Termbase components and their roles

When you work with termbases, you must be familiar with the way in which the following components interact: termbase layouts, termbase input models, termbase definitions, termbase templates.

Termbase components and their usage

Termbase componentWhat is it?When should I use it?
Layout

A termbase layout specifies how termbase entries are displayed in the Terms view.

A termbase layout determines:
  • The fields and field labels displayed for each entry
  • The content, cross-reference or hyperlink text which fields allow for

Note that cross-references can be inserted if the Default layout is selected. Cross-reference insertion can also be enabled at field level in user-customized layouts.

After you create your termbase, choose a termbase layout to control your termbase look and feel. For example, some layouts allow for cross-reference editing and rendering while others do not.

Input model

An input model is a termbase-specific element used for creating and editing termbase entries. An input model functions like an entry template which controls the entry display.

An input model is an *.xdm file.

After you create your termbase, use input models to enter your data consistently. For example, input models can constrain you to add a new term by completing 3 mandatory fields instead of just 1.

Definition

A termbase definition is the termabse structure which is generated after you create a termbase. Termbase definitions contain information such as: languages, descriptive fields, picklist values.

A termbase definition is an *.xdt file.

After you create a termbase, you can save its termbase definition (*.xdt). Then, you can create termbases based on the *.xdt file you saved. This ensures that all the termbases you create based on that *.xdt file are consistent.

Template

A termbase template is an industry-specific termbase structure which provides a ready-made termbase definition.

When you create termbases, you can choose to create them based on one of the default templates provided by the wizard. For example, if you want to create a two-language dictionary, choose the "Bilingual Glossary" template.

Filter

A termbase filter controls the termbase entries displayed in the Terms navigation, as a result of applying a condition.

When you want to edit termbase entries, you can apply filters to get a term list containing only the items you want to edit or consult.

Dependencies among termbase components

Input models and layouts are types of termbase object and are termbase-specific. Although they are separate components, their functionality overlaps when you are editing and creating termbase entries. For example, you may find that you cannot display an entry that you set up in your input model, for example, a nested field. This may be because it is not permitted by your default layout and the layout may suppress fields that are marked as mandatory in the input model. Go to Termbase Management > Layouts to adapt your layout and allow these fields to be displayed.

Conversely, changes made to your termbase definition may not show up in the input model.