It is more comfortable with a program which integrates the creation of help contents, e-book contents or a documentation. This is a small program which merges the created HTML files to the CHM. Then you apply a CHM processor to the HTML files.

One variant is to create all required HTML files separately with a corresponding HTML editor. There are several ways to create a CHM file. In addition to the packed HTML files, the CHM file can also contain other typical files, such as images or JavaScript, which are required for the display of content. This was based on the Rich Text Format (RTF). The developers, who are a little bit older, might remember.

Previously there was the WinHelp format with the file extension *.hlp. The file format itself comes from the Microsoft company and has become a quasi standard for help files since Windows 98 (so long). Press F1 in any window program to view the help file It is therefore easier to manage and exchange.

Compared to many individual HTML files, the CHM file has the advantage that it is only one file. An integrated Search function makes it possible to find search terms and the Index indexes keywords. Typically, this includes a navigation tree, equivalent to a table of contents, which can be used to quickly navigate to the respective help page. The individual HTML files are specially compiled and “packaged” so that a typical help navigation is possible. As the names already suggest, these are special help files in HTML format. Further interpretations are Compressed HTML Help or Compiled Help Module(s). The three letters CHM stand for Compiled HTML Help. This file format is mainly used for help files and e-books. For many, especially program developers, the CHM file is an old acquaintance.

If you discover a file on your computer with the file extension *.chm, some people wonder what it is all about.

Chm processor