Digital Workshop

Hi

I am seeking feedback from Forum colleagues with experience creating Windows Help Files. So far, I've found that there are 2 formats developed by MS, the older WinHelp and newer HTML. I've also found 2 freeware compilers-one that seems quite capable, but limited to the older WinHelp format. The other can compile HTML or WinHelp, but is an unfinished program with some glitches and bugs, so limitedly functional.

The dilemma is whether to use the more capable/functional software to produce an older format or use a newer, less functional program to produce the newer format. If I had more confidence in the older WinHelp staying around a while, I'd probably use it. The developers out there, however, may suggest that this is a mistake, since not using HTML help format will "date" the project, make it less "up-to-date."

Of course, if there were a reasonably priced, capably functioning HTML help file compiler that someone can suggest, I would explore that option.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Kind Regards,
Stephen

try this:
HelpMaker http://www.vizacc.com/

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

HelpMaker by Vizacc is one of the two tested-the HTML compiler, with some glitches. For example, once a name is chosen for a chapter, the edit/rename function doesn't work to change it, necessitating discarding the chapter and creating a new one with the correct name and old contents copied and pasted into it. (Maybe I'm missing something?)

Additional ideas and leads would be appreciated.

Kind Regards,
Stephen

Hi,

I've searched also for this software ( ca. 3 months ) and tryed all of them, but I find this the only one that's easy to use and free!

Other software woul'd be find on the internet, I always search on www.download.com.

Sorry that I coul'd not help.

Ronnie

PS: also http://www.vizacc.com/

Hi Ronnie

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, HelpMaker has some limitations, but these can be worked-a-round. Plus, it's free.

The other free help file compiler is Shalom, a Danish developer's program. It only compiles WinHelp, but is excellent! The developer notes the program is a Beta but fully-functional, as is. Very nice software!

http://www.danish-shareware.dk/soft/shelpm/

A novice at this, I suspect the main drawback to using the older WinHelp format is that, over time, Microsoft may promote the transition to the HTML help files. For many developers who have written their help files in WinHelp and then updated these as newer versions of their sofware programs are released (need to convert WinHelp to HTML with a CHM converter program, plus some items may not be able to be converted), they may end up staying with WinHelp. When you've already written a couple of hundred help pages, it's easier to stay with the same format. But, I'm just starting the help file process. The question becomes: is it better to start in the new format, since using the old one won't make it easier, later on, to convert the format.

Kind Regards,
Stephen

Take a walk around here: http://www.helpmaster.com/. It should give you an idea of things.

Microsoft offers free compilers for both flavors of Help. In my opinion, unless you have a need for your application/Help to be run on REALLY old Windows, machines, you should go with HTMLHelp. It has been a Windows standard since Win98. With Microsoft's Help Workshop, you can write your own HTML pages in whatever tool you want and then compile the TOC and Index and files uses the compiler.

If you do go the HTMLHelp route, you may wish to invest about $50 in FARHTML. It's a fantastic tool for not only Help but it can be used for finding and replacing stuff in your HTML files easily. It's very powerful. You also get the ability to generate standard CHM files or web-based Help so you could have your Help reside on your website and just have your application link to it, making updating/maintenance extremely easy. Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss more.

One thing I would tell you is that RoboHelp is supposedly not going to be further developed, so I would refrain from shelling out big bucks for it. You might consider Help and Manual too, though I think it's in the $200-$500 range.

Have a look here :

http://www.ibe-software.com/products/software/helpndoc/

Very easy to use and Free for personal use.

Hi

Thanks for these suggestions. I've settled upon HelpScribble, a very capable Help Files editor and compiler with output to 16 and 32 bit WinHelp plus HTML Help files. It's reasonably priced at $99 and full-featured. View it at http://www.helpscribble.com/

Kind Regards,
Stephen