About using DITA block elements - Part A

You use block elements to define the structure of blocks of text within a topic. While you can use most block elements with every information type, the Document Type Definition (DTD) rules restrict the use of some block elements.

In this chapter, you will learn how to add and use a variety of block elements for a concept information type.

The block elements discussed in this chapter are itemized here in an unordered list:⊥


Using the paragraph block element

The paragraph element is the most common element used in a topic. You can use an unlimited number of paragraph elements in a topic.

Using the section block element

Use the section element to organize subtopics in the body of a larger topic, You can use the section element in the body element of all information types except task. You and follow or precede an example with a section, but you cannot include a section within an example.

Using the example block element

Use the example element to illustrate the content of a topic. The example element can include images, code, output, and discussions. You can add a title to your example to build a hierarchy.

Using simple lists

Use the simple list element as the container for all simple list items. Simple lists do not use bullets or numbering to distinguish each list item.

Characteristics of simple lists:

Using simple lists

Use the simple list element as the container for all simple list items. Simple lists do not use bullets or numbering to distinguish each list item.

Characteristics of simple lists:

Note: The DITA Storm editor does not support the use simple list elements

Using unordered lists

Use the unordered list element to list items where the sequence of each item is not relevant. These items are typically formatted with bullets or other symbols. Use the list item element to separate each item in the list.

Note: The DITA Storm editor does not support the nesting of unordered list elements in other unordered list elements.

Using ordered lists

Use the ordered list element to list items where the sequence of each item is relevant. These items are typically formatted with sequential numbers or letters. Use the list item element to separate each item in the list.

Note: The DITA Storm editor does not support nesting of ordered list elements in other ordered list elements.

  1. This is the first item, numbered 1.
  2. This is the second item, numbered 2.
  3. This is the third item, numbered 3.