Css problems, pls?

Question

Hi All:
     I'm really confused by the function of the 'css' in different places.
     1. Project Manager -> Style Sheets -> *.css
         This is the style that all my topics adopt? And only one *.css can show up here? What if i want to use another one?
     2. Single Source Layouts -> Microsoft HTML Help ->Properities -> Additional Options -> Apply to all Topics -> css
          How does this function? What's the differece between this and Style sheets in the project manager?
     3. File -> Project Settings -> Import -> CSS for Style Mapping.
     Can someone be kind enough to explain these to me? Thanks A LOT.

Answer 1

I am no expert but lonely like you and here's my twopenceworth:
Project Manager -> Style Sheets -> *.css
The Default CSS is created at project start.
In addtion, when you import or link a book, a css file is created for each book file.
I read somewhere that it is worhtwhile creating a dummy topic just to produce a CSS file called RHStyleMapping to use as the single CSS for all topics as you mention in step 2.
The RHStyleMapping.css file is created when you add a new topic at the start of the project and link the new topic to the RHStyleMapping.css.
When you create the new topic, select the Appearance tab in the New Topic dialog and select RHStyleMapping.css as the CSS for the project.
Apply the CSS to all topics as in your step 2 below:
     2. Single Source Layouts -> Microsoft HTML Help ->Properities -> Additional Options -> Apply to all Topics -> css
         Applies to all topics in the project and consolidates all your settings in one place.
     3. File -> Project Settings -> Import -> CSS for Style Mapping.
I think this specifies which CSS is used to convert your documents when you link or import them. The radio buttons below specifiy how you do  this although i dont quite understand what the settings by reference and copy and link do . Perhaps someone else can offer an explanation.
In the Import > Framemaker Document, click Edit to load Conversion Settings. When you select a style the corresponding Robohelp style displays as [Source] meaning the source style that imported with the Frame document but you can select a Robohelp style and add you own. All changes to existing styles and additions are recorded in the CSS you assigned to all topics.
I hope this information helps