Online help options

There are various formats in which online help can be developed, and you should give some thought to the format that is most appropriate for your software application.

The online help format that is most appropriate depends on:


		The features you require in your help centre.
		The environment - for example, is your software installed locally, or do users access your applications via intranet, extranet or the Web?
		Your application technology and platform.

The most popular online help solutions currently used are:


		HTML help (.chm). Since 1999, help in .chm format has been the de facto help standard for Windows applications installed locally. See HTML help.
		Webhelp. Cross-platform online help that users can access through your organisation's intranet, extranet or the Web. It runs in a web browser, so is perfect for browser-based applications. See Webhelp.
		FlashHelp. FlashHelp is similar to Webhelp, the main difference being the inclusion of animated effects. See FlashHelp.

Other popular formats include XML Help, JavaHelp, Oracle help, WinHelp and MShelp2. See Other online help solutions.

... for an online help or single source project

View samples of online help in different formats


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