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Inspiring
February 25, 2010
Question

RoboHelp <--> InDesign?

  • February 25, 2010
  • 3 replies
  • 2346 views

The company I am doing tech docs for uses InDesign as its primary documentation platform. I am now considering using RoboHelp for online tutorials.

It seems at this point that the only way to go from RoboHelp to InDesign would be to use either Word or FrameMaker as a bridge between them. It would be so nice to have direct import/export from both apps to eliminate the extra go between. Are there any third-party utilities, or any plans for future support in this area?

Denise

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    3 replies

    Deecey52Author
    Inspiring
    February 25, 2010

    It seems right now there is no direct link between InDesign and RoboHelp, but there were lots of helpful suggestions relating to possible solutions!

    Jeff_Coatsworth
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 25, 2010

    Tutorials are probably better done using Captivate - it's part of the Tech. Comm. Suite 2 and allows you to integrate swf's in FM and RH projects, but used by itself can create some awesome e-learning tutorials. Check out RJ Jacquez's blog or download the demo version to see some demos.

    Captiv8r
    Legend
    February 25, 2010
    Deecey52Author
    Inspiring
    February 25, 2010

    >> Who said anything about tutorials?

    Actually, I did. 8-)

    The company has a tutorial manual right now that is in serious need of updating. But it also has to be localized into several different languages in the end, and because of the heavy edits and additions that will be involved we've decided that an online delivery might be best in the interim. And, it MIGHT remain online, but we need to keep the capability for PDF delivery open, I would think. The online version MAY also include videos as well.

    The catch is that they would also like to deliver to PDF in the end. So developing the tutorials in Captivate won't be a solution there.

    I appreciate all the answers so far! And yes, I just submitted a feature requests. Thanks 8-)

    Denise

    RoboColum_n_
    Legend
    February 25, 2010

    Hi Denise.

    I've never used InDesign but if there is not an export to HTML or PDF feature inside it you are probably right. I think it is best to look around at possible InDesign output formats and then look at the options for utilties. If you can export as HTML or PDF these would be preferable to exporting to Word. Usinf FrameMaker would do the job better than Word.


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    Captiv8r
    Legend
    February 25, 2010

    Hi Denise

    In addition to Colum's excellent advise, you should also consider submitting a Wish Form to advise Adobe that this is a desired workflow to be considered. They may be totally unaware of any need to move data between these two products. The link to the Wish Form is in my sig line.

    Now you may look at that statement and think something like this: Well how silly of you to suggest that. After all, Adobe owns both products. Surely they are aware that some folks may be doing just that.

    And to this end you would be partially right. However, RoboHelp is rather new on the scene with the stable of Adobe products. So odds are that they are unaware of any need.

    Cheers... Rick

    Helpful and Handy Links

    RoboHelp Wish Form/Bug Reporting Form

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