• Source: Help authoring tool

A Help Authoring Tool or HAT is a software program used by technical writers to create online help systems.




Functions


The basic functions of a Help Authoring Tool (HAT) can be divided into the following categories:




= File input

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HATs obtain their source text either by importing it from a file produced by another program, or by allowing the author to create the text within the tool by using an editor. File formats that can be imported vary from HAT to HAT. Acceptable file formats can include ASCII, HTML, OpenOffice Writer and Microsoft Word, and compiled Help formats such as Microsoft WinHelp and Microsoft Compiled HTML Help.




= Help output

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The output from a HAT can be either a compiled Help file in a format such as WinHelp (*.HLP) or Microsoft Compiled HTML Help (*.CHM), or noncompiled file formats such as Adobe PDF, XML, HTML or JavaHelp.




= Auxiliary functions

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Some HATs provide extra functions such as:

Automatic or assisted Index generation
Automatic Table of Contents
Spelling checker
Image editing
Image hotspot editing
Import and export of text in XML files, for exchange with computer-assisted translation programs




Common help authoring tools


Some common HATs include:

HelpNDoc
Adobe RoboHelp
HelpSmith
Doc-To-Help
MadCap Flare
Help & Manual
Sandcastle
AsciiDoc




Related software


Technical writers often use content management systems and version control systems to manage their work.




See also


List of help authoring tools
User assistance




References

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Computer supported cooperative work
• Help authoring tool
• List of help authoring tools
• Adobe RoboHelp
• HelpNDoc
• MadCap Software
• Online help
• Web Accessibility Initiative
• HelpSmith
• Microsoft Help 2
• WinHelp