About Microsoft HTML Help

Microsoft HTML Help is an online Help standard based on Hypertext Markup Language format (HTML). It is another Help format, in addition to WinHelp, that runs on the Microsoft Windows platform.

Authors can use HTML Help to develop online Help systems for software applications, books and training guides, and other online documentation.

HTML Help uses a combination of HTML, traditional WinHelp features, and unique features designed specifically for this new format. Authors can develop topics that are rich in HTML formatting and functionality, as well as design custom, secondary, and popup windows. HTML Help enhances navigation with a table of contents, index, full-text search, related topics links, KLinks (keyword links), and ALinks (Related Topics cross-references).

This Help format uses the HTML Help compiler to compress all files in the project into a single file (.CHM) for distribution.

The main components of HTML Help include:

HTML Help ActiveX control: Supports navigation features such as the table of contents, index, link controls (related topics, keywords, ALinks), and HTML Help controls (WinHelp topic links, splash screens, close window controls, etc.).

Layout engine: Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later supplies all the required components for HTML Help support.

HTML Help viewer: This window is designed specifically for displaying compiled HTML Help (.CHM files). It uses components of the Internet Explorer browser while displaying content in its own proprietary window interface.

Compressed HTML: The HTML Help compiler generates compressed HTML — a collection of all files in the project in a single .CHM file that occupies less disk space and is faster to load.

Notes:

  • Internet Explorer 5.0 can be installed on authoring systems when RoboHELP is installed (it is included with the program). All the other components listed above are automatically installed with the RoboHELP installation.

  • See End-user requirements for information regarding the required components on end users' systems for viewing HTML Help.