Discussion:
What tools are people using?
(too old to reply)
Howard Swope
2009-05-08 02:07:19 UTC
Permalink
What tools are people using to write help systems. I used to use RoboHelp, but since Adobe bought it, it is just too expensive.

???
Rob Chandler [MVP]
2009-05-08 05:48:40 UTC
Permalink
Yep, I don't know how Adobe can justify the hefty price tag.
We buy it simply because we aquire companies and need to
compile RoboHelp system on more than one site. As soon as
I have chance I convert RoboHelp help back to normal HTML Help.

Many RoboHelp users I think have moved to MadCap software.

Try Char's HAT Matrix to compare HAT features
http://hat-matrix.com/

List of all Help Authoring Tools
http://www.mshelpwiki.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=ToolVendors

My preference is FAR (because I'm the author). I wrote this because
I did not want a expensive high end HAT, but needed something better
than Workshop with all it's flaws.
http://helpware.net/FAR/
Lot's of RobHelp users have moved completely to FAR. Still some
don't like working at this nuts and bolts type level.

Rob
Morris Neuman
2009-07-30 18:27:01 UTC
Permalink
Rob
I just downloaded your FAR program and trying to see if I can use it to
update/modify an existing HTML help project that was upgraed from WinHelp.
Currently all the HTML files have cryptic names in a single folder. What I
need to do is rename and resort / reorganize the HTML files and have the new
file names/paths changes reflected in all the places they are currently being
referenced in the project. Can your program do that autmatically or what is
the best way to do that with your program?

Right now it seems I have to go through every HTML, HHP, HHK, HHC file and
do the rereferencing manually.
--
Thanks
Morris
Post by Rob Chandler [MVP]
Yep, I don't know how Adobe can justify the hefty price tag.
We buy it simply because we aquire companies and need to
compile RoboHelp system on more than one site. As soon as
I have chance I convert RoboHelp help back to normal HTML Help.
Many RoboHelp users I think have moved to MadCap software.
Try Char's HAT Matrix to compare HAT features
http://hat-matrix.com/
List of all Help Authoring Tools
http://www.mshelpwiki.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=ToolVendors
My preference is FAR (because I'm the author). I wrote this because
I did not want a expensive high end HAT, but needed something better
than Workshop with all it's flaws.
http://helpware.net/FAR/
Lot's of RobHelp users have moved completely to FAR. Still some
don't like working at this nuts and bolts type level
Rob Chandler [MVP]
2009-08-01 06:41:20 UTC
Permalink
Hi Morris

Sigh.. Yes its a big job. FAR can certainly help with mass find and replace
(those criptic folder and file names make find and replace staright
forward). Because WinHelp migration is a one-off intensive effort we've
never done FAR utilities to hep with this.

Personally I beg, borrow or steal a copy of RoboHelp to do my migrations. It
does an excellent job of converting from WinHelp to HTML Help (certainly
much better than HH Workshop with its cryptic names). Often (before we owned
our own copy) I would email my project to a friend and they would very
kindly convert for me. :-)

The good news is ... once the jobs done, its done.
I'm sure others have recommendations as well. I haven't done a WinHelp
migration for several years now.

Rob
Post by Morris Neuman
Rob
I just downloaded your FAR program and trying to see if I can use it to
update/modify an existing HTML help project that was upgraed from WinHelp.
Currently all the HTML files have cryptic names in a single folder. What I
need to do is rename and resort / reorganize the HTML files and have the new
file names/paths changes reflected in all the places they are currently being
referenced in the project. Can your program do that autmatically or what is
the best way to do that with your program?
Right now it seems I have to go through every HTML, HHP, HHK, HHC file and
do the rereferencing manually.
--
Thanks
Morris
Post by Rob Chandler [MVP]
Yep, I don't know how Adobe can justify the hefty price tag.
We buy it simply because we aquire companies and need to
compile RoboHelp system on more than one site. As soon as
I have chance I convert RoboHelp help back to normal HTML Help.
Many RoboHelp users I think have moved to MadCap software.
Try Char's HAT Matrix to compare HAT features
http://hat-matrix.com/
List of all Help Authoring Tools
http://www.mshelpwiki.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=ToolVendors
My preference is FAR (because I'm the author). I wrote this because
I did not want a expensive high end HAT, but needed something better
than Workshop with all it's flaws.
http://helpware.net/FAR/
Lot's of RobHelp users have moved completely to FAR. Still some
don't like working at this nuts and bolts type level
Morris Neuman
2009-08-02 18:36:06 UTC
Permalink
Rob
Thanks for your reply. At least I know I'm not doing something wrong. Yet?
Your feedback lets me plan my course of action here.
Thanks again.
--
Thanks
Morris
Post by Rob Chandler [MVP]
Hi Morris
Sigh.. Yes its a big job. FAR can certainly help with mass find and replace
(those criptic folder and file names make find and replace staright
forward). Because WinHelp migration is a one-off intensive effort we've
never done FAR utilities to hep with this.
Personally I beg, borrow or steal a copy of RoboHelp to do my migrations. It
does an excellent job of converting from WinHelp to HTML Help (certainly
much better than HH Workshop with its cryptic names). Often (before we owned
our own copy) I would email my project to a friend and they would very
kindly convert for me. :-)
The good news is ... once the jobs done, its done.
I'm sure others have recommendations as well. I haven't done a WinHelp
migration for several years now.
Rob
Post by Morris Neuman
Rob
I just downloaded your FAR program and trying to see if I can use it to
update/modify an existing HTML help project that was upgraed from WinHelp.
Currently all the HTML files have cryptic names in a single folder. What I
need to do is rename and resort / reorganize the HTML files and have the new
file names/paths changes reflected in all the places they are currently being
referenced in the project. Can your program do that autmatically or what is
the best way to do that with your program?
Right now it seems I have to go through every HTML, HHP, HHK, HHC file and
do the rereferencing manually.
--
Thanks
Morris
Post by Rob Chandler [MVP]
Yep, I don't know how Adobe can justify the hefty price tag.
We buy it simply because we aquire companies and need to
compile RoboHelp system on more than one site. As soon as
I have chance I convert RoboHelp help back to normal HTML Help.
Many RoboHelp users I think have moved to MadCap software.
Try Char's HAT Matrix to compare HAT features
http://hat-matrix.com/
List of all Help Authoring Tools
http://www.mshelpwiki.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=ToolVendors
My preference is FAR (because I'm the author). I wrote this because
I did not want a expensive high end HAT, but needed something better
than Workshop with all it's flaws.
http://helpware.net/FAR/
Lot's of RobHelp users have moved completely to FAR. Still some
don't like working at this nuts and bolts type level
CEE453
2009-08-02 17:25:01 UTC
Permalink
Hi Morris:
I have a freeware tool HHPMOD that will automatically rewrite and rename the
cryptic named files produced by HTML Workshop to the original Winhelp topic
names. It will also create a new HTML help project that will link to your .h
context id files.
It might save you some work. It works best on the files right after they
have been created by HTML workshop, before any editing has been done. You can
get it at "http://post.queensu.ca/~penstone/HHPMod/HHPMod_info.html"

Good luck
--
Sid Penstone
Post by Morris Neuman
Rob
I just downloaded your FAR program and trying to see if I can use it to
update/modify an existing HTML help project that was upgraed from WinHelp.
Currently all the HTML files have cryptic names in a single folder. What I
need to do is rename and resort / reorganize the HTML files and have the new
file names/paths changes reflected in all the places they are currently being
referenced in the project. Can your program do that autmatically or what is
the best way to do that with your program?
Right now it seems I have to go through every HTML, HHP, HHK, HHC file and
do the rereferencing manually.
--
Thanks
Morris
Post by Rob Chandler [MVP]
Yep, I don't know how Adobe can justify the hefty price tag.
We buy it simply because we aquire companies and need to
compile RoboHelp system on more than one site. As soon as
I have chance I convert RoboHelp help back to normal HTML Help.
Many RoboHelp users I think have moved to MadCap software.
Try Char's HAT Matrix to compare HAT features
http://hat-matrix.com/
List of all Help Authoring Tools
http://www.mshelpwiki.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=ToolVendors
My preference is FAR (because I'm the author). I wrote this because
I did not want a expensive high end HAT, but needed something better
than Workshop with all it's flaws.
http://helpware.net/FAR/
Lot's of RobHelp users have moved completely to FAR. Still some
don't like working at this nuts and bolts type level
Morris Neuman
2009-08-02 18:40:01 UTC
Permalink
Sid
Thanks so much for your reply. I will give your product a try and start
from a fresh conversion from Winhelp to HH.
--
Thanks
Morris
Post by CEE453
I have a freeware tool HHPMOD that will automatically rewrite and rename the
cryptic named files produced by HTML Workshop to the original Winhelp topic
names. It will also create a new HTML help project that will link to your .h
context id files.
It might save you some work. It works best on the files right after they
have been created by HTML workshop, before any editing has been done. You can
get it at "http://post.queensu.ca/~penstone/HHPMod/HHPMod_info.html"
Good luck
--
Sid Penstone
Post by Morris Neuman
Rob
I just downloaded your FAR program and trying to see if I can use it to
update/modify an existing HTML help project that was upgraed from WinHelp.
Currently all the HTML files have cryptic names in a single folder. What I
need to do is rename and resort / reorganize the HTML files and have the new
file names/paths changes reflected in all the places they are currently being
referenced in the project. Can your program do that autmatically or what is
the best way to do that with your program?
Right now it seems I have to go through every HTML, HHP, HHK, HHC file and
do the rereferencing manually.
--
Thanks
Morris
Post by Rob Chandler [MVP]
Yep, I don't know how Adobe can justify the hefty price tag.
We buy it simply because we aquire companies and need to
compile RoboHelp system on more than one site. As soon as
I have chance I convert RoboHelp help back to normal HTML Help.
Many RoboHelp users I think have moved to MadCap software.
Try Char's HAT Matrix to compare HAT features
http://hat-matrix.com/
List of all Help Authoring Tools
http://www.mshelpwiki.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=ToolVendors
My preference is FAR (because I'm the author). I wrote this because
I did not want a expensive high end HAT, but needed something better
than Workshop with all it's flaws.
http://helpware.net/FAR/
Lot's of RobHelp users have moved completely to FAR. Still some
don't like working at this nuts and bolts type level
Morris Neuman
2009-08-04 17:26:01 UTC
Permalink
Sid
Your HHPMOD was right on the money! Thanks ever so much for the utility.
--
Thanks
Morris
Post by CEE453
I have a freeware tool HHPMOD that will automatically rewrite and rename the
cryptic named files produced by HTML Workshop to the original Winhelp topic
names. It will also create a new HTML help project that will link to your .h
context id files.
It might save you some work. It works best on the files right after they
have been created by HTML workshop, before any editing has been done. You can
get it at "http://post.queensu.ca/~penstone/HHPMod/HHPMod_info.html"
Good luck
--
Sid Penstone
Post by Morris Neuman
Rob
I just downloaded your FAR program and trying to see if I can use it to
update/modify an existing HTML help project that was upgraed from WinHelp.
Currently all the HTML files have cryptic names in a single folder. What I
need to do is rename and resort / reorganize the HTML files and have the new
file names/paths changes reflected in all the places they are currently being
referenced in the project. Can your program do that autmatically or what is
the best way to do that with your program?
Right now it seems I have to go through every HTML, HHP, HHK, HHC file and
do the rereferencing manually.
--
Thanks
Morris
Post by Rob Chandler [MVP]
Yep, I don't know how Adobe can justify the hefty price tag.
We buy it simply because we aquire companies and need to
compile RoboHelp system on more than one site. As soon as
I have chance I convert RoboHelp help back to normal HTML Help.
Many RoboHelp users I think have moved to MadCap software.
Try Char's HAT Matrix to compare HAT features
http://hat-matrix.com/
List of all Help Authoring Tools
http://www.mshelpwiki.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=ToolVendors
My preference is FAR (because I'm the author). I wrote this because
I did not want a expensive high end HAT, but needed something better
than Workshop with all it's flaws.
http://helpware.net/FAR/
Lot's of RobHelp users have moved completely to FAR. Still some
don't like working at this nuts and bolts type level
Rob Chandler [MVP]
2009-08-09 03:30:11 UTC
Permalink
Added it to my links page so I wont forget. :-)
Thanks
Rob
http://helpware.net
Post by CEE453
I have a freeware tool HHPMOD that will automatically rewrite and rename the
cryptic named files produced by HTML Workshop to the original Winhelp topic
names. It will also create a new HTML help project that will link to your .h
context id files.
It might save you some work. It works best on the files right after they
have been created by HTML workshop, before any editing has been done. You can
get it at "http://post.queensu.ca/~penstone/HHPMod/HHPMod_info.html"
Good luck
--
Sid Penstone
Post by Morris Neuman
Rob
I just downloaded your FAR program and trying to see if I can use it to
update/modify an existing HTML help project that was upgraed from WinHelp.
Currently all the HTML files have cryptic names in a single folder. What I
need to do is rename and resort / reorganize the HTML files and have the new
file names/paths changes reflected in all the places they are currently being
referenced in the project. Can your program do that autmatically or what is
the best way to do that with your program?
Right now it seems I have to go through every HTML, HHP, HHK, HHC file and
do the rereferencing manually.
--
Thanks
Morris
Post by Rob Chandler [MVP]
Yep, I don't know how Adobe can justify the hefty price tag.
We buy it simply because we aquire companies and need to
compile RoboHelp system on more than one site. As soon as
I have chance I convert RoboHelp help back to normal HTML Help.
Many RoboHelp users I think have moved to MadCap software.
Try Char's HAT Matrix to compare HAT features
http://hat-matrix.com/
List of all Help Authoring Tools
http://www.mshelpwiki.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=ToolVendors
My preference is FAR (because I'm the author). I wrote this because
I did not want a expensive high end HAT, but needed something better
than Workshop with all it's flaws.
http://helpware.net/FAR/
Lot's of RobHelp users have moved completely to FAR. Still some
don't like working at this nuts and bolts type level
CEE453
2009-08-12 15:13:02 UTC
Permalink
Rob
Thanks for adding HHPMod to your links page.

BTW, Morris Neuman found a problem in HHPMod's handling of multiple index
entries in the converted project. I have fixed it and posted the new version
(2.5.15) on my website.
--
Sid P.
Post by Rob Chandler [MVP]
Added it to my links page so I wont forget. :-)
Thanks
Rob
http://helpware.net
Post by CEE453
I have a freeware tool HHPMOD that will automatically rewrite and rename the
cryptic named files produced by HTML Workshop to the original Winhelp topic
names. It will also create a new HTML help project that will link to your .h
context id files.
It might save you some work. It works best on the files right after they
have been created by HTML workshop, before any editing has been done. You can
get it at "http://post.queensu.ca/~penstone/HHPMod/HHPMod_info.html"
Good luck
--
Sid Penstone
Post by Morris Neuman
Rob
I just downloaded your FAR program and trying to see if I can use it to
update/modify an existing HTML help project that was upgraed from WinHelp.
Currently all the HTML files have cryptic names in a single folder. What I
need to do is rename and resort / reorganize the HTML files and have the new
file names/paths changes reflected in all the places they are currently being
referenced in the project. Can your program do that autmatically or what is
the best way to do that with your program?
Right now it seems I have to go through every HTML, HHP, HHK, HHC file and
do the rereferencing manually.
--
Thanks
Morris
Post by Rob Chandler [MVP]
Yep, I don't know how Adobe can justify the hefty price tag.
We buy it simply because we aquire companies and need to
compile RoboHelp system on more than one site. As soon as
I have chance I convert RoboHelp help back to normal HTML Help.
Many RoboHelp users I think have moved to MadCap software.
Try Char's HAT Matrix to compare HAT features
http://hat-matrix.com/
List of all Help Authoring Tools
http://www.mshelpwiki.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=ToolVendors
My preference is FAR (because I'm the author). I wrote this because
I did not want a expensive high end HAT, but needed something better
than Workshop with all it's flaws.
http://helpware.net/FAR/
Lot's of RobHelp users have moved completely to FAR. Still some
don't like working at this nuts and bolts type level
Lothar Ochmann
2009-05-09 14:06:17 UTC
Permalink
Hi Howard,

we are using Help & Manual 5 with great success (I'm not the author <bg>).
www.helpandmanual.com

Regards
Lothar

LO-Soft
"Howard Swope" <ho
ward_swopeAThms3DOTcom> schrieb im Newsbeitrag news:%***@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
What tools are people using to write help systems. I used to use RoboHelp, but since Adobe bought it, it is just too expensive.

???
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