Doc-to-Help

Similar to RoboHelp, Doc-to-Help uses a relatively simple graphical interface to help you import documents and create an online help system.

Supported output formats
WinHelp, HTML Help, WebHelp, JavaHelp, Oracle Help; also prints to Microsoft Word.

Pros
Doc-to-Help offers a relatively easy learning curve. It’s cheaper than RoboHelp, but has a similar interface and supports the use of VB scripts to customize style behavior. Free support is available for 30 days after purchase.

Cons
No support for multiple authors for collaborative environments.

Dreamweaver with Deva Tools

Deva Tools is a set of extensions for Macromedia’s HTML authoring software Dreamweaver. Deva allows you to use Dreamweaver for online help by providing navigation tools such as a table of contents and keyword index. While you can certainly create online help with HTML without Deva Tools, HTML alone cannot make it look and act like the standard online help that users are used to seeing.

Deva Tools is a set of extensions for Macromedia’s HTML authoring software, Dreamweaver. Deva allows you to use Dreamweaver for online help by providing navigation tools such as a table of contents and keyword index. While you can certainly create online help with HTML without Deva Tools, HTML alone cannot make it look and act like the standard online help that users are used to seeing.

Supported output formats
Technically, you’re not outputting online help with Dreamweaver and Deva Tools; rather, you’re creating help that looks similar to the WebHelp format.

Pros
It’s a good toolkit for developers who prefer to continue using HTML instead of learning a creation tool, and it’s a great option if you’re already using Dreamweaver; you can use Dreamweaver templates and libraries.

Cons
You can only create HTML-based help; you’ll have to do your own cross-browser testing.