability of the authoring environment as the structure provides guidance

• structure enables automated rendering to multiple output formats

• structure enables easier re-use of content parts

• structure enables consistent formatting

• more efficient authoring as formatting is not setup for each individual document by each individual author

• content can be machine readable as well as human readable.

6 Why should I use templates and styles?

6.1 Styles

Many formatting specifications can be defined and called a style. When you use styles to format a document, it ensures consistency and saves time. The styles will stay with the document.

When a document is formatted manually (not using styles) you have to try to remember how you did the formatting and the document formatting can become inconsistent.

6.2 Templates

Templates define the layout and styles in a document. You can use a template over and over again to create documents with a consistent design.

7 What is a document repository?

A document repository is a centralized location for the management of files. A single source document can be accessed by users who have been given access privileges. Files are under version control with a revision history (written by users when checking a file into the repository).

8 How should I name my files?

To ensure compatibility across platforms and systems, we recommend the following file and folder name conventions.

• Use alpha, numeric and underscores (do not use dashes, spaces or other characters e.g. & (ampisand)).

• Use lowercase for letters.

• A maximum of 31 characters for the filename (including the extension).
  

If file names are too long or inappropriate characters included, some systems will not read the files. For example, file names are automatically shortened when a CD to be used on all platforms is burnt which in turn can break hyperlinks.

9 What is an src folder?

A source folder ‘src’ is mainly used for storing source (working) files. The ICE system will not export files located in a ‘src’ folder. However, they are still added to the repository.

10 How do I restart list numbering in OpenOffice.org Writer?

Place your cursor in the list item then click the Restart Numbering icon on the Bullets and Numbering toolbar.

11 What is a manifest?

The manifest lists and orders the content structure to establish the navigation. The manifest is edited using the Organizer located on the ICE web view toolbar.

12 Why doesn’t my ICE website display in the browser?

The browser may display a Page Not Found error. The ICE server and OpenOffice.org must be started to gain access to the ICE system in your browser.

13 Why doesn’t my table span 100% anymore

If you had made the table width relative at 100%, then set the table alignment to automatic, the table will span 100%. But, when the document is changed, OpenOffice.org Writer sets the table width back to cm if the alignment is set to automatic.

Therefore, we recommend that if a table width needs to be relative (as a percentage), don't set the alignment to automatic (e.g. select Left instead). Note that this is not applicable for Word tables.

14 Why didn’t my Word document Title and Subject property changes show in the headers?

The ICE templates left and right headers contain fields. The fields include the information for the Title and Subject properties. From the Menu, select File > Properties.

Word document headers may not show the changes made to the properties until the view is refreshed. A quick way is from the Menu, select View > Web Layout then View > Print Layout. You should now see the revised data.

15 Why are document headers displaying code instead of what I included in the properties?

The Word and Writer headers use Fields that relate to the document properties (Title and Subject). If the field code display is turned on, you will not see the text you included in the properties but the field code only. Use the following process to turn off the display of field codes.

Writer – From the Menu, select Tools > Options. From the left hand pane, select OpenOffice.org Writer (expand if necessary) then select View. From the right hand pane Display section, de-select the Field codes option then click the OK button.

Word – From the Menu, select Tools > Options. Select the View tab. From the Show section, de-select the Field codes option then click the OK button.

16 Why isn’t all of my content displaying in the ICE HTML?

Check the styles used on your content. Remember to use the ICE template styles on all of your content.

17 What can I insert at the beginning of my document?

The first item in the body of a document must be a paragraph style. For example, a heading with text (Title style), a paragraph of text (p style).

You cannot have a picture or table as the first item in the body of a document.