Technical Writing and Communication

While reviewing some software for the Information Developers, I was amazed to see Open Source initialized it’s presence in field of Technical Communication too. Some free software is also available to help you in technical documentation jobs.

Often there is a need for a Help file for some software you review. Let’s see if we can do this for free

So on my search for a Help authoring file, what I found satisfied me completely because along with Help authoring I got a software combined with ImageMaker, ButtonMaker, IconMaker, Batch Image Conveter, PDF Merge, PDF Manual Designer and SHG editor, WOW!

Helpmaker from Vizacc (http://www.vizacc.com/) is a RTF-based, page-layout Help Authoring tool. It generates WinHelp, HTML_Help, Website-Help and PDF. It comes with a great price tag a Freeware for commercial and non-commercial usage with free support at no additional charge.

The User Interface of this software is easy to understand. The whole screen is divided into left document map area and right editing area. The editing area is divided into top-right Header editing area and bottom-right Main editing area.

Initial Screen allows opening an existing or creating a new document. Let us see how we can make a simple help file.

After Install, you will get the initial screen which will be like this:

• You can create a start a fresh HelpMaker project by clicking on the New… button
• Select Create a New HelpMaker Project from the popup screen that opens up

• Click on Next. This will open a popup where you should enter the details of your new project.

For this example I have created a Test Project

• Click Next for starting with the project. You will get the document editor for editing your document. I will prefer to have my notes / drafts ready for the Help file

You can edit / stylize / format your document, headlines and matter of the Help File.

Once done you are ready to compile the Help file.

• You can export the document to RTF, HTML or PDF format from the File Menu

• Select your project from the Document Map panel

• You can choose the Compilation format as you require (WinHelp, HTML Help, HTML-Website Help or Word / RTF based help file
• Compile the help file by selecting the Compile button or by pressing F9

Once compiled you get your Help file.

You can copy and paste this help file to integrate with the software developed by checking the Help Directory of HelpMaker.

In the age of Adobe Robohelp, HelpMaker is software which enables small and middle sized companies to provide value added service to developed software and websites.

Happy Helping Folks!