A CHM help file is a type of file format for providing help documentation and user manuals for software applications. CHM stands for “Compiled HTML Help”, which means that the help file is a compiled collection of HTML pages, images, and other multimedia resources that are designed to be accessed through a user interface. CHM help files are commonly used in Windows-based software applications, and they are accessed through a dedicated viewer program called the HTML Help Viewer. They can be created using the HelpNDoc help authoring tool.
Step 1 Click Import on the File ribbon tab.
This displays the ‘Import files and folders’ window.
Step 2 To navigate to the file that you’d like to import, click the button to the far right.
This displays a window that allows you to locate the file.
Select the file and then click Open.
This displays the path to that file on your page.
Then, click Import.
This imports the selected file into your project.
Step 1 Click Import on the File Home ribbon tab.
This displays the ‘Import files and folders’ window.
Step 2 To navigate to the file that you’d like to import, click the button to the far right.
This displays a window that allows you to locate the file.
Select the file and then click Open.
This displays the path to that file on your page.
Then, click Import.
This imports the selected file into your project.
Step 1 Click Import on the File ribbon tab.
This displays the ‘Import files and folders’ window.
Step 2 To navigate to the file that you’d like to import, click the button to the far right. This displays a window that allows you to locate the file.
Select the file and then click Open. This displays the path to that file on your page.
Then, click Import. This imports the selected file into your project.
CHM help files are used to provide online help and documentation for software applications, plugins or drivers, and are commonly distributed with Windows installers. Third-party programs like HelpNDoc are specialized help authoring software tools that can make it easier and faster to create a CHM help file. Using a third-party program to create a CHM help file can provide several benefits compared to using the built-in HTML Help Workshop program provided by Microsoft, as they offer a user-friendly graphical interface, powerful features, time-saving tools, and flexibility that can make it easier and more efficient to create a professional-looking CHM help file. In this article, we will discuss these benefits in more detail and provide an overview of the steps for creating a CHM help file using a help authoring tool. Whether you are new to creating help files or an experienced technical writer, these programs can provide valuable tools and resources to help you create high-quality help content for your users.
Step 1 - Download the installer In HelpNDoc, click File then select Options. This displays the ‘HelpNDoc Options’ window.
Click Download to the right of ‘Microsoft HTML Help Workshop’ path to download the installation software from Microsoft’s web-site.
Alternatively, it can be downloaded from: Microsoft HTML Help Workshop
This will download the htmlhelp.exe software installer.
Step 2 - Install Microsoft HTML Help Workshop Run the htmlhelp.exe software you’ve downloaded.
We previously covered how to embed a YouTube video in your CHM or HTML help files. While YouTube is a great platform to share videos, some might prefer one of its main competitor, Vimeo. Fortunately, integrating a Vimeo video into your CHM or HTML help files is extremely easy with HelpNDoc
In this blog post, we'll explore the practical side of the "Keep Temporary Files" feature. Why is it useful? How can it make your life as a technical writer easier? We'll look at scenarios where this feature is particularly helpful, from simplifying troubleshooting to aiding in complex documentation projects. Whether you're new to the HelpNDoc help authoring tool or have been using it for a while, understanding how to effectively use this feature can streamline your workflow and save you time in the long run. Let's delve into how the "Keep Temporary Files" option can be a valuable asset in your technical writing toolkit.