(Automated) Tables in RoboHelp

[Guest]

So we have this table on Excel. It's a table with different amounts  spread across multiple columns and multiple rows over many pages. The  way this table is set up is that we change one amount (which is hidden)  and then all other amounts change. In other words, all the formulas in  the cells use that hidden number as a base. Anyway, is there a way to do  a similar thing in RoboHelp? Right now, we have our manual on RoboHelp  and these tables are part of a separate (Excel) document, and we want to  make these Excel sheets part of the manual proper. Is it possible to do  this on RoboHelp?

Thanks a lot all.

[Peter Grainge]

Have you tried linking to the spreadsheet? How well that works will depend on the type of output you are creating and it may not work smoothly for all users in all browsers if webhelp is your output.

RoboHelp does not offer any spreadsheet functions of its own and I don't think any HTML editor does. Tables can be created but that's a different thing.

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See www.grainge.org for RoboHelp and Authoring tips

@petergrainge

[Guest]

Peter, I don't want to do that. You may have already answered my question when you said that you don't think any HTML editor offers that capability. I'm surprised one cannot set up a table with formulas inside, in the same way one does in Excel. Mmmm...?

[Willam van Weelden]

Hi,

If you want to do this, you'll have to resort to scripting. You can either create a script yourself or buy an existing script, such as: http://www.codethat.com/grid/

Greet,

Willam

[Guest]

Willam, thanks. How difficult is it to create a script or write code that does that?

[Willam van Weelden]

Hi,

How difficult that is, greatly depends on your JavaScript skills and what you want to do. Google for "javascript create table" and see if it makes sense to you. You can also get a commercial program to convert your excel sheets for you (http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Business/Unit_Conversion_Tools/Convert_Excel_to_HTML.html). I haven't tried it, but it might save you lots of time.

Greet,

Willam

[MergeThis]

Whatever conversion you manage to be succesful with, keep in mind that these files should be saved as HTML not HTM. If they are saved as HTM files, RH will happily take them to its bosom as if they were its own dear offspring.

After much effort and no results, the files would then all be expectorated as one big hair ball.

Therefore:

1. Save the file as HTML (perhaps create a special style sheet to get the formatting you'd like).
2. Add the file to Baggage Files.
3. Be happy.

Good luck,

Leon