About HelpSmith
HelpSmith is a help authoring tool from Divcom Software designed for creating and managing help documentation. It provides capable conditional compilation capabilities based on build tags, topic templates to customize the appearance of the help file or document, and the ability to import content from HTML, MS Word, CHM, and other formats so users can efficiently generate quality help files. Additionally, HelpSmith supports compatibility with external translation tools, facilitating multilingual documentation. This comprehensive tool is suitable for teams looking for flexibility and ease of collaboration in creating help content. Key capabilities: conditional compilation topic templates content import translation tool compatibility document management Best for: technical writers and documentation teams that need to produce high-quality help documentation.
HelpSmith by Divcom Software is a highly regarded help authoring tool that simplifies the complex process of creating and managing technical documentation. Its core strength lies in its single-source philosophy, which allows users to generate multiple output formats from a single project file. This is a significant advantage for technical writers, as it means they can create a single set of topics and then compile them into a variety of formats, including traditional CHM HTML Help files, modern Web Help systems, printed PDF and Microsoft Word manuals, and even ePub eBooks and Markdown documentation. The user interface is one of its most praised aspects. It is designed to be as familiar and intuitive as a standard word processor, with a ribbon-style menu that makes navigating its extensive features straightforward. This approach reduces the learning curve, making it an excellent choice for new users, while still providing powerful features for seasoned professionals.
Pros & Cons
- +Supports multiple output formats from a single source.
- +Built-in word processor with dynamic styles and spell checker.
- +Conditional compilation capabilities.
- +Topic templates for customization.
- +Open XML-based project format for teamwork and translations.
- −Learning curve for beginners.
- −Pricing may be higher compared to some competitors.
- −Limited official support options.
- −No Cloud/SaaS Model: Lacks the flexibility and collaboration features of real-time, cloud-based solutions.
- −No Integrated Real-time Collaboration: While it works with version control, it is not a real-time collaborative tool like some modern cloud platforms.
Features
Key features
- Create multiple output formats from a single source
- CHM, Web Help, PDF, MS Word, ePub, and Markdown.
- Built-in word processor with dynamic styles, variables, spell checker, and Unicode support.
- Conditional compilation capabilities based on build tags.
- Topic templates to customize the appearance of your help file or document.
- Import content from HTML, MS Word, CHM, and other formats.
- Open XML-based project format (.HSMP) for teamwork and translations.
- Built-in Image Tool to capture and annotate screenshots.
- Automatic generation of topic drafts for UI documentation.
- Responsive Web Help system with customizable layout.
- Support for Google Analytics and XML Sitemap generation.
- Version control compatibility (e.g., GitHub, SVN).
- Support for Facebook and Disqus comments.
- Easy integration with a website or application.
- Built-in web server for testing a generated Web Help system on the local computer.
- Easy integration with Google Analytics.
Additional features
- Multiple output formats from a single source
- CHM, Web Help, PDF, MS Word, ePub, and Markdown.
- Built-in word processor with dynamic styles, variables, spell checker, and Unicode support.
- Conditional compilation capabilities based on build tags.
- Topic templates to customize the appearance of your help file or document.
- Import content from HTML, MS Word, CHM, and other formats.
- Open XML-based project format (.HSMP) for teamwork and translations.
- Built-in Image Tool to capture and annotate screenshots.
- Automatic generation of topic drafts for UI documentation.
- Responsive Web Help system with customizable layout.
- Support for Google Analytics and XML Sitemap generation.
- Version control compatibility (e.g., GitHub, SVN).
- Support for Facebook and Disqus comments.
- Easy integration with a website or application.
- Built-in web server for testing a generated Web Help system on the local computer.
- Easy integration with Google Analytics.
- Automatic Google XML Sitemap generation.
- Ready-to-use design themes.
Pricing
Monthly plans
Standard
USD 199
Professional
USD 299
Ultimate
USD 399
Countries & Languages
Interface languages
Billing currencies
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About HelpSmith
HelpSmith is a help authoring tool from Divcom Software designed for creating and managing help documentation. It provides capable conditional compilation capabilities based on build tags, topic templates to customize the appearance of the help file or document, and the ability to import content from HTML, MS Word, CHM, and other formats so users can efficiently generate quality help files. Additionally, HelpSmith supports compatibility with external translation tools, facilitating multilingual documentation. This comprehensive tool is suitable for teams looking for flexibility and ease of collaboration in creating help content. Key capabilities: conditional compilation topic templates content import translation tool compatibility document management Best for: technical writers and documentation teams that need to produce high-quality help documentation.
HelpSmith Details
HelpSmith's In-App Market Place
Does HelpSmith have an in-app market place?
Yes
How many Mini-Apps in the marketplace?
1
Mini Apps
N/A
Pricing Options
Plans
Monthly plans
Standard
USD 199
Professional
USD 299
Ultimate
USD 399
Accepted Payment Currencies
Usd ($)
Pros & Cons
- Supports multiple output formats from a single source.
- Built-in word processor with dynamic styles and spell checker.
- Conditional compilation capabilities.
- Topic templates for customization.
- Open XML-based project format for teamwork and translations.
- Learning curve for beginners.
- Pricing may be higher compared to some competitors.
- Limited official support options.
- No Cloud/SaaS Model: Lacks the flexibility and collaboration features of real-time, cloud-based solutions.
- No Integrated Real-time Collaboration: While it works with version control, it is not a real-time collaborative tool like some modern cloud platforms.
HelpSmith's Support Options
Email Address
mail@helpsmith.comDocumentation
https://www.helpsmith.com/webhelp/topics/welcome.htmHelpSmith's Alternatives
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