After you have inserted a Decision frame, you can record additional paths that your users can launch from the Decision frame. These paths allow users to choose from a variety of available tasks. When you record a Decision frame path, you must capture both the actions and screenshots needed to accomplish the task. You do not need to record an Introduction frame, however, as the path will be launched from the default Decision frame screenshot. 


Before you create a new Decision frame path, you must decide whether the new path will rejoin the primary path. If the new path will rejoin the primary path, you will create a new Alternative Path. If the new path will not rejoin the primary path, you will create a new Branch Path.


Decision Alternative Paths can also rejoin the primary path at or before the Decision frame, thereby creating a “loop.” If you create a looping Alternative Path, the path is represented by a line with an arrow that appears above the primary path in the Frame Structure window.


Note: You can change the end frame of a Decision Alternative Path. See Change the End Frame of an Alternative Path for more information.


Decision frames appear in See It!, Try It!, and Do It! modes (and not Know It? mode). When you play or preview a topic in See It!, Try It!, or Do It! mode, the available Decision frame paths are listed as links in the mode bubble. Clicking a link launches the appropriate Decision frame path.

 

To create an Alternative Path for a Decision frame:

  1. In the Decision Properties dialog box, click New path New Path.
     
  2. Click Alternative.
     
  3. Enter a name for the new path.
     
  4. Click OK. The mouse pointer turns into an arrow with a circle containing the letter E when placed over the Frame Structure.
     
  5. Click the frame where the Decision Alternative Path will rejoin the primary path.
     
  6. Set up the application in which you want to record to display the starting screen of the first action of the Decision Alternative Path.
     
  7. Perform the first action of the path.
     
  8. Press PRINTSCREEN.
     
  9. Continue to record the actions and screenshots needed to complete the path.
  10. Click Finish.

To create a Branch Path for a Decision frame:

  1. In the Decision Properties dialog box, click New path New Path.
     
  2. Click Branch.
     
  3. Enter a name for the new path.
     
  4. Click OK.
     
  5. Set up the application in which you want to record to display the starting screen of the first action of the Decision Alternative Path.
     
  6. Perform the first action of the path.
     
  7. Press PRINTSCREEN.
     
  8. Continue to record the actions and screenshots needed to complete the path.
     
  9. Click Finish.

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