Converting FrameMaker 7.1 to Online help: RoboHelp 7 or WebWorks?

Vivek,

Thanks so much for recommending that training video. It clarified a lot of things for me. Mainly, I now know how to fix the strange wrapping or indentation that sometimes occurs with numbered and bulleted lists.

Thanks, everyone, for your advice. I can honestly say that I am torn. I took the RoboHelp 7 trial. It was okay. I had some formatting issues after I converted my FrameMaker files. When I fixed certain things, other things were thrown off. I just used the latest ePublisher Pro and Express trial 2008.1 versions. They converted my FrameMaker files perfectly. I had no formatting issues. It seems easier to use than RoboHelp. However, I don't think that my CFO will like the fact that Quadralay wants to charge money each year to upgrade or renew the software subscriptions. I suppose if I am not forced to upgrade to new versions each year, that I might as well choose ePublisher.

Donna

For more details, you can visit the FrameMaker Integration category on RoboHelp forum. You can also view the training video on FrameMaker-RoboHelp Integration http://my.adobe.acrobat.com/p13101233/.

I suggest you download the trial version of the Technical Communication Suite (not RoboHelp 7). Technical Communication Suite allows you to link FrameMaker files while RoboHelp 7 enables import of FrameMaker documents and books. Also, since you already have FrameMaker 7.1, you are eligible for a discounted price for the Suite.

regards
Vivek Jain

I have been to Tech Comm Suite seminar.

The conclusion (by the Adobe representative) was that the Tech Comm Suite at the moment is more a sign from Adobe what route they want to take in the future, rather than a matured product that can compete with e.g. WebWorks.

RoboHelp 7 is still an early bird compared to WebWorks. There are still quite a few functions missing. I.e. FM functionality not supported yet.

I would personally not go down that path YET. But knowing Adobe I will on the other hand not turn my thumbs down.

If you have to compare RoboHelp and WebWorks I would say that the major difference is that RoboHelp is a stand-alone product that can produce help files without the presence of FM, whereas WebWorks is 'just' a conversion tool of certain formats (Word, FM and XML) into wellknown help systems.

keep smiling
thomas

Thanks, Art and Riley. This is helpful. I may look into the Tech Comm Suite, as well.

Donna:

I haven't used RoboHELP in several years so know virtually nothing of its current state.

With regard to the free version of WebWorks that came on FrameMaker versions 6 and 7 installation CDs, that product cannot generate true online help systems. For that you need to purchase Quadralay's current product, ePublisher Pro, or perhaps find an older copy of WebWorks Pro.

Note, however, that Quadralay has recently instituted a policy whereby customers are expected to pay a yearly fee of more than $1,000 for "maintenance". As a former ePublisher user, I'll opine that what or who is being maintained is subject to differing views...

In the meantime, I've come to believe that Mif2Go offers superior value:

http://www.omsys.com/dcl/omni.htm

Cheers & hope this helps,
Riley

The free Webworks that shipped with FM is kinda useless in that it doesn't support template modifications, which you almost certainly would want to do. For that, you need the version that you pay for.

However, I'd suggest that you look at MIF2go (I must sound like a broken record; this is the third thread I've mentioned that in today) from Omsys.com as another potentially cheaper and more flexible option.

Also, if you're considering purchasing Robohelp, you would probably be better off upgrading to the Tech Comm Suite that includes both FM 8 and a newer, more tightly integrated Robohelp.

Art