About binary indexes

Binary indexes are only used with compiled Microsoft HTML Help files (.CHM files). Because they are compiled, they are compressed and are considerably smaller than uncompiled indexes. They are useful if you are shipping multiple .CHM files that are grouped as one document set.

Binary indexes are required if you are:

Limitations of binary indexes include:

Note: Binary indexes are currently only supported with Microsoft HTML Help (not with WebHelp, JavaHelp, or Oracle Help).

Tip: You can include a binary TOC with projects that use binary indexes. A binary TOC is intended to be used with large Microsoft HTML Help projects. It reduces the amount of time it takes to open topics from the Contents tab. For more information, see About binary contents files.