The "M" is a series label. FrameMaker lets you define multiple, independent numbering series which are distinguished by single-character labels. Upper-case and lower-case letters are different labels and you can also potentially use single digits and punctuation marks if you need more than 53 independent series (52 alphabetically labeled ones plus the default unlabeled series). What happens with the example number scheme you show is that the only paragraphs will affect the value of this autonumbering formula are other paragraphs that also use the M series. No other autonumbering will affect the M series.
The empty bracket in this particular case is not necessary since it trails all the active building blocks. The empty building block is normally used as a place-holder in a complex (multi-counter) scheme where any particular paragraph format only uses a subset of the counters. For example, you may have a master numbering series for section headings, figure captions, table titles, and example labels where the various level section headings use the 1st, 1st & 2nd, 1st through 3rd, or 1st through 4th counters, the figure captions use the 1st and 5th counter elements, the table titles use the 1st and 6th counters, etc. In each case, where a given format "skips" some of the counter elements, you'd use a placeholder "< >" building block so that FrameMaker knows which specific elements to increment and/or display. While it's not strictly necessary to use placeholder building blocks for trailing counter elements, including them can be useful for maintenance and troubleshooting purposes because it indicates that there are other paragraphs formats that use a larger number of counter elements than are used in the current format; when you see the placeholders, you'll have some warning that if you manipulate any of those elements in this paragraph format you'll probably also be affecting another format. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Molly Keegan Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 11:16 AM To: framers@lists.frameusers.com Subject: Deciphering the autonumbering elements I am fairly new to Frame and working with a document that was authored by someone else. I understand how to create various numbering schemes, but need help with a couple of things. The following is found as the numbering scheme for one of the paragraph tags in my doc: M:Figure <n=18>-<n+>< > 1. What is the M? I have seen capital letters in several instances, what do they mean? I can't find out from help. 2. What purpose does the empty bracket serve here? Thanks all, this is the most helpful Frame resource I have found! Molly Keegan | Objective Interface Systems, Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] | www.ois.com <http://www.ois.com/> | ftp.ois.com <ftp://ftp.ois.com/> tel: 703-295-6536 | fax: 703-295-6501 13873 Park Center Rd Ste 360 | Herndon, VA 20171-3247 _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/fred.ridder%40intel. com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
