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Tech_Writer_KC
Known Participant
January 28, 2009
Question

overview/comparison of different formats?

  • January 28, 2009
  • 2 replies
  • 789 views
Can anyone provide an overview and comparison of the different help formats available in RH? (e.g. html, flash, webhelp, etc.)

We currently use Microsoft HTML, but I would be interested in learning more about the other formats, especially if any of them prove to be appreciably better or have more advantages for our Help system.
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    2 replies

    T
    Tech_Writer_KCAuthor
    Known Participant
    January 30, 2009
    I run RH7.

    The RH help file, perhaps ironically, doesn't work for me. The search function and forward/backward controls operate a bit clunky, but more importantly, results longer than the display window can't be scrolled to unless I highlight the text with my mouse and mouse down with it.

    As such, I've given up on the help file for RH.

    Obviously I wouldn't change formats on my own initiative. I'm just wanting to get some ideas as we occasionally float ideas for things like having a web-based help available from our website, seeing what search features might exist in other formats (I think my coworkers and customers would love a Google-type search experience), etc.

    Thanks for the info!
    Peter Grainge
    Community Expert
    Peter GraingeCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    January 30, 2009
    Try using the offline help, it does work better.

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    Captiv8r
    Captiv8r
    Legend
    January 30, 2009
    LOL, I was going to say the same thing as Peter.

    In case you don't know how, click Tools > Options > General tab to enable offline help. It is typically a better help experience.

    Cheers... Rick
    Peter Grainge
    Community Expert
    Peter GraingeCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    January 29, 2009
    Because of security changes, the different formats are now effectively about where the help is located.

    On the users hard disk = CHMs - Microsoft HTML Help.

    On a server = WebHelp or FlashHelp. The latter will run on any platform and is not browser dependent. The skin can only be edited by a FlashDeveloper and some admins will not permit the use of Flash.

    Don't change the format without the agreement of your developers.

    Use the menu (bottom right) to mark the Best Answer or Highlight particularly useful replies. Found the answer elsewhere? Share it here.
    L
    lillibetUK
    Known Participant
    January 29, 2009
    Hi Tech Writer KC,

    You didn't say what version of RH you're using, but I assume you've read the little overview about each output type in the RH help file? In RH7, the relevant information is located Single-source layouts > Output types.

    Sorry to point out the obvious!
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