<important>: What is the purpose of the <important> element in DITA, and how does it emphasize crucial information?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

In DITA, the <important> element serves the purpose of emphasizing crucial information within your content. It is used to highlight key points, essential instructions, or critical details that readers should pay special attention to. The <important> element helps ensure that significant information is not overlooked, providing clarity and guiding the reader’s focus.

Emphasizing Critical Information

When using the <important> element, it is essential to include content that truly merits special emphasis. This may include:

  • Warnings about potential risks or dangers.
  • Key takeaways or essential concepts.
  • Instructions that must be followed precisely.

Example:

Here’s an example of how the <important> element can be applied in DITA content:


<topic id="safety_instructions">
  <title>Safety Instructions</title>
  <body>
    <important>
      <p>Remember to turn off the power before performing any maintenance tasks. Failure to do so may result in electrical shock or equipment damage.</p>
    </important>
    <p>Additionally, always wear appropriate safety gear when working in hazardous areas.</p>
  </body>
</topic>

In this example, the <important> element is used to highlight a critical safety instruction, ensuring it stands out for the reader.