User interface comparison

User interfaces are portions of a program with which users interact, such as menus and dialog boxes. The following information explains how they work in WinHelp and HTML Help.

WinHelp

Microsoft HTML Help

Compiled WinHelp .HLP file (Contents .CNT file for WinHelp 4)

Compiled HTML Help .CHM file contains all project files

.HLP file is launched by WINHELP.EXE or WINHELP32.EXE

CHM file is launched by HH.EXE and the Html Help API

Built-in WinHelp viewer provides display functionality

HTML Help viewer provides display functionality (part of Windows 98 and 2000 operating systems, installable via Internet Explorer browser with non-Windows 98 or 2000 systems)

Contents, Index and Find tabs displayed in separate window

Contents, Index Search, Favorites and Glossary tabs displayed at left side of tri-pane window

Help topics displayed in windows (main, secondary and popups)

Topics displayed on right side of tri-pane window, in secondary windows, or in popup windows

Authors can use non-scrolling regions to separate topic headings from content (headings do not scroll with content)

Authors can use frames to create additional panes within windows