Custom Aliases

Use a Custom Alias to give an element a unique pointer for linking to in other places in the publication. The Custom Alias is a powerful tool that can simplify link management and speed up authoring and editing.

Syntax

Create a Custom Alias by starting with a single # character, followed any alphanumeric characters, -, or _. Space characters cannot be used in an alias; the Alias will cut off before the space.

Basics

A basic Custom Alias applied to a Heading 1.

<!--#custom-alias-->
# Custom Aliased Heading

Inline syntax can be given an Alias as well.

This <!--#bold-keyword-->**bold text** has a custom alias.

Mix with Other Commands

Custom Aliases can be in the same comment tag with other commands. Separate them with a ; character. A Custom Style and Custom Alias are written in the same tag below.

<!-- style:CustomStyle ; #custom-alias -->

Custom Alias Behavior

Custom Aliases create an entry in the document's WIF that enable linking to the element it was created with.

Using a Custom Alias

The first step in using a Custom Alias is to create one by adding the Alias tag to the location that will be linked to. Below, the Custom Alias #my-alias is created, associated with a Heading 1.

<!--#my-alias-->
# A Topic Heading

After that, the Alias #my-alias can be used in the path value for Links and Link References. Once the link is clicked, it will take readers to the location the Alias was created.

Refer to the linked sections for detailed instructions on using these elements.

Some quick examples for Links:

[link text](#my-alias)

[link text](my_doc.md#my-alias)

Some quick examples for Link References:

[link text][link_key]

[link_key]: #my-alias

[link text][link_key]

[link_key]: my_doc.md#my-alias