Saving InDesign 2.0 files as .html files for online help conversion 1

[monkeybay]

Hi, I need to convert InDesign 2.0 files to context-sensitive help. I've experimented with RoboHelp 2002. It was recommended to me that I print InDesign files in Acrobat Distiller. I then saved the resulting .pdf file as an .html file. I imported the files into RoboHelp. As I expected, the formatting needs to be fixed. There are text frames and strange characters in the files.

I am wondering if there's a better way to save InDesign 2.0 files as .html files. Have any of you ever tried to convert InDesign files to online help files?
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[jmgalvin]

Wouldn't it be a lot easier to create "screen quality" pdfs with bookmarks and post those on the server?

That way you have far more control over the document structure - as opposed to html - and it's easier to maintain if changes are made.



Using OSX 10.3.8 on a G4

 

[monkeybay]

Thanks. I guess that might be the easiest thing to do. A director in my company would like me to try to create context-sensitive help, but it appears that InDesign might not be a good candidate for that.

I even called Adobe Customer Service to ask. I asked if they have any products that create context-sensitive help. The rep replied, "No." I then asked if he knew about a workaround for creating context-sensitive online help from InDesign files. He replied, "No," again. Very helpful... NOT.

 

[jmgalvin]

Actually, Acrobat is one of the vest context sensitive tools around. The ability to create bookmarks, links, etc and to search for context in the doc make it wonderful for that purpose.

If you look, you'll see that msot major appliance makers, etc now post the owner manuals in pdf for just that reason.

Depending on the complexity of the "help" - meaning lots of graphics as opposed to text - Id would be very useful. If you rely on mostly text, it can be done in a word processor.

I might also suggest upgrading from ID2 to 4. There's a world of improvement. Depending on the complexity of your stuff, it might behoove you to get Creative suite premium - with Acrobat pro and GoLive. ID 4 exports for use in GoLive (web design app)

Using OSX 10.3.8 on a G4

 

[monkeybay]

Thanks. You should work for Adobe. You've been more helpful than any rep I have spoken to there.

Also, I might upgrade to RoboHelp x5. Apparently you can import PDF files and XML files. The RoboHelp 2002 office I have only allows you to import HTML, FrameMaker, and Word files.

I will definitely explore upgrading InDesign. It might be even better than upgrading the RoboHelp.

 

[jmgalvin]

When you export for Golive from ID 3 or 4, it exports XML - but, as far as I know, only for Golive.

Using OSX 10.3.8 on a G4