Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
AI TechDocKnowledge

Glossary · Specialization and domains

DITA 1.3 editions

Also known as: base edition, technical content edition, all-inclusive edition

DITA 1.3 is published in three editions that build on one another: the base edition (topic, map, subject scheme and base domains), the technical content edition (adding concept, task, reference, glossary, troubleshooting, bookmap and related domains) and the all-inclusive edition (adding the learning and training specializations).

  • DITA
  • Architecture
  • New in DITA 1.3

In one sentence

DITA 1.3 comes in three editions — base, technical content and all-inclusive — each adding topic types and domains to the one before.

Example

A software company adopting DITA 1.3 for user guides uses the technical content edition; its training department uses the learning and training specializations of the all-inclusive edition.

How it applies

  • Base edition: The generic topic and map, subject scheme maps, the base domains (among them highlighting, utilities, hazard statement and the DITAVAL reference domain for branch filtering) and the DITAVAL format. It is aimed at implementers and at teams who build their own specializations.
  • Technical content edition: Adds the topic types used in technical documentation — concept, task, reference, glossary entry, troubleshooting and the machinery task — as well as bookmap and domains for software, programming, user interfaces, markup and more.
  • All-inclusive edition: Adds the learning and training specializations (learning plans, overviews, content, summaries and assessments) for e-learning content.
  • Practical advice: Most technical writers need the technical content edition. Name the edition and the errata level when a contract or a tool claims “DITA 1.3 support”.

DITA 1.3 vs. DITA 1.2

DITA 1.3 is backward-compatible with 1.2. Its main additions are key scopes, branch filtering, cross-deliverable linking, the troubleshooting topic, @deliveryTarget, expansion modules, new domains (MathML, SVG, equations, markup, XML mention, release management) and RELAX NG as the normative grammar format.