Adobe RoboHelp

Adobe RoboHelp is a fully-featured help authoring tool (HAT) developed and published by Adobe Inc.

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The core functionality of this application is to allow users to quickly create extensive help archives, policy listings, and knowledgebase content in a media-rich environment powered by HTML5 and CSS3 engines.



The app allows access to powerful CSS and skin editors, interactive and responsive features, full support for deployment on HTML5, PDF, and Mobile App platforms, and a wide array of advanced features such as personalized access with the help of Dynamic Content Filters, built-in collaboration tools, integration of custom algorithms, search autocomplete, autocorrect and more.

The latest version of Adobe RoboHelp for PC was a redesigned user interface that brings minimalistic visual elements that promote fast tool discovery, increased productivity, and tight integration with web-based technologies for better workflow.

The projects made in the app can be enhanced with content created in other Adobe suite apps, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and others.

The app will also help you reduce wasted time by intelligent content reuse, maintaining a cleaner project structure, and built-in tools for previewing your WebHelp, Responsive Design content, Eclipse Help and other project types in multiple emulated displays types.

When you are finished with the creation of your WebHelp or other types of projects, the exporting and publishing options are numerous and oriented toward new web and mobile platforms.

In addition to built-in tools for multiformat publishing (Responsive HTML5, PDF, Microsoft Help (CHM), WebHelp, and others), italso has a single-click tool for the mobile app generation. With it, you can create, test, and publish iOS and Android apps for both smartphones and tablets.

Be aware that this powerful feature of this app is available only for users who have purchased an Adobe PhoneGap Build license.

Originally released to the public in 1992 under Gen Kiyooka and Blue Sky Software (later known as eHelp Corporation), the program received numerous upgrades over the following years.

The fifth standalone version of the app was released in 2004, one year after Macromedia purchased eHelp Corporation.

The app became part of Adobe suite of productivity apps in 2005 when Adobe Inc purchased Macromedia.

Since 2007, Adobe worked on an incredible number of development updates of Robo Help, introducing features such as importing of HTML or XHTML files in 2009, shared and linked resources in 2011, multi-screened HTML5 and KF8/MOBI export support in 2012, single-click responsive HTML5 publishing in 2014, mobile app support in 2015, expanded HTML5 support in 2017 and new interface and a wide variety of new tools in 2018.

Adobe RoboHelp is not a part of the current Adobe Creative Suite offering and can be purchased via a monthly subscription as a standalone app. In addition to this, users can test the full version of Adobe Robo Help via a 30-day FREE trial.

Main Features

Responsive HTML5 Output: Create content that adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes, making it accessible on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Dynamic Content Filters: Enable users to filter and access content based on their specific needs, improving user engagement and information retrieval.

Single Sourcing: Efficiently manage content by reusing topics across multiple projects, reducing redundancy and saving time.

Multi-Channel Publishing: Publish content to various formats, including PDF, HTML5, Microsoft Word, and more, ensuring flexibility in distribution.

RoboHelp Server Integration: Collaborate with teams and track user engagement by connecting Adobe RoboHelp with RoboHelp Server for improved content management and analytics.

Conditional Text and Variables: Customize content based on user profiles, product versions, or other variables, creating tailored experiences for different audiences.

Auto-Generation of Table of Contents and Index: Save time by automatically generating and updating table of contents and indexes.

Integration with Adobe FrameMaker and Adobe Captivate: Seamlessly integrate the program with other Adobe products to enhance content creation and eLearning capabilities.

What`s New

Enhance Content Quality and Efficiency with Grammar Checking
Streamline content creation and editing processes while ensuring high-quality content by utilizing our built-in grammar checkers, Sapling and Bing. Additionally, you can seamlessly integrate with your preferred tools through custom APIs.

Enhanced Control Over PDF Layouts
Achieve consistency and create visually appealing PDFs effortlessly within RoboHelp. Customize templates with ease in the WYSIWYG editor to achieve the precise layout and styling that aligns perfectly with your brand.

Revamped User Interface for Enhanced Workflow
Experience a simplified yet potent user interface that facilitates seamless work. Leverage web-based technologies that optimize your workspace for improved speed and productivity.

Harness JavaScript Scripting Capabilities
Extend the functionality of your Word or Framemaker content imports and output generation using JavaScript. Develop standalone plugins or scripts to accommodate intricate workflows and enhance your capabilities.

User Interface

It features a user-friendly and intuitive interface that facilitates content creation and management. The toolbar and panel layouts are customizable to suit individual preferences.

Users will find it easy to navigate through the workspace, access features, and organize their projects efficiently.

Installation and Setup

Installing the software is a straightforward process. Users can download the software from Adobe's official website and follow the on-screen instructions.

Activation typically requires an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. Once installed, the software is ready to use, and users can begin creating and managing their projects.

How to Use

Create a New Project: Start by creating a new project and selecting the project type (responsive HTML5, PDF, etc.).

Content Creation: Add topics, import content from other sources, and use the WYSIWYG editor to create and format your content.

Customize Layout: Customize the layout and appearance of your content, including fonts, colors, and styles.

Publishing: Choose your output format (HTML5, PDF, etc.) and publish your project. It ensures that your content is optimized for the chosen output.

Collaboration: If using RoboHelp Server, collaborate with team members, manage versions, and track user engagement.

FAQ

Is Adobe RoboHelp available as a standalone product or part of the Adobe Creative Cloud?
Adobe RoboHelp is available both as a standalone product and as part of the Adobe Technical Communication Suite, which includes other tools like Adobe FrameMaker and Adobe Captivate.

Can I customize the look and feel of my online help systems created with Adobe RoboHelp?
Yes, it offers extensive customization options for layouts, fonts, colors, and styles, allowing you to create a branded and visually appealing help system.

Is it possible to collaborate with team members on RoboHelp projects?
Yes, it supports collaboration through integration with RoboHelp Server, which facilitates version control, user management, and analytics.

Can I import existing content into Adobe RoboHelp?
Yes, you can import content from various sources, including Word documents and HTML files, to streamline the content creation process.

What platforms and devices support content created with Adobe RoboHelp?
Content created with the software is responsive and can be accessed on a wide range of platforms and devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Pricing

It offers subscription-based pricing through Adobe's Creative Cloud.

The cost may vary depending on the specific subscription plan and whether you opt for a single app subscription or the full Adobe Technical Communication Suite.

Pricing details can be found on Adobe's official website.

PROS

• Comprehensive feature set for content creation and management.
• Responsive output for multi-device accessibility.
• Integration with other Adobe products for enhanced functionality.
• Customization options for branding and styling.
• Collaboration capabilities with RoboHelp Server.

CONS

• Learning curve for beginners new to documentation tools.
• Subscription-based pricing might be a drawback for some users.
• Advanced features may not be necessary for all documentation needs.

Conclusion

Adobe RoboHelp is a powerful and versatile software tool that excels in creating and managing online help systems and documentation. Its wide range of features, customization options, and integration with Adobe's ecosystem make it a top choice for technical writers, content creators, and instructional designers.

While there may be a learning curve for beginners, the benefits of efficient content creation, responsive design, and collaborative features make Adobe RoboHelp a valuable investment for those in need of robust documentation solutions.

Note: 30 days trial version.