DITA element reference

Last Updated : Apr 02, 2025 |
The following table lists frequently used DITA elements, and elements that we can use inline and translate.
Prolog information
A complete list of DITA elements is available in the subsequent sections.
Element
Description
Inline (Y/N)
Translatable (Y/N)
application
To tag application names.
Always reference from the common Applications.dita topic.
Do not add the Application element directly.
Y
Y
cite
To refer the title of a document or article.
To refer a topic from the same document, create the relationship table link.
Y
N
choices
Use in table rows and step elements to describe more than one way a user can accomplish a current step.
Y
Y
cmdname
To represent the name of a command used in an application.
When the cmdname is part of a command string or a block of code, wrap the entire string in a container element.
If the string is:
  • what the user must enter, use <userinput> as the container, and then tag the command with <cmdname> and variables with <varname>.
  • a code phrase or block of code, use <codeph> or <codeblock> depending on the string size.
Y
N
codeblock
To present a block of code as an example.
N
N
codeph
To add code snippets within the main flow of text.
Y
N
feature
To tag a product feature
Y
Y
Note:
Do not reuse the feature element in titles, specifically when the title contains only the reused feature element and does not contain any additional text.
ph
Use to organize content for reuse or conditional processing. For example, when part of a paragraph applies to a particular audience.
Y
N
Important:
Avoid using the ph element to prevent any translation issues.
filepath
Use for:
  • A file, directory, or a directory path.
  • URL that is not part of an xref.
msgph
Use for the system message, usually, associated with an ID.
Y
Y
msgblock
Use for multiline system message or a group of system messages.
Y
Y
menucascade
To represent a path or cascade of menus. Usually used as a container for two or more uicontrol elements. For example: <menucascade><uicontrol>File</uicontrol><uicontrol>Print</uicontrol></menucascade>.
Y
Y
systemoutput
Use for system output in response to commands, actions, or queries.
If the text must be translated, use msgph or msgblock.
Y
N
uicontrol
To specify the names of elements in a user interface.
For example, buttons, field labels, menu items, or any object that allows the user to control the interface.
You also use <uicontrol> inside <menucascade>.
Y
Y
userinput
To tell users that they must enter the text. Use <varname> if the text has a variable.
Y
Y
wintitle
To specify the name of a window, dialog box, or the static title on a page.
For example, wizard title, wizard page title, section title on a page, and window pane title.
Y
Y
Tip
Additional information to help users better understand the benefits and capabilities of the product or technology.
Y
Product
To tag Avaya or third-party product names.
Always reference from the common Product names.dita topic.
Do not add the Product element directly.
Y
N
Info
To provide additional information about a step. Add the element inside step.
N
Y
xref (cross reference)
To create a link to:
  • Another topic within the same deliverable.
  • A different location within the current topic.
    Note:
    Avoid linking to the content in the same topic to prevent circular references issue that might result in Publication Manager crash.
xref (web link)
To create a link to an external source such as a web page.

Tags to annotate content

Element
Description
avaya-note
Use to call attention to neutral information or positive information that:
  • Supplements the main text
  • Is valuable information that is independent of the main text
important
Use to call attention to a situation that can cause serious inconvenience.
caution
Use to call attention to situations that can result in harm to software, loss of data, or an interruption of service.
warning
Use to call attention to a situation that can result in harm to hardware or equipment.
danger
Use to call attention to situations that can result in harm to personnel.
esd
Use to call attention to situations that can result in electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to electronic components.
Add the following text as is, and include any additional information in a new paragraph if necessary.
Other:
ESD can damage electronic circuits. Do not touch electronic hardware unless you wear a grounding wrist strap or other static-dissipating device.