Modern Alternative to Microsoft HTML Help (CHM)

For years, Microsoft HTML Help (CHM) was the standard for creating compiled help files and offline documentation on Windows. However, with CHM technology no longer being actively developed by Microsoft and facing limitations on modern systems, many developers and content creators are seeking robust alternatives. HTML Executable emerges as a powerful and flexible solution, offering not only the core functionalities of CHM but also a wealth of modern features for creating secure, customizable, and interactive offline documentation and ebooks.

Why Consider HTML Executable as an HTML Help Alternative?

ØModern Rendering Engine: Unlike CHM which relies on an outdated version of Internet Explorer's rendering engine, HTML Executable uses modern engines based on Chromium (CEF or WebView2). This ensures excellent support for HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and rich media, allowing for more dynamic and visually appealing help content.

ØEnhanced Security: HTML Executable provides superior content protection. Source files are securely embedded, and you can leverage advanced security features like password protection, security profiles to restrict access or actions on specific pages, anti-screenshot measures, and even trial/licensing mechanisms if you plan to sell your documentation.

ØFull UI Customization: Go beyond the standard CHM viewer look. With HTML Executable, you can fully customize the application window, use skins, design custom toolbars and ribbons, modify menus, and much more, creating a branded and user-friendly experience.

ØMultimedia and Document Support: Easily embed and play audio and video content. Display PDF documents with the built-in PDF viewer and even Microsoft Word DOCX files with the built-in DOCX viewer, all without requiring external software on the user's machine.

ØCross-Platform Compatibility (Windows): Compiled applications run on all recent versions of Windows, from XP (with limitations) up to Windows 11, without dependencies like .NET framework for core functionality.

ØActive Development and Support: HTML Executable is actively maintained and updated with new features and compatibility improvements, backed by dedicated support.

Familiar Help Features, Enhanced

If you're accustomed to CHM functionalities, you'll find their powerful equivalents in HTML Executable:

ØTable of Contents (TOC): Create a hierarchical TOC for easy navigation. You can even import existing .HHC files or customize entries with icons and HTML. The TOC can also define a Browse Sequence for linear reading.

ØSearch Engine: A powerful, built-in full-text search engine indexes your HTML, PDF, and DOCX content, providing fast and relevant results with keyword highlighting.

ØContext-Sensitive Help (Map IDs and API): HTML Executable generates Map IDs for each page, similar to CHM's map files. These can be used with command-line arguments or the HEScript API (and a dedicated SDK for registered users) to launch your help application and display a specific topic directly from your main software. This is how HTML Executable's own F1 help works!

ØCustomizable User Interface: Design the user interface with custom toolbars (Navigation Bar), menus (Menu Bar, Menu Button, Context Menu), and more. You are not limited to a fixed viewer layout.

ØScripting for Advanced Customization: Use HEScript to extend functionality, respond to user actions, interact with the system, and create highly dynamic help systems far beyond CHM's capabilities.

Transitioning from CHM to HTML Executable

If you have existing CHM projects, HTML Executable offers a smooth transition path:

üCHM to Exe Add-on: Utilize the free CHM To Exe add-on to decompile your CHM files, extract source HTML files, and even generate a basic HTML Executable project to get you started.

üImport HHC: As mentioned, directly import your .hhc Table of Contents file.

Conclusion

HTML Executable provides a modern, feature-rich, and secure platform for creating offline documentation and help systems. Its advanced customization options, robust security, and support for modern web technologies make it an ideal successor to Microsoft HTML Help for your Windows applications. Whether you're creating new help content or migrating existing CHM files, HTML Executable offers the tools you need to deliver a superior user experience.

  Getting Started with HTML Executable