HelpSmith is a software that is used to create Documentation in various formats, such as HTML Help (CHM), Web Help (HTML-based help system), PDF, ePub, and Markdown. HelpSmith uses the WYSIWYG approach.
Features
- Includes screen capture and image annotation tools
- Supports variables
- Supports templates to customize the appearance of topics
- Supports custom CSS / HTML headers
- Find & remove unused resources
- Supports project merging so that multiple people can work on the documentation
- Supports import of Topics from Word and other tools
- Supports multiple help note formats
- Supports syntax highlighting for program code (e.g., for creating API documentation, code examples, etc.)
Resources
- How to Create a CHM Help File, Online Help System, or PDF Manual
- Manual
- Step-by-Step Guides
- Create Help Files Automatically
- Tips and Tricks
Example for a HelpSmith Web Help:
Example for a HelpSmith HTML Help (CHM file):
Example for a HelpSmith printed manual:
Example for the HelpSmith search:
What I use it for
I used HelpSmith to write software documentation that was delivered as part of the software.
About the product: The software runs on an industry PC with a touchscreen monitor that is operated on production site (without internet access). The target group for the documentation were the plant workers who operated the machines.