Framesets in RoboHELP 2022

[R37214415ivvu]

My team created an online help file using RoboHELP 11. RoboHELP 11 had frameset functionality which we used throughout the online help file. We created the following files: 

• A title file (top file in the screenshot below)
• A screenshot topic (left file in the screenshot below)
• A verbiage topic (right file in the screenshot below) 

Then we created a Frameset file and linked all three files to the Frameset file. This Frameset also served as the Map ID for our online help file.

I want to confirm that RoboHELP 2022 does NOT support the Frameset model and functionality as we used it - specifically the Frameset as a Map ID. 

If I am incorrect and RoboHELP 2022 does support the Frameset model, can someone provide guidance of how I met achieve this? 

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

RH2022 brought a Frameless output format into being, but most of the other formats that existed in prior versions survive in RH2022. The notable exceptions being that Webhelp is now Responsive HTML5 with the responsiveness turned off.

I've not heard of a "Frameset" help format before - how do you create it in RH11?

Have you tried a trial version of RH2022 and upgraded a copy of your RH11 project to see what you get?

[R37214415ivvu]

In RoboHELP 11 there was an option in the toolbar, File > New > Frameset. 

You selected the format of the Frameset, then entered Frameset Title and File Name, then clicked Next.

On the above screen you selected each section of the Frameset and linked a file to it. In our case we linked 3 files to the frameset: 

• A title file (top file in the screenshot below)
• A screenshot topic (left file in the screenshot below)
• A verbiage topic (right file in the screenshot below) 

The Frameset became the Map ID for the screen. Framesets were a 'master file' linked to subordinate files. The subordinate files were never accessed or viewed on their own. They were always linked to a Frameset and the Frameset was the topic in the TOC.

I looked int iFrames - we are not attaching PDFs.

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

Interesting - and what sort of Single Source Layout would you use to produce the output?

[R37214415ivvu]

The help file was generated HTML .CHM output. Our DEV team then would link the .CHM to the code for build. 

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

Wow - super antique technology!
I'd download the trial and give it a whiz to see what can be done with it.

[Peter Grainge]

If what you doing is using iFrames, then they are still supported. This image is from 2022.4.

You can learn about the new version on my site and in particular you can see about upgrading from Classic versions. RH2022 Upgrading from Classic Versions (grainge.org)

In your case I suspect the upgrade could be a bit of a problem as the new UI version are strictly HTML5 and CSS3 compliant so I wonder about your old code.

When 2019 new UI came out, it was strongly recommended that you upgrade older versions into 2019 Classic first. Since then the upgrade process has improved for more recent versions but yours doesn't come into that category. I suggest you do as @Jeff_Coatsworth has suggested and simply try it.

You have to subscribe to the new versions but you can cancel that within the first thirty days.

Your classic projects will be left untouched. The upgrade process creates new projects rather than converting the old classic project.

________________________________________________________

My site www.grainge.org includes many free Authoring and RoboHelp resources that may be of help.

[Peter Grainge]

Ah! Now I recall the framesets. In 2019 Classic they had moved to Project Manager where Project Files had a new Frameset option. They're not the same as iFrames. As an aside, I don't see the PDF connection.

I don't recall a lot of chatter on the forums about framesets back in the day so I'm guessing they weren't much used. What I can't tell you is how well they will upgrade, if at all. Because they were a feature in 2019, in theory they should upgrade. That said theory and reality are different things.

Either try to upgrade or I suggest for this one you need to go to Adobe Support. See https://helpx.adobe.com/contact/enterprise-support.other.html#robohelp for your Adobe Support options. The email link tcssup@adobe.com is recommended as it reaches a team dedicated to Technical Communication Suite products including RoboHelp.

If you don't want to download 2022 at the moment, create a simple frameset project and send it to me. See the Contact page on my site.

________________________________________________________

My site www.grainge.org includes many free Authoring and RoboHelp resources that may be of help.

[R37214415ivvu]

Thank you. I will contact Adobe using the contact information you provided. The problem is we jumped from RoboHELP 11 to RoboHELP 2022 and never upgraded inbetween. 

[Peter Grainge]

If you are only generating CHMs, why upgrade? CHMs are what they are and as they are reliant on the Microsoft Compiler last upgraded 20 years ago, there's nothing new that can be done to them.

The compiler is so old it's not even on Microsoft's site any more.

If you are looking to go to a new output type, that's another matter.

________________________________________________________

My site www.grainge.org includes many free Authoring and RoboHelp resources that may be of help.

[R37214415ivvu]

The short answer: I received a new laptop at the company I work for was was forced to updgrade to RoboHELP 2022. My company would not install RoboHELP 11 on my machine because RoboHELP 11 was a outdated license script. RoboHELP 11 was not an Adobe Product at the time. It was still its own company. 

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

Nope, RH11 is an Adobe product - I'm still using it as we speak on a Win10 machine.

[Peter Grainge]

OK. If framesets can be updgraded, they will probably give you a short term licence to upgrade to 2019 Classic first. If they do, make sure you back up your Rh11 version first as that upgrade does not save your old version.

Happy to test if you wish.

________________________________________________________

My site www.grainge.org includes many free Authoring and RoboHelp resources that may be of help.

[Peter Grainge]

Please come back later and let us know how you get on. This could be a useful thread as whilst I don't think there weren't many frameset users, it could help someone.

________________________________________________________

My site www.grainge.org includes many free Authoring and RoboHelp resources that may be of help.

[R37214415ivvu]

I contacted Adobe and am waiting for their reply. I mentioned your suggestion about a short term 2019 license. Thank you for your guidance and help. 

I will keep you posted. 

[R37214415ivvu]

RoboHelp 2022 was not a fit for us. I ended up uninstalling it.