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Introduction
Starting with ToolBook 9.5, it is possible to represent a Book using XML. This creates opportunities to convert content in other formats, without recreating all of the objects and functionality in native format. Developers can now create tools (such as the SumTotal PowerPoint Add-in called SumTotal Publish to ToolBook) which convert from a third party data format into ToolBook XML format. This XML can then be opened using the Open XML Book option in the File menu within ToolBook, creating a book in the process.

The document ToolBook XML Format.pdf describes the basics of XML, XAML, and ToolBook XML (which is based on XML and XAML concepts). It describes how various objects in ToolBook are represented using XML elements and attributes. It also contains several examples of ToolBook XML files to help you get started. Those familiar with XML and XAML may want to jump ahead to the section ToolBook XML and its Folder Structure.

Why XML? Why ToolBook XML?
XML (or Extensible Markup Language) is being increasingly used world-wide. With its clear, simple syntax, it is easy to read by humans and XML processors as well. There are many factors that have contributed to the ever-increasing popularity of XML. A few of these are listed below:

  1. XML (or Extensible Markup Language) allows applications to communicate:
    • An application can create an XML file and another application can be used to read it
    • An application can save data to an XML file and another application can be used to modify it
  2. XML can be read and edited by you:
    • An application can save data to an XML file and you may alter it

ToolBook XML uses the basics of XML and XAML to define data.

  1. ToolBook XML enables you to define ToolBook content, without having to use the ToolBook binary file format!
    • Your application can define a ToolBook book
    • ToolBook will read your XML file as long as you follow the basic rules of XML

RESOURCES

   ToolBook XML Format.pdf

This file ships as part of ToolBook and can be opened from your Start menu.

  • Start | Programs | ToolBook | ToolBook XX | Documentation | ToolBook XML Format

The most current version of this file can be downloaded from:  

   ToolBook Schema Files

XML Schema files are used to validate the format of a given XML file. A set of schema files have been created to validate ToolBook XML files. These are useful for checking the output of custom programs which create an XML representation of a ToolBook book. There are many third party tools available which will validate XML files against a set of schema files. An advanced knowledge of XML is required to make use of these schema files.

The most current version of the scheme files can be downloaded from:

   ToolBook Help

For general information about ToolBook XML use ToolBook Help and search for XML from the Index tab. You'll find several topics including About ToolBook XML.

   ToolBook User Guide

Chapter 20 of the ToolBook User Guide covers the topic of Importing and Exporting data. ToolBook's XML format is discussed in this chapter.


 


OPENSCRIPT NOTICE
The OpenScript programming examples found in many articles may need modification in order to work in ToolBook 9.0 or higher, particularly if the article was written for an older version of ToolBook. To learn more, click here.

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