Consolidate FlashHelp/WebHelp

Forum|Forum|13 years ago
August 31, 2012
2 replies
1261 views

I have been asked by my developers if there is any way to consolidate the output from RoboHelp in FlashHelp or WebHelp into one file? Apparently, their stance is that one file is easier/takes less time to install than several smaller files. Or, if there's a way to zip the files, but still access them for help as they "normally would."

My guess is that no, there is no way to do that and still have the output function as a mini-website.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Rich

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Jeff_Coatsworth

Community Expert

Normally the developers just include the entire folder as part of their build process; even if you zipped it, they would still have to un-zip it when installed. Have you looked at other 1-file systems like CHM or locally-installed AIRHelp?

Captiv8r

Legend

LOL, I totally spaced AIR Help. Probably because I don't really consider it to be a "one file deployment". Certainly one file that you distribute is created, but that file cannot be used until the AIR runtime has been installed. Then you have to perform an actual install of the package. Then there's the pesky Digital Certificate that's involved.

Cheers... Rick

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Jeff_Coatsworth

Community Expert

That can all be wrapped up in the developer's installer - you apply for & get the license to distribute the run-time (free); you make up your own certificate (free); the developer's installer handles it all silently (in our case at least). Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy!

Captiv8r

Legend

Hi there

Indeed there is. The output is called Microsoft HTML Help and the file extension is .CHM. But the issue is that CHM files don't function on networks unless you jump through hoops. And if you placed the CHM on a web server, it would have to be downloaded and unblocked by the end user before it could be used.

Cheers... Rick

Helpful and Handy Links

RoboHelp Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form

Begin learning RoboHelp HTML 7, 8 or 9 within the day!

Adobe Certified RoboHelp HTML Training

SorcerStone Blog

RoboHelp eBooks

A

Anonymous

Hey, Rick...

Yep, I understand that about Microsoft HTML. However, my understanding is that CHMs are at the bottom of the list when comparing capabilities or feature lists of the various outputs. My understanding, although I've been unable to find a capability or feature comparison of the various output types, is that, from most capable to least, the list is FlashHelp, WebHelp, Microsoft HTML. Is that not the case? My desire is to bring a clean, modern look to the help modules I develop, with features that extend and enhance the user experience. My history and experience with CHMs are that they are somewhat dull and less capable.

Also, the issue you mentioned about server accessibility would be a problem sometime down the line too.

Thanks!

Rich

Peter Grainge

Community Expert

I agree that the ability to deploy CHM with a skin is cool. Wish I'd thought of it!

Keep in mind that the same limitations mentioned earlier would exist. Basically what the "Skinned CHM" is, is a CHM container with WebHelp output files inside. The main frame of the CHM window will still be the same. I haven't been able to test this thoroughly. My copy of RoboHelp is having issues so I can't even get into version 10 to play.