Create character formats for items based on function, not based on formatting or appearance. This approach allows you to modify formatting over time and the format names continue to apply. It also prepares you for structured writing in the future. If you are using DITA, character formats are already defined.

For character formats, use As Is to start with as base, which allows you to apply multiple character formats to the same text. It also allows each character format to define only the aspects of the formatting required for that character format. Customize each format for your specific need by specifying only the properties required for that format.

Common character formats include:

ePublisher projects use custom marker types, paragraph formats, and character formats to define online features. You need to give the list of marker types and formats to the writers so they know how to implement each online feature. The writers use the markers and formats you create to define online features.

The Stationery defines the custom marker types, paragraph formats, and character formats. To reduce complexity, you can use the format names defined in the documentation, or you can define the online feature to a different format. The following list identifies additional character formats you may need to support ePublisher online content features:

For more information about enabling a specific online feature, see Designing, Deploying, and Managing Stationery.