Compile a help project

Microsoft HTML Help

Compile a help project

In HTML Help Workshop, you can compile a collection of separate source and reference files contained in a help project file to create a compiled help (.chm) file. The compiled help file can then be placed on your hard disk, a 3.5-inch disk, a compact disc, a server location, an Internet location, or an intranet location.

During compilation, HTML Help Workshop uses the help project (.hhp) file to determine how HTML topic files, contents (.hhc) files, index (.hhk) files, image (.jpeg, .gif, .png) files, and any other elements you have added to the project file will look in the single, compressed help file. If any errors are found during the compilation, compiler messages are generated that point a help author to the problems.

HTML Help Workshop processes these items during the compilation process:

  • Reports missing topics or other errors in contents and index files.
  • Reports broken links in topic, index, and contents files.
  • Removes unnecessary white space or comments.
Home page link About compiling and testing help