I started by taking my imported project and trying to use the search and replace for different options. I really like the variable feature. I created a variable for company names which could change from project to project. Search and replace for variables worked like a dream. In addition, instructions were easy to follow. I like the interface more and more. There is a lot to take in, but whenever I click commands that have work screens associated with them, instructions are displayed as well, with links to related help.

I could be wrong, but it looks to me like the developers of Help and Manual have looked at the best liked features in other Help programs and said, “Let’s take the best of them all and combine them.”

(Having said that, I have to admit, I really don’t like the ribbon, but I don’t like ribbons in any software I’ve had to use so far.)

One disappointment, searching and replacing for unwanted links was not actually available. There was a complex way for me to go topic by topic and replace with condition text, but no search and replace for hyperlinked text that simply deletes it. I have sent an email to their support to see how quickly I get a response. Technical support is as important as overall functionality.

Next, I looked at the built in imaging program provided with Help and Manual, called Impict. I am not currently working with manuals for translation, but when I started looking this feature over, all I could say is “wow!” Impict enables technical writers to create graphics with text callouts that can be exported into an XML file, translated, and then re-imported and inserted back on the graphic. I won’t go into detail here, but handled properly, this could potentially save hours of work, and contribute to quality translations. No more numeric callouts (which don’t work well anyway in languages such as Japanese and Chinese).

Obviously this comes at a cost-–the cost of translation, but if you are looking for quality graphics with callouts, this could provide a reasonable answer. While the tool does not seem as versatile as SnagIt, it seems to be good enough.

Unfortunately, I am not working on any projects that require translation. Still, as time permits, I plan to look at Impict more closely. If anyone else has actual experience with this option for handling translation of callouts in graphics, perhaps you can share your impressions as a response to this blog entry.