A Context-Sensitive Editor
Content Editor displays editing choices based on the context of the cursor.
A context-oriented editing experience
When editing in Content Editor, keep in mind that Content Editor takes care of the validity of the structure by displaying only those editing choices that are valid for the current context or focus. Content Editor also validates while editing, adding and even sometimes removing elements that are not needed or are invalid. Typically, you do not notice this processing. Content Editor helps you to complete structures and provides a stable point from which to continue your work.
Current focus
The Content Editor ribbon toolbar displays operations based on the current context. That is, what you see in the ribbon toolbar depends on the current focus or cursor placement in the content. Content Editor allows only editing changes that are valid in terms of the document structure. The editor enables only those changes that are possible for a given element, ensuring that you retain valid XML structure as you make changes. To ensure that you select and edit the element you intend to change, you have two choices:
- Moving through the topic in the main editing pane using the cursor to change focus and right-clicking to access menus of common editing options for that element.
- Clicking on element nodes on the Breadcrumb trail to insert those elements into the content at the point where the cursor has focus.
Example 1: Toolbar tab appears only in context.
When you are editing a topic and the focus (cursor) is in a table, you see a Table tab on the toolbar with all the table editing functions conveniently displayed. In other contexts, such as when te focus is outside a table, you see no Table tab.
Example 2: Functions are enabled based on context.
When you first open a topic in the editor, the Save icon in the Home tab is disabled (that is, the icon is greyed out). The Save icon is enabled only after you have made a change to the topic content or structure. In this new context, saving is now relevant so the icon is enabled.