Best tool for HTML conversion: RoboHelp or FrameMaker 10

[Guest]

We are approaching an HTML conversion of our FrameMaker books. What tool would you suggest using for best results, RoboHelp or FrameMaker? We have a simple style set but many graphics (screenshots). We currently single-source from Frame to PDF and online Help.

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

FM’s native HTML output has traditionally not been that good – thus the existence of Mif2Go – the TCS route via RH works fine and gives you a variety of output formats. How are you currently creating “online Help”?

[Guest]

Hi there,

Thanks for the quick reply. We're single-sourcing Help from Frame into RoboHelp.

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

Ok, so what are you really asking then? Is there a better tool than TCS? Is that it?

[Guest]

Hi there,

I guess what I'm asking is yes, is there a better tool than TCS, and/or if you've had better luck converting to HTML directly from RoboHelp or FrameMaker 10. There's one school of thought in my organization that it would be better to go directly from RoboHelp to HTML, which I'm not sure I agree with.

[Matt S - Tech Comm Tools]

well, that's a different discussion...should you use RH or FM to manage your content.

RH is HTML (XHTML, to be specific) so it depends on your need for print, willingness to change tools, and to convert content to a new format.

-Matt

[Jeff_Coatsworth]

If you still need to create PDF output, the authoring in FM and creating PDFs from there is best; then use RH to create your WebHelp/AIRHelp/HTML5 Help

[Matt S - Tech Comm Tools]

Without purchasing additional s/w, RH will be your best bet, and miles ahead of the FM HTML output.

A few other solutions are available, and will require you to remap your content much like you've already done for RH.

Make sure you've explicitly mapped your styles (thus eliminating the FM_ styles that show in the HTML view, and you'll be 90% there.

-Matt

Matt R. Sullivan
co-author Publishing Fundamentals: Unstructured FrameMaker 11
P: 714.798.7596 | C: 714.585.2335 | matt@mattrsullivan.com

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