FAQ

Q1: Can XmlShell perform validation?
Ans: Yes, since XmlShell 1.1 we added the Validation command to validate XML against DTD, XML Schema, or XML-Data Reduced (XDR) Schema. For the best results, please select/install MSXML 4.0 parser.

Q2: Can XmlShell open non-XML (not well-formed) files?
Ans: Yes. When opening non-XML files, XmlShell will give warning and point you where the parsing was failed.

Q3: Can XmlShell generate not well-formed document? Why?
Ans: XmlShell doesn't enforce the well-formedness when the document is still under editing, but XmlShell always gives warning when you try to save a non-well-formed document. This give users more flexibility on how they want to edit their documents.

Q4: Is there an easy to add opening and closing tags around some texts?
Ans: Yes. Switch to the Editor View, select (highlight) some texts, hit Ins key to insert Element, then type the tag name in the prompted dialog.

Q5: What's the eqsiest way to add new similar nodes?
Ans: In the XmlTree View or grid-like views, use Ctrl+D to duplicate the selected nodes as siblings.

Q6: How do I switch views using keyboard?
Ans: Use Alt+0 to switch to XmlTree View. Use Alt+n to switch to the n-th tabbed view.

Q7: When does XmlTree gets updated with the changes made in the Editor View?
Ans: If you make changes in the Editor View, the XmlTree View won't get updated untill you click on the XmlTree View itself or on and grid-like view. Note: In most cases, the Undo information will be reset after XmlTree gets updated.

Q8: How do I instruct XmlShell to reformat the text in the Editor View?
Ans: By swithing to XmlTree View or Parent-Children View and back, XmlShell will parse the contents in the Editor View and reformat it, if it's a well-formed document. Note: In most cases, the Undo information will be reset after reformatting.

Q9: Why sometimes the Undo is not available?
Ans: XmlShell keeps two Undo information sets: one for the XmlTree (and grid-like views) and the other for the Editor. You might have Undo information for one view, but not for the other. XmlShell uses the Undo information for the currently focused or working view. Also, switching between the two will cause re-parsing of the XML, which will invalidate the Undo information in most cases. Generally, if you keep working only in either XmlTree (and grids) or Editor, then the Undo information will be accumulated without interruption.

Q10: Does sorting in grid-like views actually modify the document?
Ans: No, it just effects the displaying.

Q11: I don't see the Filter Bar. How do I enable it?
Ans: Use the View menu and choose Filter Bar.

Q12: Can I search without Filter Bar?
Ans: You can use Find (Ctrl+F) command to do free text searching.