PDF documentation is generated as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file, preserving the exact layout, fonts, and formatting of your project across all platforms. It is ideal for creating professional, read-only manuals or distributable documents that can also be optionally signed and encrypted for security.

HelpNDoc can generate PDF documentation 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 PDF generation

To quickly generate PDF documentation using the current project settings:

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

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

Advanced generation options

If you need more control over the PDF 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 Build PDF Documentation is checked in the build list.

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

Document signing and encryption

Generated PDF files can be digitally signed and encrypted. This ensures authenticity, protects the integrity of the content, and allows you to restrict access or apply permissions to the document.