Convert RoboHelp for Word project to RoboHTML

[ehelp7]

I have a couple projects which are created RoboHelp for Word in RH6. The projects now need to be converted to RoboHelp HTML projects and Flash generated outputs. In conjunction with this I have the following questions:

1) Can RH Word projects be opened in RoboHTML? If so, what are the pros and cons and how is the conversion done?
2) These independently projects will be linked/merged with a master project which in RH HTML. Will this cause some inherent problems.
3) I know I can generate a Flash based output from RoboHelp for Word, however, how differently will (if at all) RH HTML treat these files if called from within an RH HTML generated project.
4) I will also need to generate Printed documentation in the end. Any impact on that?

Thank you in advance. A detailed answer would be greatly appreciated.

[Peter Grainge]

All those questions and in detail too. This is a forum, not a book shop. :-)

What we can do is give you some general guidance so that you can experiment safely, then come back with specific questions.

You cannot open your RH for Word project in RH HTML. What you have to do is import the underlying document(s) excluding the footers as they contain RH for Word information that is not relevant. Before you do anything, zip up the existing project and keep it somewhere safe. Now you can use the project and blow it apart without worrying. If anything goes wrong, you extract the zip copy and start over.

There's a topic on my site about importing ordinary Word documents (as opposed to RH for Word doc files) and that will be a good starting point.

First get all the existing projects converted and running properly as independent projects before you give any thought to merging.

When you are ready, then look at the topic on merging webhelp that is on my site. Just adapt as necessary for FlashHelp. I think you need at least RH6 to merge FlashHelp, maybe 7. Not sure without checking. RH6 FlashHelp has some indexing problems as you will see in another thread.

RH generates files after which they go to development. What do you mean by RH HTML treating those files? Do you mean will their HTML be written differently? Almost certainly yes but why is that an issue as long as they look how you want?

You will be able to generate printed documentation and that is covered by yet another article on my site. Maybe now you are getting the picture as to why nobody can provide the answer in detail on a forum.

You have a massive task ahead of you and I think it would be foolhardy to start with your real projects. Starting from where you are, I would create some small RH for Word projects and then go down the path you have to. With small projects like that, you will be able to understand what is going on and the issues. It's the same reason why most driving schools don't start you off in a Ferrari!

Good luck. Glad its your problem. :-)

[RoboColum_n_]

To add to Peter's excellent advice I undertook a similar exercise some time ago converting several HLP files into a merged CHM file system. As Peter suggested, it was a complex exercise but one that is completely manageable provided you do the necessary groundwork. Create a few small Winhelp projects each of which contains characteristics of your existing project. Then create a FlashHelp project and import the HLP file. You could also experiment by importing the word file and see what gives you better results. Personally I found the HLP import was near flawless. Can't speak for FlashHelp though but as Peter suggested it may not be too different from what he does with WebHelp. The key is to allow sufficient time to test before you do it for real and before you start anything take a backup!

[ehelp7]

Peter and Colum, thank you both for your posts. After experimenting (and yes it is a massive undertaking as pointed out by you) I have been able to convert from Word to HTML and now if I may request some guidance with respect to the following:

1. Imported Word doc turned to RoboHTML topics don't have a header or footer. I have a template in the project which I attached to these imported topics but for some reason despite the template being attached to the topics the header and footer information is not being displayed?

2. On a couple topics which I created from scratch and attached the template, the header and footer info does display; however, when I update the template the updates don't reflect in the topics.

Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[RoboColum_n_]

Check the topic properties carefully. My guess is that you have lost the connection between the topics and the template. When you change a template from inside a topic, you get a dialog that asks whether you want a global change to be made to all topics to which the template is attached or remove the link to the template. Try opening the template directly from the template folder. Does this reflect your changes?