You can create Microsoft HTML Help projects by importing compiled WinHelp 3.x and 4.0 files (.HLP files). When you create an HTML Help project from an .HLP file, RoboHELP does the following:
Creates an HTML Help project: Information in the .HLP file is used to create a Microsoft HTML Help project file (.HHP) and a RoboHELP project file (.MPJ). Whenever you work with the project in RoboHELP, you open the .MPJ file.
Creates HTML Help topics: The .HLP file is broken down into its components and all of the WinHelp topics contained in it are identified. A separate HTML topic (.HTM file) is created for each WinHelp topic. These files are saved in the same folder. In RoboHELP, you will find all of these files in a folder titled "HTML Files (Topics)." You can create custom folders and move these files around to further organize your topics. You can also rename the topic titles and the HTML files, as well as delete the ones you don't need in your project.
Converts WinHelp graphics into HTML images: WinHelp bitmap files (.BMP, .MRB) and metafiles (.WMF) are converted into Graphic Interchange Format files (.GIF). WinHelp images that are right-aligned are left-aligned in the HTML topics. You can modify the size and placement of these images in the WYSIWYG Editor. For further information, see Using images in your topics.
Converts hotspot images into image maps: WinHelp hotspot images (.SHG files) are converted into HTML image maps (.GIF). (All hotspots are invisible.) You can edit the image maps.
Maintains jumps to other topics: In RoboHELP, hypertext links are known as "hyperlinks" or simply "links." They work just like they do in WinHelp. You can modify links imported from the .HLP file and add new ones by editing the topic in the WYSIWYG Editor (in RoboHELP). Mid-topic jumps are also maintained within the same topics. In RoboHELP, these kinds of links are known as "bookmarks." You can also use the WYSIWYG Editor to modify them and create new ones.
Maintains authorable buttons: Authorable text buttons, mini buttons, and graphical buttons all convert and work in the HTML topics: You can modify authorable buttons and create new ones in the WYSIWYG Editor. In RoboHELP, authorable buttons are known as link controls (related topics, ALinks and keyword links) and HTML Help controls (WinHelp topic links, shortcuts, splash screens, and close windows).
Creates an HTML Help table of contents: If you have a WinHelp contents file (.CNT), an HTML Help table of contents (.HHC file) is created that includes the same books and pages in the same order. If your WinHelp project does not have a .CNT file, you can create an HTML Help table of contents after the project is generated. RoboHELP can even automatically create a table of contents for you, to save time.
Creates an HTML Help index: If your WinHelp project includes K-Keywords, an HTML Help index (.HHK file) is created that includes these same keywords. HTML Help supports single-level and multiple-level indexes. If your WinHelp 3.1 project includes an Index button and an Index topic, the HTML Help index will include keywords that match the jumps contained in the topic. For example, if your WinHelp index includes an A to Z list of all the topics in the help system, the HTML Help index will include an A to Z list of keywords that list all the topics in the HTML help system.
Creates popup hyperlinks for WinHelp popups: For WinHelp jumps that display popup windows when clicked, popup links are created in the corresponding HTML topics. When a popup hyperlink is clicked, a popup window opens and displays the content of the target topic (the topic the link goes to when clicked). Users need to click inside the popup window to close it.
Note: The above information may not apply to every .HLP project. See Limitations of creating HTML Help with HLP files for additional information.