A CHM help file is a Compiled HTML Help file format used by Microsoft Windows applications. It packages HTML pages, images, and an index into a single compressed file, providing a searchable, offline help system with a built-in table of contents and navigation.

HelpNDoc can generate Compiled HTML Help (CHM) files directly from your project. The generation process can be performed quickly using the default settings, or with advanced configuration options through the documentation generation dialog.

Quick CHM generation

To quickly generate a CHM help file using the current project settings:

  1. Go to the Home ribbon tab.
  2. Click the bottom part of the Generate Help button.
  3. Select CHM Documentation from the available output formats.

This will immediately create the CHM file using the predefined settings for the project.

Advanced generation options

If you need more control over the CHM output:

  1. Go to the Home ribbon tab.
  2. Click the top part of the Generate Help button.
  3. In the Generate Documentation dialog, make sure that the Build CHM Documentation is checked in the build list.

From here, you can adjust generation settings such as output location, template, or options specific to the CHM format. See:

  • Manage documentation builds 
    Create, configure, enable, disable, and organize multiple builds to control how your documentation is generated and customized.
  • CHM settings
    Configure the appearance, navigation, and behavior of the generated CHM help file, including toolbar buttons, window size, and tab visibility.
  • Customize CHM documentation settings
    Access advanced template settings options for CHM output.