##### 3.1.1.1 Basic topic elements

The generic topic structure is used for untyped topics. While much of the DITA architecture is built on generic topics, it is generally better to use more specific information types (such as concept, task, or reference) when they are available.

For an answer to the question "What are topics?" and more details on when to use different information types, please refer to 2.1.2.1 DITA topics.

Previous Topic: 3.1.1 Topic elements

Next Topic: 3.1.1.1.1 topic

Parent Topic: 3.1.1 Topic elements

Child Topics:

3.1.1.1.1 topic

3.1.1.1.2 title

3.1.1.1.3 titlealts

3.1.1.1.4 searchtitle

3.1.1.1.5 navtitle

3.1.1.1.6 shortdesc

3.1.1.1.7 abstract

3.1.1.1.8 body

3.1.1.1.9 bodydiv

3.1.1.1.10 related-links

3.1.1.1.11 dita

Sibling Topics:

3.1.1.2 Body elements

3.1.1.3 Table elements

3.1.1.4 Related links elements