RE: Distributables in PDF vs HTML

["Nuckols, Kenneth M" <Kenneth -dot- Nuckols -at- mybrighthouse -dot- com>]

Caroline Tabach asked...
> 
> It was suggested we distribute Release Notes in HTML rather than PDF,
> What are the advantages/disadvantages of HTML vs PDF.
> Issues that occur to me are that a PDF is easier to print.
> Maybe the way HTML appears is browser dependant.
> 
> Am I correct in thinking that if I have FrameMaker, there should be no
> problem creating both anyway?
> 

I don't use FM on a regular basis and I've only been exposed to older versions, but I would expect it could create both formats.

I usually think of three main reasons for using XML (extended HTML) output over PDF (other people may choose for different reasons):

1) Screen format -- using style sheets you can create a dynamic output that "looks" better on the screen to any user, regardless of the size display or type of device they're using to access the information.

2) Navigation -- you can place bookmarks and hot-links in PDF documents, but navigation and multi-part screens that allow navigation within and outside the document "web space" is a little more flexible in web-based documents.

3) Multimedia content -- integration of multimedia elements into web-based documentation is a bit easier than with PDF documents.

However, there's one big disadvantage to creating documents exclusively in web-based format: printed output. If your users will need to print the document on paper for use away from the computer, I would strongly encourage that you offer a PDF option. You might have to create _both_ PDF and HTML (XML) versions for your audience to get maximum usability, but if you expect users to print out web pages you owe it to them to offer a PDF option. Of course, some documentation is pointless or useless without being on the computer, so in certain cases it's not practical to expect users to print the documents. In those cases, foregoing the PDF version may be acceptable.

Hope this helps


CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail, purge it and do not disseminate or copy it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Now Shipping -- WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word! Easily create online
Help. And online anything else. Redesigned interface with a new
project-based workflow. Try it today! http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l

Doc-To-Help 2005 now has RoboHelp Converter and HTML Source: Author
content and configure Help in MS Word or any HTML editor. No
proprietary editor! *August release. http://www.componentone.com/TECHWRL/DocToHelp2005

---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- infoinfocus -dot- com -dot- 

To unsubscribe send a blank email to
techwr-l-unsubscribe -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
or visit http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/archive%40infoinfocus.com

To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-join -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com

Send administrative questions to lisa -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-  Visit
http://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.