| Live Chat
  Login |  Join
   

Doc-To-Help includes everything you need to create and publish documentation, manuals, and other information through multiple channels. The secret sauce is the choice of content authoring (and import) formats and virtually any output you may need. Keep in mind that one project will generate as many versions of as many output types as you need.

Below is a list of Doc-To-Help's popular features.

Highlights

Show All
  • Support for Microsoft’s Latest Technology

    Doc-To-Help benefits from ComponentOne’s close relationship with Microsoft. Rest assured that you can use Microsoft’s latest releases including Word 2010, Windows 7, and Team Foundation Server 2010. Also output the latest Microsoft Help system outputs such as the new Microsoft Help Viewer.

  • Author in Your Choice of Three Formats

    Doc-To-Help gives you flexible authoring options. Work in one or a combination of these environments:
    • Doc-To-Help's XML-Based Editor: This unique editor has the ease of Microsoft Word while it automatically creates standards-compliant source code. An intuitive style editor helps you with formatting. Also included is a converter for transforming Word and HTML content to XHTML.
    • Microsoft® Word: Doc-To-Help is the only product of its kind that allows you work entirely in Word. Use the installed toolbars, configure your project, and use Doc-To-Help to create outputs.
    • Microsoft FrontPage or Adobe Dreamweaver: Doc-To-Help will install a toolbar in FrontPage or Dreamweaver for editing.

  • Publish Unlimited Types of Output

    Publish as many versions of HTML Help, browser-based Help (NetHelp), WinHelp, Manuals (.doc, .docx, and .pdf), Microsoft Help Viewer 1.0, Help 2.0, and JavaHelp as you need.

  • Getting Started Wizard

    Create a new project, import existing content, convert a legacy project, or open existing projects with step-by-step help. You can create a new project in under one minute, even if you use existing documents.

    Getting Started Wizard
  • Import Existing Word and HTML files

    Import existing Microsoft Word and HTML files into your project using a wizard. If you’d like, convert them to XML during import. Also included is the ability to import documents in bulk.

  • Import Existing Projects

    Start with and convert RoboHelp, HTML Help, WinHelp, or Doc-To-Help 2000 projects.

  • Out-of-the-box Benefits

    There are a number of things Doc-To-Help does for you automatically when it transforms your Source documents to the desired output. For example, it automatically creates topics, a table of contents, and related links for online outputs. It also generates the front and back matter for manuals.

  • Easy Linking, Pop-ups, and More

    Features such as drag-and drop support, toolbars, and dialog boxes help you add topic jumps, pop-ups, expanding text, and more.

  • Intuitive Microsoft Office Style Interface

    Ribbons and the tabbed interface makes features and settings easy to find and use. Hover over toolbar buttons to view enhanced (or “Super”) tooltips. Customize the Quick Access Toolbar with functions you use every day. If you can use Microsoft Word (or Outlook), you can use Doc-To-Help.

  • Collaborate with Source Control

    Work efficiently with a team by taking advantage of our integration with Microsoft Team Foundation Server or using our built-in team authoring support technology.

  • Comprehensive Documentation in Your Choice of Formats

    Doc-To-Help includes many types of user assistance to get you up and running quickly: online Help, a manual, quick reference guides, embedded Help, videos, and Knowledgebase articles to name a few.

  • Sample Projects

    Doc-To-Help includes a variety of sample projects. There is an example (the Pittsburgh project) that has been authored in each type of editor, a policies and procedures sample, and examples of software and MSDN-style Reference documentation.

  • Free Support and Upgrades

    Every Doc-To-Help license includes a one year subscription delivering these benefits:

    • Free upgrades for a year
    • Knowledgebase access
    • Email and online support
    • Forum support
    We also offer a Platinum level that adds unlimited phone support and 24-hour FastTrack response.

Authoring in Doc-To-Help’s Editor

Show All
  • Built-in XML Based Editor with Word Ease-of-use

    Doc-To-Help has a built-in XHTML editor with a Word-like interface, complete with a Style Gallery, spell checking, table editor, and more.

  • Multiple Editing Modes for Total Control

    You can work in Design mode (WYSIWYG) or Source mode (code view), then check your work in Preview mode.

  • Create XML in a Familiar Environment

    The XHTML editor follows the W3C strict XHTML specification. If you have existing Word or HTML files, Doc-To-Help can convert them to XHTML in a click. This means you can focus on authoring and leave the technical details to us.

  • Visual Style Editor

    The built-in editor, style list, and style galleries (modeled after Microsoft Office) help you select, create, and edit styles. No need to edit the CSS manually.

  • Editable, Self-validating Source Code

    You can edit in Source mode (code view) and Doc-To-Help validates your edits against W3C standards.

  • Local Formatting Mode

    If you prefer to apply formatting in your document (rather than using CSS styles), Doc-To-Help allows you to edit in “Local Formatting” mode. When you work in this mode you can apply formatting, such as fonts and alignment, on the fly.

  • Instant Print

    Print files directly from the editor for easy sharing and editing.

  • Global Search and Replace

    Edit text once and propagate the change throughout the project with global search and replace.

  • Word Count

    Keep track of topic size with a convenient word and character count tool.

  • Drag-and-Drop Linking

    Drag items from Doc-To-Help's Topics grid or Table of Contents and drop them into your content to automatically create links.

    Drag-and-Drop Linking

Authoring in Microsoft Word

Show All
  • Integrated Project Toolbar

    The Doc-To-Help toolbar is automatically installed in Microsoft Word. It is used to create topic links, add index keywords, apply conditions, insert variables, apply styles, create topics, add Glossary terms, and more.

  • Use Your Existing Docs

    Do you have an archive of Word files? You can import them into Doc-To-Help and have a Help systems, web output, and manuals in minutes. No need to convert your files.

  • Templates Control Your Output

    When you author in Word, templates control the look and behavior of your outputs. Doc-To-Help includes Word templates that work right out-of-the-box; customize them to create your own unique outputs. If you already have your own templates, just move the Styles into your Doc-To-Help template.

  • Easy Flash Movie Integration

    Quickly insert a Flash movie into your Word files with a click. Doc-To-Help will embed the movie and automatically apply conditions that exclude it from printed manuals and other outputs that do not support Flash. (Flash movies can be created with DemoWorks, also available from ComponentOne.)

    Easy Flash Movie Integration
  • Image Map Support

    Add hotspot links to images using the Image Map Editor. You can link to topics, index keywords, or groups.

  • Margin Notes That Work in Both Print and Online

    Add margin notes in Word with the click of a button. These notes can be designated to appear as popups in online Help.

  • Drag-and-Drop Linking

    Drag items from Doc-To-Help's Topics grid or Table of Contents and drop them into your content to automatically create links.

Authoring in HTML

Show All
  • Project Toolbar Installed in Popular HTML Editors

    The Doc-To-Help toolbar is automatically installed in Microsoft FrontPage and Adobe Dreamweaver. It is used to create topic links, add index keywords, apply conditions, insert variables, apply styles, create topics, add Glossary terms, and more.

  • Topic File Management

    It’s easy to get your topics organized. You can rearrange and nest HTML documents using the Documents Pane toolbar, or by drag-and-drop.

  • Drag-and-Drop Linking

    Drag items from Doc-To-Help's Topics grid or Table of Contents and drop them into your content to automatically create links.

Publishing

Show All
  • Web Publishing

    Create a mini-website with NetHelp, our exclusive cross-platform HTML output. NetHelp is a self-contained, searchable system complete with navigation, favorites, print, and email functions.

  • Desktop Help

    Create Microsoft Help formats (HTML Help, Microsoft Help Viewer 1.0, Help 2.0, and WinHelp), embedded dynamic Help, and JavaHelp.

  • Visual Studio Help

    Integrate Help into Visual Studio with Microsoft Help 2.0 or Help Viewer 1.0.

  • Press Ready Manuals

    Create print quality .doc, .docx, or .pdf manuals with no post processing required.

  • Unlimited Target Templates

    Create as many targets as you need. Each target can have specific content, settings, and styles mapped to it.

  • Automatic and Customizable Table of Contents and Index

    Doc-To-Help uses information from your source content to automatically create a table of contents and an index. Customize them to your liking or create your own from scratch. You can even create customized TOCs for different outputs.

  • Built-in or Custom Templates

    Choose from a variety of templates and style sheets for producing high quality print and online documentation. You can use the included templates and style sheets as-is or use them to customize your own.

  • Command-line Support

    Automate and schedule individual or batch Doc-To-Help builds from the command line.

Desktop Help and Websites

Show All
  • Industry Standard Help Formats

    Choose from Web-based Help (NetHelp), HTML Help, Microsoft Help Viewer 1.0, Help 2.0, JavaHelp, and WinHelp.

  • Self-contained Websites

    NetHelp, our exclusive web-based output, gives you a self-contained website you can use for online Help, knowledgebases, and other Web needs. These sites include navigation, favorites, search, print, and email.

  • Browser Independent Sites

    NetHelp is optimized for all popular browsers (Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari).

  • Embed Help Into Your Applications

    Doc-To-Help includes the ComponentOne Dynamic Help control. With it, .NET developers can embed a dynamic Help pane into your application’s interface. You can then visually map your Help file (HTML Help or NetHelp) to the interface. See it in action in Doc-To-Help.

    Embed Help Into Your Applications
  • Control the Look and Behavior of Your Outputs

    Doc-To-Help includes a number of attractive and multifunctional themes that control the layout and appearance of your outputs. The theme designer makes it simple to customize those themes for your projects. Buttons, colors, icons, and navigation can be customized to suit your needs.

  • Add Help Elements with Styles

    Use convenient toolbars to effortlessly apply styles that translate into Help elements (pop-up topics, links, dynamic text, and more) when you build your project.

  • Organize Topics with Expanding/Collapsing Sections

    Increase the readability of your online Help topics by including collapsible/expandable sections complete with "+" and "-" icons. Doc-To-Help makes this as simple as applying a style; no special code is needed.

  • Configurable Breadcrumb Navigation

    Breadcrumbs help end-users pinpoint their location in a Help file. Doc-To-Help's HTML-based outputs (NetHelp, HTML Help, Help 2.0) include breadcrumbs that are fully customizable.

  • Drag-and-drop Topic Relations

    Doc-To-Help automatically creates “See Also” links in Help based on styles. You can augment those links, or remove selected ones if you wish. The Related Topics pane makes this possible using drag-and-drop.

  • Easy Context Sensitive Help

    Doc-To-Help can automatically generate context IDs for you, or use your own IDs to map topics to your application’s interface. Context IDs are displayed in the Topics window and can be added or edited there. A header file and Excel/text reports listing IDs are all available.

  • One-click XHTML Output

    Doc-To-Help now generates XHTML versions of all HTML based outputs (NetHelp, HTML Help, Help 2.0, and JavaHelp). The content generated complies with the W3C transitional XHTML specification.

  • Section 508 Compliant Output

    Doc-To-Help creates a version of NetHelp that is compliant with Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act.

  • Modular Table of Contents Utility

    If you create a Modular Help system, this utility makes it easy to assign the entire system’s table of contents to each individual Help file.

  • Merge Multiple Projects

    Combine multiple projects into a single Help system with a single TOC, index, and glossary. This is great for software applications that have optional templates or components. The Help will only be included for the installed components; the Help for missing components will be excluded seamlessly.

Print Outputs

Show All
  • Generate PDFs Two Different Ways

    Doc-To-Help produces printed manuals in PDF and/or Word format. Generate your PDF directly from Doc-To-Help or from a generated .doc file. This gives you the option to format your manual before you generate the PDF. No need for third-party utilities.

  • Always Produce Usable Print Manuals

    Create professional printed documentation from Word, XHTML, or HTML source complete with a customizable title page, table of contents, index, and glossary – without any adding field codes, page breaks, or headers/footers. You can automatically create a print-ready PDF manual and skip the manual-to-PDF conversion process.

Project Management

Show All
  • Reusable Project Settings

    Ensure consistency among projects with a click. You can import settings from another project when you create a new project, or after it is already created. Project settings include templates, style sheets, themes, project properties, targets, variables, and more.

  • Topic Management

    Doc-To-Help’s unique topics grid allows you to view your topics and their settings at a glance. Set preferences one by one or en masse.

  • Source Control

    Doc-To-Help integrates with Team Foundation Server so you can manage all aspects of your project in the industry standard source control system. Doc-To-Help gives you an interface for all of Team Foundation Server’s features (i.e., versioning, history, comparison) so you can rest easy when planning team projects. Note that Doc-To-Help also includes its own team authoring support feature for those who do not wish to use Team Foundation Server.

  • Copy Projects

    A Save Project As feature copies your entire project so you can backup projects or create new projects from a base that is set up the way you want it. This saves time and helps you ensure accuracy by reusing work you have already performed.

  • Open Multiple Projects at Once

    You can work better by doing things such as copying items from project to project or comparing projects by opening two or more at once.

Single Sourcing and Content Reuse

Show All
  • Modular Table of Contents Utility

    If you create a Modular Help system, this utility makes it easy to assign the entire system’s table of contents to each individual Help file.

  • Single-source Authoring

    Quickly and easily create HTML Help, NetHelp (browser-based Help), JavaHelp, WinHelp, Help 2.0, Microsoft Help viewer 1.0, and printed documentation from one source project without the need for reformatting. Conditional text and variables add additional single-sourcing flexibility.

  • Conditions Map Content Where You Want It

    It is possible to conditionalize text, topics, or even entire documents. That content can then be flagged for specific output types, Targets, or by fully-customizable attributes. With one project, you can create outputs for multiple audiences or formats.

  • Reusable Content

    Using Variables, you can create content in one place and reuse it across your project. Text Variables are used for any amount of unformatted text; Rich Content Variables allow you to store formatting along with text. Additionally, topics can easily be reused in a single project as well as across multiple projects.

  • Easy Glossary Creation

    Use toolbar buttons to add and sort glossary terms from any document in your project. If you wish, Doc-To-Help can automatically create a link to the glossary definition the first time that term appears in a help topic.

For Application Developers

Show All
  • Automatic Reference with Microsoft Sandcastle

    Microsoft's Sandcastle utility automatically creates MSDN formatted reference documentation from .NET source code and XML comment files. Doc-To-Help integrates Sandcastle's XML output into your projects, automatically creating topics, index, TOC, and other Help elements. You can build on this information by editing/adding your own topics, and linking to namespaces. This content integrates with the Help system in Visual Studio .NET (Help 2.0 and Microsoft Help Viewer 1.0).

  • Integrate Embedded Help into the User Interface

    Doc-To-Help includes the ComponentOne Dynamic Help WinForms control. With it, you can embed a dynamic Help pane into your application’s interface. You or a Help Author can then visually map your Help file (HTML Help or NetHelp) to the interface. See it in action in Doc-To-Help.

  • Scripting Support

    Use Visual Basic to create custom scripts and assign them to styles to develop your own features.

  • XML Transforms

    Use XSLT or .NET to add your own topic features in XHTML-based outputs.

Doc-To-Help enables technical communicators, policy writers, and other content creators to author in Doc-To-Help's XML-based editor, Microsoft Word or HTML, (or use existing documents) and publish to the Web, Help systems, or printed manuals with a single click. Doc-To-Help is developed by ComponentOne, the makers of Studio Enterprise, a suite of components for Visual Studio.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact ComponentOne: 1.800.858.2739 | Pittsburgh: 412.681.4343 Twitter Facebook

©1987-2010 ComponentOne LLC All Rights Reserved.