Can I convert InDesign files to online help? 1

[monkeybay]

Hi,

I'm new to InDesign. I eventually need to create online help files, preferably ones that are context-sensitive. Which help authoring tools are compatible with InDesign? Should I convert InDesign files to Word and then use RoboHelp? Can I use GoLive or Microsoft's standard HTML help tool?

Any insight anyone can give me is appreciated. Thanks.
Donna

 

[Eggles]

InDesign already has an online help facility. Or are you creating help files for something else? If so, it is probably best to export each ID file to a PDF, and post links to these on the website.

 

[monkeybay]

Thanks, Eggles. I have to create online help files for my company's products. We use InDesign for our documentation. If I create .PDF files of the InDesign documents and post them on a Web site, can I make them context-sensitive and bring up help by clicking F1?

 

[Eggles]

Not sure about that, as I use ID for print purposes only.

 

[jimoblak]

You can select a text frame and export RTF, then open in Word and make your help files as you may have done before.

HTML export in version 2 will create segmented, disconnected pages... not ideal for indexing in help files.

- - picklefish - -
Why is everyone in this forum responding to me as picklefish?

 

[monkeybay]

Thanks, Jim. I'm going to try this. I'll keep you posted.

 

[monkeybay]

Unfortunately, my office owns RoboHelp Office 2002 and we have Microsoft Word 2003. I was told by RoboHelp that they're not compatible and that I'd have to get RoboHelp 5x. I'm going to explore other ways of converting the InDesign files before I go the route of exporting as RTF to Word and then to RoboHelp.

Someone on the Macromedia forum suggested that I print the InDesign file with Distiller and then save the resulting .pdf as an .html file. I did this, but I'd have to do a lot of re-formatting if I go this route. There has to be a more seamless conversion process.