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Publishing

PDF Publishing

This task guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to publish content in PDF format using Heretto. It covers the entire process from creating a map with desired topics, handling embedded videos, including reuse files, to publishing and reviewing the output. This guide is intended for Heretto Administrators.

  • You must be a Heretto Administrator to publish content.
Some customer segments or products require that certain guides, worksheets, or other material be available for download or printing. For example, a common request from Go Method trip leaders are they need to be able to take trip management guides on the mission field either on a USB drive or a paper copy. We also know that churches often prefer to print certain guides for internal distribution to volunteers, committees, or session members.
  1. Create a map with the desired topics. Do not use the same map you use for html publishing. Always create separate maps for each type of output.
    Tip: Remember, always clearly label the map for the intended output as show in example image. (pdf, helpdrawer, etc.)
  2. If there's video embedded in an article you want to use in your PDF, use the deliveryTarget attribute to restrict the embed from printable output. Likewise, you can add paragraphs or other content that is intended for PDF output only.
  3. Include your reuse files in your PDF map prior to publishing, OR you may select your reuse files at the time of publishing.
  4. You may also add the appropriate ditaval output for this PDF at this time in the parent map. Example Product, deliverytarget, etc.
  5. Once ready to publish, select your pdf output map, and click Output.
  6. Either select one of of the previous publications to regenerate or click Publish.
    Tip: In the lower corner is a Preflight Check. Make sure this is Green. If any other color, investigate to see what's not resolving.
  7. Select the appropriately branded PDF. (basic_pdf, esignature, Gray, are stock PDF's that are not branded for ACST.)
    If you do not see the branded PDF there you need, it means one has not been developed. Contact the Content Lead to arrange CSS development.
  8. Enter a description, select the ditaval file (if you did not include it in your PDF Parent map.
  9. At this point, you have the option to run a test PDF tracking changes. Select the option you prefer.
  10. Click Publish.
  11. You now have the option to pin, download, or trash your PDF output. Be sure to review it thoroughly.
    If you see unresolved keyrefs or conrefs, you'll need to add your reuse files to your PDF map. Remember to set the files attributes to "resource-only".
Review the results of your PDF and re-generate as needed. If all of your links resolved, you will have a printable guide.
Name your downloaded PDF according to PDF Naming standards prior to uploading it to dedicated media or pdf folder. Once uploaded, you may then link or insert the PDF into a topic.

Example Delivery Target

The following example demonstrates how to use the delivery target attribute to restrict publihsing your output to specific platforms.

Example Restricting Video Objects From PDFs

Video is a powerful medium for conveying ideas. When your customers want to understand something, showing exact actions is clearer and easier to follow along with than lengthy lists of steps or long paragraphs of text.

However, sometimes you want to restrict video from appearing in the help drawer and you certainly do not want embedded objects to print blank spaces in your PDF output.

A video object should NOT be included in printed output. Highlight the <object> and set deliveryTarget attribute to "portal" and, if desired "helpdrawer". Make sure and include the PDF ditaval in your PDF map when you publish. 

<object deliveryTarget="portal helpdrawer" data="&lt;iframe width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/WdDmXuLMUGI?si=8pngyIUn-6IPUTJn&quot; title=&quot;YouTube video player&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;"/>

The next paragraph SHOULD be include in PDF output, but not the portal output. Select the <p> element and set the deliveryTarget attribute to "print". The portal output ditaval is already included in our sitemap.

Please visit our Youtube site to watch a video explaining something that has no relevance to this content. :) 

<p> deliveryTarget="PDF">Please visit our <xref href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdDmXuLMUGI&amp;list=PLAQjydMbEM90EWzCh138Y_XcW8WFmugtX" scope="external">Youtube site</xref> to watch a video explaining something that has no relevance to this content. :) </p>

Last updated: March 3, 2026

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