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Subject:RE: techwr-l digest: December 27, 2000 From:"Mike Starr" <writstar -at- wi -dot- net> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Thu, 28 Dec 2000 15:3:18 -0600
I tend to use both PDF and WinHelp (haven't felt the need or noticed
tangible benefits to upgrading to HTML help yet) for most of my projects.
What I normally do is create a comprehensive user's manual in Word. The
manual would contain both reference information and procedural information.
I use Word cross-references a lot to refer to other topics within the
document. When the manual is done, I'll create a PDF version of the manual.
The Acrobat PDFMaker automatically converts all my headings and cross
references into clickable links so I have an easy to navigate PDF document.
Once I've done that, I'll apply a new template to make some style changes
and export the Word document to RTF. I can then import the RTF version into
ForeHelp and create a WinHelp project in very short order. If I do things
correctly, I can have a working WinHelp file available for testing in a
week or so.
As far as comparing PDF and Help, I think you're barking up the wrong tree.
They really serve two completely different purposes. PDF really isn't
suitable for context-sensitive help and WinHelp isn't suitable for anything
but context-sensitive help. I put the reference information in my WinHelp
files because I don't see the point in taking it out but my primary
expectation is that the user will probably turn to print or PDF for that
sort of stuff.
Mike Starr WriteStarr Information Services
Technical Writer - Online Help Developer - Technical Illustrator
Graphic Designer - Desktop Publisher - MS Office Expert
Telephone (262) 694-0932 - Pager (414) 318-9509 - writstar -at- wi -dot- net
-----------------------Original Message-----------------------
>Subject: PDF vs. Help Files?
>From: "Kelly B. Elliott" <zerograv -at- absolute-net -dot- com>
>Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2000 12:18:28 -0500
>X-Message-Number: 2
>
>Hi All,
>
>I'm working on a contract project right now and the client has asked for a
>comparison of PDF vs. Help (HTML help). I've come up with some preliminary
>findings (based on past experience) but I'm interested in hearing your
>experiences/opinions on this topic.
>
>Thanks,
>Kelly Elliott
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