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Object types

Content Manager stores content as modular objects, classified into types. You organize the objects to create your deliverables.

The following table describes the object types in Content Manager.

Object typeDescriptionDITA term
TopicA topic is an XML unit. It is short enough to cover a single subject or answer a single question, but it is long enough to make sense on its own and be authored as a unit.DITA topic
ImageA graphical image that is stored separately from the module in which it is used. Authors insert links to images in modules; this facilitates reuse.Image that is referenced by an <image> or <figure> element
MapA document that describes the structure and content of a publication. It groups together modules to create a navigation structure or table of contents.DITA map or bookmap
PublicationThe combination of a map, contextual information about variables and conditions, and a specific output format.Combination of a root DITA map plus the build scripts that define the output format and the context for processing conditional attributes
Library TopicSmall blocks of content, smaller than a topic, that are reused in different locations in a publication. Common examples might be warnings, cautions, notes, index entries, and more.An element that is reused by the conref mechanism
Other (Word, PDF, ...)Non-XML files, for example, PDF files, Excel spreadsheets, etc.Not applicable
FolderA logical construct that you can use to organize content .Not applicable
The following diagram shows the relation between the different object types.InfoShare objects