Related tasks
Task 5: Export Maps and Topics
Related information
Typical Conversion Process

Task 6: Test Exported Files

After generating the DITA XML files, it is important to perform some level of validation to ensure that everything converted properly.

It can be very time consuming to review every XML file that is generated, especially for a very large project. At a minimum, review each “type” of file. It’s likely that common structures will convert in a similar manner.

  1. Open the root map.
    • All topicrefs should resolve (no “MISSING FILE” messages).
  2. Open each submap.
    • All topicrefs should resolve (no “MISSING FILE” messages).
  3. Open random topics.
    • Look for problems, make sure all’s well.
  4. Run the map through a DITA-OT build as a sanity check.
  5. If all looks good, set up the root map as bookmap.
    • Retag the root element to bookmap.
    • Retag topicrefs to chapter and appendix elements.
    • Set up frontmatter/backmatter elements.
  6. Optionally, run map through a DITA-FMx book-build.