The best visual HTML Help builder / Help authoring / CHM creator software
 
RoboAuthor, the HTML Help / Win Help creator program (.CHM and .HLP): create documentation, help systems with ease...
 
FREQUENT QUESTIONS - SUPPORT 
Feel free to email the support staff info at visualvision dot com or use the contact form. Please use a meaningful subject for your emails or you risk being filtered by the junk mail (spam) filter! 
 
Click here for the PDF manual. 
 
Immediate response to frequently asked questions: read below (use "Edit >Find" to search)! 
 
 
 
 
TUTORIALS, BASIC 
Are there any tutorials for the main features? 
Yes, in the internal manual (F1 or click here). 
 
Can RoboAuthor manage frames? And what about the mouseover? The popup windows? Can it create a CHM with a click? Does it protect my work? Does it make the coffee...? 
The answer is always yes . Well... not for the coffee, but we’re working on it! To learn more, scroll below, see the fast tour, take a closer look at the online manual, and read the PDF manual
 
I have used another editor and I can’t understand how to manage HTML files with RoboAuthor... 
RoboAuthor is a standalone tool, not a "compiler", there isn't any need to manage HTML or codes. Of course you can import old HTML pages with “File >Import”. 
 
Is RoboAuthor HTML compatible? 
RoboAuthor has its own internal standard that's independent of HTML; use the Publish menu to export to HTML. 
 
I want to evaluate your program, but I can't get started. I have a manuscript all ready. I want to know how to get it into the program in order to continue and eventually see how your program compiles it. What are my first steps? 
If your work is in another text format, use "File >Import" then choose the format. If not, just start the program and type on the keyboard. CTRL+ for adding new pages. RoboAuthor has its own editor for creating presentations, you don't need external programs. See also the Tutorials, F1 then "Tutorials". 
 
I imported HTML pages into the presentation, but nothing is showing up!! 
Use CTRL+ & CTRL- to move between pages. 
 
I want to create a Web site, not a "help" file! 
You may see www.easywebeditor.com or www.1site.info then. 
 
 
 
LINK AND PAGES, HYPERTEXT FUNCTIONS 
I don’t understand the way RoboAuthor saves pages. 
All hypertext pages are saved in a whole “AEH” file. With “File >Save all” or with the toolbar button, you save all hypertext pages with a single click. 
 
...in the tutorial it says:...then, let’s press the link button in the toolbar (sheet and chain, or > "Insert >Link" from the main menu)... but there is no button labeled "link" in the toolbar...and which toolbar? 
Select a text block then, if you aren't able to find the button with the image of the sheet of paper and the chain, choose from the main menu “Insert” then “Link”. If you are on an image, use the right mouse button, and choose “Define link”. 
 
How can I set the size of a page? 
You can’t set the size of the page, as you can’t know what monitor and what window will be used by the people that will see your Manual. The safe way is to always use percent (%) tables (it is the default in RoboAuthor) and to not assume that the pages have a fixed size. 
 
I want to change the page numbering as I want to insert a page between page 1 and 2, but I can’t. 
No, you can’t. If you really need to do that, you can insert say a page #3, copy the #2 to #3 with “Edit >Paste page from...”, then delete all the text within page #2. Agreed this is not quite what you are looking for, but in any case please remember that the end user will not see the RoboAuthor page numbers, only the page titles, so it really makes no difference. If you were to label page 24 as "Page 1" and page 45 as 
"Page 2" this would have no effect on your readers, as the RoboAuthor page number is just a facility to allow you to switch pages without having to remember the proper page names. 
 
Can I change the number of page #0? 
This is not possible. If you want to set another page as the home page / cover, simply choose “Hypertext >Current hypertext properties”, and click on the left, on “cover”. Any page can be used as the cover, not just the #0. The #0 is just the default. 
 
How can I fix a page width to 535 pixels, in order to obtain the ideal setting when printing to paper? 
You can fix this width for a table. Use the right mouse button on a table cell, and click “Properties”. However, it is better to use % tables, so your presentation will display well on all monitors, from 10 to 19”. 
 
How can I place a link inside the same page? 
The links within the same page are called “Anchors”. First, you need to place the “Anchors”. In order to do this, move the cursor to the link destination and use “Insert >Anchor” from the main menu (or SHIFT+F5). You will see an anchor icon. If you select it with the right mouse button you can edit its properties. A number is assigned to each anchor.  
Now select the text block or the image you want to link, and use “Insert >Special link” (on an image, click the right mouse button, “Define special link”). Click on OK in the window that will be shown. Then you will see a dialog where you can select the destination Anchor. Click on the anchor, then click OK. You can test the result in “read only” mode (Hypertext >Read only). 
 
How can I link to an anchor placed in a different page? 
Select the text block you want to link, then “Insert >Special link”. In the dialog that will be shown, do not choose the first tab but one of the others (e.g. second tab “Normal”) then OK, and select the destination page. Within the preview of that page you can click on the destination Anchor (the number will be copied in the box that’s on the right at the bottom of the window). 
 
I've not been able to find out if I can have different colors for links in the same page... 
You should define different text styles. Each text style can have its own color/style for the links. Use "Format >Styles", then the last tab ("link"). You can also set up the style of the link (underlined, bold, etc.). 
 
Where can I find information about pages contained in a hypertext / presentation / brochure? How can I manage pages? 
Creation: "Insert >New page", "Insert >Link", "Insert >Special link".  
Deletions, management: "Hypertext >Images - files - link archive and erase". 
Access: "Hypertext >Go to page", the bottom center page number box, click the right mouse button on this box. 
 
When I'm editing an *.aeh file, how can I delete a page (in my case page 0 as it is empty)? 
Page 0 can't be deleted. For other pages, use "Hypertext >Images - files - link archive and erase". You can also cut & paste another page to fill the page 0. 
 
I don't understand how to insert a link. 
Select a text block, then press the button with a page and chain. In the window displayed, you can link to an existing page in the hypertext, or to a newer one - more options are also available. 
For example, you choose "new page", then press OK. RoboAuthor will create the new page for you, and will show the page in the editor. If you link to an existing page, you can choose it from an active preview - active means that you can navigate through it like in a browser. When you press OK, the link is made and RoboAuthor shows the destination page in the editor. See also the tutorial in the online help (F1 then "Tutorials", "Create and link pages"). 
 
How can I link an external Html page, for example an Html page that already exists on my Web site? 
Select a block, click on the chain button, choose "Internet", click the “Add” button and write in the left box the address (e.g. "http://mysite.com/ mypage.htm"), then press "OK". 
 
How can I manage the pages different from the main one? Just with links? 
In the bottom center there is a box with the current page number. Click on it with the right mouse button, you will have a list of the most recent visited pages. You can also use “Hypertext >Images - files - link archive and erase”, “Hypertext >Go to page...”, “File >All pages...”. 
 
How can I copy a page within another in the same hypertext (with Html I can do it with "save as", then "open". Is there another way in RoboAuthor)?  
"Insert >New page", then "New page by copying existing one"; or "New page by copying from another hypertext", ... 
You can also use "Edit >Paste page from...". 
 
How can I manage headers and footers? 
If you use F1 and search for the keyword "header" or "footer" (Search >Keyword search) you'll get the answer. 
In short, you can use any page as the header or footer for any other page, i.e. if you want a global header for the whole presentation: 
- create a page and insert within it everything you want in your header (a logo, a sentence, etc.). 
- choose "Hypertext >Current hypertext properties", second tab, and press the "browse..." button near “header”. In the window that appears, choose the page you just created. 
With “Format >Current page properties” you can define a private header (or no header) for any page. 
 
Do you have some step by step guidelines on how to create, open, and close popup windows? 
To open a popup, select a text block, "Insert >Special link", 3rd tab (independent window or popup). To close a popup, in the page where the popup should be closed, use "Insert >Page functions >Open/close windows", then specify the name of the popup. The popup is closed on entering the page. You can open the .aeh files used as examples (speciallinks.aeh). 
 
I imported HTML pages into the document, but nothing is showing up!! 
Use CTRL+ CTRL- to move between pages. 
 
I can only get to non-linked pages when I am in the "edit/preview" mode, by using the page scroller (the box at the bottom of the screen, with the page number) or CTRL+-. Is this normal? Will normal keyboard/mouse paging work when I will create the CHM helpfile? 
No, you have to place links. The other ways to manage pages are only active in the editor (this simplifies the creation / management of pages). 
 
Is there a limit to the length of the URL you can insert with "Insert >Link", 3rd tab? 
Yes, there is an internal limit. You can insert longer links very simply, by using the "Long link plugin": it will install a new menu under "Insert >Link to". Click here for the download (save somewhere on the desktop and double click to install; click here for more plugins). 
 
What is the maximum number of pages I can use? Is there a maximum size? 
Up to 260000 pages. 
 
Will your program allow me to create an index at the top of a page, create a paragraph or graphics several lines down the page, use the indexed item as a heading for the paragraph or graphics and link to it, also add a 'return to top of page' at the end of each paragraph? 
You can insert any kind of links but you have to insert links manually.  
You can use "anchors" for links within the page. The program can create an automatic linked index with "Insert >Contents". To repeat a block on the top of a page, use the Header function (Format menu). 
 
 
 
TABLES 
Does percent % size mean the table will automatically be sized to the content? 
It means the table will fit the screen pixel width, using a %. When you insert a new table, the software uses 100% as the default. Unless you have a particular requirement, do not change this setting. It will fit automatically any browser window. 
 
I inserted an image in a table. Why does it appear in all cells? 
Perhaps you inserted the image as the table “background”. If you want to insert an image as a single “cell” background, use the right mouse button on the cell, “Properties”, second tab, then click the Sun and Cactus icon. 
 
When I have to write words in 3 columns do I have to insert a table or can I just use the space bar? 
It is better to use a table. Never use the space bar as, if you view the page from another PC, the size of the space might be different and you will lose the alignment. 
 
How can I create a table with more than one column within a row? 
You can insert a new table with any number of rows or columns within a cell of another table. 
 
How can I delete a table? 
There are many ways. For example put the cursor on a cell, press the right mouse button, then choose "Select table", then press DEL. 
 
How can I copy a table? 
Select the table as above, then press CTRL+INS. Move the cursor to the destination, then press SHIFT+INS. 
 
I'm having a problem formatting text in a table. The table text automatically formats itself to Times New Roman (my default font is Arial) and I also can't select the entire table, column or row to apply the required formatting. 
The table default style is "[no style in tab]". Simply change that style with "Format >Styles". 
 
 
 
IMAGES, AREAS, HOT SPOTS, THUMBNAILS, BACKGROUNDS, ICONS, ROLLOVER 
How can I manage a rollover (mouse over sensitive) image? 
On an image, click the right mouse button, "Properties", then select the "Low res and mouse" tab and press the icon with the cactus and sun (on the right). 
 
Animated GIFs don't play in the editor! 
Move to preview mode (Hypertext >Read only). 
 
How can I move images and position them somewhere in the page? I can’t position an image as I would like. 
The “fixed” position for an image is good when you create a text that will be printed on paper, but makes no sense for a CD presentation, where the reader can see your work inside an unknown width window. Your user might use a 600 pixel or a 1200 pixel width window, and you don’t know that. The best thing to do then is to create a CD that will be seen well on any PC, in other words a presentation that all readers will like. To do this, simply use “invisible” tables (i.e. tables without any border) to position images on the page. 
 
If I want to add a caption near to an image is it better to use tables or frames? 
Better to use a table. 
 
How can I delete an image inside a table? 
Select the image and press DEL two times. If the image is a background, choose “Table >Properties”. To delete the table, click the right mouse button, “Select table”, DEL. 
 
Can I write some text over an image, similar to using layers in a graphics program? 
No, you should use PaintShop PRO or a similar graphics program to achieve this. Click over an image with the right mouse button and choose "Edit...". 
 
Is there a fast way to change the image background for all pages of a manual? 
There are two ways. If the background is already an image, use “Hypertext >Images - files - link archive and erase”, select the image, then press “Replace...”. Otherwise there is a button in the bottom right of the second tab of “Hypertext >Current hypertext properties” dialog. 
 
How can I place text beside an image? 
Create a simple table with one row and two columns. Inside the first column, insert the image. Inside the second one, insert the text. 
 
I am having trouble inserting an image with a transparent background. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. 
It should work for the large majority of GIF images. However, not all images are suitable to be automatically converted using the included transparent-color processor, so you may have to proceed manually with paint programs such as Paint Shop PRO or Corel Photo Paint. 
 
Is it possible to add more than one clickable area (hot spot) on an image? 
You can insert up to 20 areas per image. If you need more, you can split the image into different sections with a paint program. 
 
I see the "paste from clipboard" can perform the automatic conversion of a WMF to a GIF / JPG format with a lower byte size. As I already inserted WMF images, can I convert them to GIF in some way or must I reinsert them? 
Unfortunately, you must reinsert. 
 
I can't insert animated GIF files using "Insert >Animation"! 
Please use "Insert >Image". 
 
Where can I find the included clip art? 
In the “Insert >Images” dialog, “From disk”; click on the icon with the mountain and the sun. 
 
How can I insert pictures that will be enlarged in a separate window when you click on them? Should I use the click area / hot spots? What can I do with a click area? 
A click area is useful when you want to assign different destination links to different sections of a single image. For example let’s say you have a picture of yourself. You can assign an area to the eyes, an area to the mouth, and so on. A click on the eyes may display a page where you talk about your wonderful blue eyes and so on... 
If you want to create a gallery with some thumbnails linked to larger images in a separate window, you don’t need to use hot spots. Simply create a page containing a series of small images, then insert a new page for each enlargement and assign links to each small image (click on the image with the right mouse button, “Define special links”). Inside the “special link” dialog you can specify to use a popup to display the destination link (the page containing the larger image), and you can specify a name for the popup. 
 
Is there a way to place icons or thumbnails on my page, then click to view a larger image? 
Yes, just insert a little image (you can do it with a paint program) then insert a link (click on the image with the right mouse button, "Define link") to a page that contains the larger image. If you use "Define special link" you can also show the larger image in a popup. 
 
How can I set a background image or a background color for a page?  
“Format >Page properties”, then click the icon with the cactus and the sun.  
You can also insert tables using an image as the background (click on a table or on a table cell with the right mouse button, then properties). 
 
I designed a navigation bar in Paint Shop PRO, how do I insert that into page and add links to each button? 
Insert >Image then add hot spots (clickable areas) with the right mouse button, then define links with right mouse button. 
 
I have an image and some text on one page. I want the text to line up on the right of the image, and I suppose using a frame will do it, but I can't get my image into a frame. 
Better to use a simple table, rather than a frame. Just use "Insert >Table" then use a table with 2 columns, 1 row (if you want to create frames, simply drag the top or left border of the edit window). 
 
Is there any way to assign an image as a border for a page? I have an image that is about 1 inch wide and I want it wrapped around the page. Can this be done? 
You can create a table with 3 rows x 3 columns, and use the image as the background for the 8 externals cells (click the right mouse button from within the cell, then select "Properties"). If you edit the Style of the paragraph that contains the table ("Format >Styles"), you can eliminate the upper and external borders that this solution often leaves. 
 
 
 
STYLES AND FONTS 
If I change the font height, it sometimes gets lost when I write additional text. Why? 
Do not move the cursor after changing the font style. 
 
Can I save a style? 
Yes. Simply write its name in the styles cell, then press ENTER, and the settings of the current paragraph will be saved as style. You can also import styles from another hypertext. For creating new styles you can also choose “Format >Styles”. See also the manual for more info! 
 
How can I recall a style I saved? 
Simply click on the styles cell and select the required style! 
 
How can I change the style of the links within a table? 
Like any style, i.e. by using "Format >Styles". The default style for tables is [no style in table] 
 
I have created a presentation and used some of the fonts installed on my computer for the pages. The problem I have is when other people install and view it, the fonts are not the same as the ones I used to create the presentation. Should I use just fonts that are universal on all computers?  
Yes, Times New Roman, Arial and Courier New. If the user has MSWindows + Office usually also Verdana and some others. It is not possible to distribute fonts due to copyrights. If you want to use a fancy font for titles, you may use transparent images - we have a free "plugin" that permits you to do this automatically (you select a text, you click a button, the text is instantly transformed into an image by using the current font). The image will be identical for all the end users. Please see www.visualvision.com/plugin/ "text to image" plugin. 
 
 
 
FRAMES 
How can I delete some frames I inserted? 
You should delete them frame by frame. To delete a frame you should move its border to the top or to the left (depending of the kind of the frame). It may be faster to choose “Format >Advanced frameset manager”, to load a simplest frame set from a template, then press OK. 
 
How can I remove the frames border? 
Choose "Format >Page properties >Frame properties" (or use the right mouse button). In the dialog, uncheck the box “show rectangle border” and write 0 inside the “border between frames" box. 
 
I am working with frames and I noticed that the frames will not allow me to align text/images to the top right-hand corner.  It looks like the frames have a top margin of about .5". Can I get rid of this? 
Yes, use "Hypertext >Current hypertext properties", second tab, and change the "margin" from -1 to 0. 
 
I want to add a page with frames. I want to use as an existing page as a frame. 
Create a new frame set. Within a frame, use the right-click mouse menu to select which page will fit the frame. You can also use "Format >Advanced frame set management". See the chapter about frames. 
 
I have a page with too many frames. I went to "Hypertext", then "Images - files - hyperlink archives and erase" and tried to delete the pages with the frames. When I go back to the page, the frames are still there. What am I doing wrong? 
You probably deleted another page. When working in the page with the frames, press the "no frame" button at the bottom of the page. That switches the view to "no frame" mode, (note: it doesn't actually delete the frames, it is just a display option). This way you will see which is the master page for the frame set. Delete it and the frame set will be deleted. Another way to delete a frameset is to replace it with another, (Format >Advanced frame set manager). To delete a frame you should move its border to the top or to the left (depending of the kind of the frame). 
 
 
 
TEMPLATES 
The templates seem to be in a foreign language, maybe Italian! Where could I get English ones? 
The templates are not in Italian. It is a dummy latin-like language that has no meaning. The text is there purely to fit the page for demonstration purposes. You can replace it with anything you like. To edit the images, right click then choose "Edit...". To put your own text on some buttons please use "Insert >Image" then search for an empty clip art button (for the regular edition, see the Clipart folder, there are several empty buttons), then you may right click the image and use "Edit..." in order to superimpose a text with your default graphic / paint program. Alternatively, you may get the 3D Buttons software. 
 
When working from a template, I am unable to edit any of the links to change their appearance or function. Clicking on a link and then right-click, "Edit" sends me to Tools, Program Options, where there is no info on editing 
If you have a recent edition, right click then use "Link properties", otherwise just use "Insert >Link" (or right click then "Define link" on an image) and the link will be deleted and / or replaced. 
If you choose "Edit" on an image, the program will attempt to run your default graphic / paint program (if any). 
 
 
 
CD WIZARD, CDROM PUBLISHING 
Can I create a CD with RoboAuthor for a third party, by using the internal CD Wizard? Are there some royalties to be paid? Should I include any license information? 
You can't create a CD for a third party. You must get HyperPublish for creating and distributing CDs to third party. RoboAuthor does not include the redistribution license. You have no royalties to pay if you distribute works created with HyperPublish, any CD created with HyperPublish may be freely distributed. Click here to learn more about HyperPublish. 
 
Does RoboAuthor support DB files when on CD? 
No, RoboAuthor does not support DB files. 
 
I have several PDF files that I would like to place on a reference CD. Can RoboAuthor import PDF files? If not, how can I link to PDF files? 
You can't import PDF but you can simply link them with the "run:" command, i.e. you can place links like "Click here to read document #1", where a click will launch the PDF (search for “Advanced CD functions” in the online help). You may also include the Acrobat Reader on the CD and run it with the same "run:" command, i.e. you can place a link such as: "please click here to install the Acrobat Reader if you don’t already have it". 
 
Can I use a Java Applets, Active X controls, Javascript, VBScript or ASP when creating a CD?  I added an applet and I can view it in the browser but when I build the CD the applet doesn't show. 
The RoboAuthor internal CD browser can't run Applets, Active X or Javascript. You can however export as HTML files (File >Export) then create an HTML CD. 
 
I have created a CD with the internal CD Wizard, but when I install it on a PC, it transfers all AEH files to the users HD. Is there a way to avoid this? 
Yes you can instruct the program to leave the main part of the files on the CD, (this way your user will need to keep the CD inserted to see your work). Or maybe you can get CDFrontEnd (www.cdfrontend.com), with CDFrontEnd nothing is installed on the end user's hard disk. 
 
I can't understand how to create a CD. 
Please read the CD-ROM tutorial ("?-Help" then "Help" then "Tutorials"). It is really simple. 
 
Can I protect the CD with passwords? 
No. You should use CDFrontEnd or EBooksWriter for doing this. 
 
I'd like to be able to have one link on a page that says "Available documents" and when the user clicks it, a window will open showing file folders and available files to use. There will be around a hundred files on this resource disk, and to create links to all of them would be too much work. 
Select a text block, choose "Insert >Link" from the main menu, choose the 3rd tab, then the "Add +" button, then instead of "http://.." enter "run:c:\path" or "run:cddrive:\path" (in the latter case, the program autodetects the CD-drive when the Reader is installed from the CD-ROM, and automatically replaces the cddrive keyword). 
 
Does your software support PDF files or can I convert them into something else? The manufacturers we represent have all of their product sheets in PDF format. 
With RoboAuthor you can create an hypermedia CD with links to PDF files. You can also include on the CD a page where the user can install the Acrobat Reader (see run: function in Advanced Functions Chapter). RoboAuthor can't import PDF files directly. 
You can (indirectly) save your RoboAuthor files as PDF, see below. 
 
 
 
CHM, HLP, WINHELP, HTML HELP, LANGUAGES 
I'm having trouble getting *.HLP export. What is the difference between *.HJP and *.HLP, as I only seem to get *.HJP to export, and this certainly doesn't work as a *.HLP file 
HJP (and other files generated by RoboAuthor) must be compiled with the MS help compiler (HPC) in order to obtain the HLP file. RoboAuthor can do this automatically but HPC should be installed. Click here for more information. 
 
I have problems creating a .CHM file (HTMLHelp)... 
First verify that the Microsoft HTMLHelp Workshop is installed (click here for more info). If ok, choose "Publish >Export pages", then, at the top, "HTMLHelp" as the format. In the "path" tab please choose a temporary directory for the temporary files needed during the process, e.g. c:\temp. Then press "Ok". If the Help compiler doesn't automatically start, select the c:\temp folder within Windows Explorer and double- click on yourfilename.hhp (if file extensions are disabled on your PC, you should see 3 yourfilename files, in this case please click on the one shaped). Once the HTMLHelp Workshop is started, choose "File >Compile", and you'll get the .chm file.  
 
After I compile as HTMLHelp, a page doesn't show in a Window. When in simple HTML or while in RoboAuthor it works... 
You should include that page somewhere in the TOC (Hypertext >Predefined page order - TOC), so the Microsoft Compiler will be able to find it. 
 
Can I use a .CHM for context sensitive Help? 
Yes you can. The Context-ID (or Topic ID) for each page is simply the page number. See your programming environment manual to see how to call an HTML Help topic by Topic ID. 
 
What if I want to call context-sensitive Help (i.e. I want to call a chosen page when the user hits F1), in Delphi 3/5? Or VB? 
Delphi: download this unit (click here), and add it to the “uses” section. Then use “Project >Options” to assign the name of your .CHM file as Help File name. Then insert the page number you want to call in the “HelpContext” section of each control (as you did for WinHelp). Most recent Delphi doesn't need this unit as the HTMLHelp support is already included by default, see the user's manual. Visual Basic (VB): click here. For information about integrating HTML Help within various programming languages (C++ MFC, Access, Clarion, Visual Fox PRO) click here. 
 
When I am writing my helpfile and save it as a CHM, it only shows the cover page and nothing else, even though I saved it with 5+ pages in it. Can you please help? 
You must insert some links for the other pages, either arrows, text links, or some way for the reader to navigate through your presentation. Remember that the end user can not use the "page number" facility, which is provided just as a quick means to switch between pages during development. With links you can move the user from page 0 to 45 and then to 3 and to 2, it is not necessary to adopt the structure of a regular printed brochure. 
You may also use Hypertext >Predefined page order - TOC to setup a Table of Contents, and Hypertext >Keywords to set up a keywords list. 
 
What can I do with an "AEH"? Can I only see it with RoboAuthor? 
If not protected, you can see an "AEH" with almost all Visual Vision products. 
 
 
 
 
AEH / DOC / ZIP / PDF / FLASH / JAVA / ASP 
How can I insert an external file? For example a ZIP, a PDF, etc.? 
You can embed the file within the presentation. Select a text block, then "Insert >Link", then the 4th tab, then select the file you want to insert from the file system. 
 
What can I do with an "AEH"? Can I see it only with RoboAuthor? 
You can see an "AEH" with different VisualVision products and also with the free EBooksReader which works on the same principle as Acrobat Reader. An AEH file contains a whole presentation, so your work becomes easy to share. If you password protect the AEH, it can be seen only with RoboAuthor or EBooksReader. 
 
Can I insert Java Applets, JavaScripts within a page? Can I use ASP? 
Yes, but not visually (Insert >HTML). The program does visually implements the most diffused scripts such as rollovers, popup windows, etc. 
 
Why does the size of the AEH remain the same even if I delete some multimedia files ? 
It is not sufficient to delete a link, a button or a video with the DEL key. To enable a fast reuse, RoboAuthor archives each thing you use in an internal archive or “album”. If you delete the link, the file remains inside the album. If you want to delete the file, please choose “Hypertext >Images - files - link archive and erase”, search the file then delete it with DEL. 
 
Can I save in PDF format? 
Yes, indirectly. If you have the Adobe product installed, choose "File >Print" then print to the "Acrobat Distiller". You "print" to this printer, you actually get a PDF file.  
If you don't have Adobe, there are also other products that works same way (= do install a "fake" PDF printer under MSWindows). One is "PDF camp" (click here); another one is Go2PDF (free, click here). 
There is also a more complex way by using the free "Ghostscript" (you can find it on simtel.net): you should install a fake PostScript printer (an Apple LaserJet for example), print to FILE: (instead of LPT1), save the file as filename.ps then use Ghostscript to convert from PS to PDF. A correct Ghostscript command on the DOS prompt is gswin32c -q -d -dPDFSETTINGS=/printer -dCompatibilityLevel=1.3 -dNOPAUSE -dBATCH -sDEVICE=pdfwrite -sOutputFile=c:\nomeoutputfile.pdf nomefile.ps). 
 
 
Any examples for interacting with Flash? 
Just use "Insert >Flash" to insert SWF animations within your pages (GOLD edition only). 
 
How can I import files? 
To import, use "File >Import" and choose a file format (RTF; HTML; ASCII), then search for the files you want to import in the file system (shown on the left) and drag them to the right. The program can import multiple files at one time and automatically divides a single file into pages. Use CTRL+ CTRL- after the import to see the pages. The import functions sometimes discards the text format, so it would be better to use the native program functions once you have learned them. 
 
When I import RTF, how does the system split a single file into multiple pages, how does it decide when to end a page and start a new one? 
It uses an internal criteria. 
You can choose (in the import format menu) one file/one page or one file/multiple pages. The latter option ensures that page breaks in the existing document are maintained in your created pages. 
 
I have imported RTF pages, but some of them do not include the "continue" link on the new pages. 
You are supposed to write the pages INSIDE the program. If you import the pages from another program, you will need to add the links. The program can place very powerful links, not only the sequential links expected for a sequential piece or book. 
 
After importing, the very first page of the brochure is blank and I can not get rid of it. 
Simply copy another page inside it. Alternatively, change the settings of the program so that the cover page and the summary page are not using the first page ("Hypertext >Current Hypertext properties"), then second tab, then click on the left on "cover" or "summary" and choose the required page. 
 
I imported an .rtf document and set up some links to certain portions of it (hypertext?). The links work fine, but in the non-edit, preview mode, I can only get to the linked pages, not the ones without links. 
This is normal, as the preview mode is designed to work as if published, and no pages would be available in a live situation, unless linked. 
 
We have user manuals which were created using another program. If we choose to use your software, will we be able to maintain/edit/revise the old manuals in it, or will they have to be recreated? 
If your other program is able to save in RTF, HTML or ASCII formats, or at least allows copying to the clipboard, you will be able to import the data to our software (possibly some reformatting will be required). 
 
Can your program import Word Perfect format (WPF files)? 
No, but within Word Perfect you can choose "Save as..." then save your file in RTF format, that can be imported by our program. 
 
 
 
GENERIC QUESTIONS 
I can’t find the answer to my question! 
No problem, just  write to us! As you see... we respond to all! 
 
I get "Share error... " 
This means the same file is opened in another instance of RoboAuthor (go to the task bar and close the other instance); or you are out of disk space; or the AEH file is marked as "read only" in the MSWindows file manager. 
 
I can't delete some objects with DEL. 
Use DEL twice. 
 
The XYZ window displays too small for me! 
Please resize the window. RoboAuthor stores and remembers window settings. 
 
How can I see the hypertext on a browser, or in HTML? 
Publish >Browser preview; Publish >Export HTML... 
 
I'm writing a manual for an application and I need to include multiple copies of the application logo and application name. Is there a quick way? 
Create a new page, insert the name and the logo of the application.  
Then you can use "Edit >Paste page from..." to insert the logo anywhere you want. You might also use Headers and Footers (F1, Search). 
 
I can't use tabs! 
You can use the "reduce indent" and "increase indent" buttons. Use tables for creating columns. 
 
The copy and paste procedure sometimes discards the text format. 
This can happen for short text, as RoboAuthor tries to use intelligent behavior when you cut & paste. Sometimes the behavior is not exactly as you might expect. 
 
Can I insert the same text and/or image group in multiple pages, like a "C include"? 
You can do this indirectly, by using frames or header/footers. 
 
How can I make floating windows? 
When a user browses your presentation, there are two ways a window can show: 
- when the user clicks on a special link ("Insert >Special link") 
- when the user enters a page that contains an "open window" component ("Insert >Page functions >Open / close windows" 
You can see some samples in the es_aeh folder. 
 
In a manual with lots of images, it seems as though there are problems with previews. 
Use “Tools >Program options” to increase the image cache settings. 
 
I can’t “minimize” the application. 
Select “Tools >Program options” then “Reset dialogs settings”, then exit from the application. 
 
I have a problem with the program locking up. It seems to be related to the file I am working in because I had a few other files that I was working with and am not having the problem there. If the file is corrupted in some way is there anything I can do about saving some of the pages? Help! I don’t want to start over! 
First, search for the .BAK file (automatic backup). It is the previous edition of the work and you can open it if you rename it to .AEH within MSWindows. 
When a file is corrupted the most practical way is to open a new file, and copy the pages (the non-corrupted ones) from the old file, using "Edit >Paste page from...". 
 
I have Hyper Publish PRO (HP). What is the difference with RoboAuthor? 
HyperPublish PRO does include all RoboAuthor features. 
 
I have an old 200MHz PC, is it sufficient? Can I create/view a good CD presentation with this PC and RoboAuthor? 
Of course. 
 
Do you have a Mac edition? 
No, but if you have Virtual PC you can use the MSWindows version. 
 
I have an icon for email - I've checked the tutorial and can't find out how to make this work! 
Very simple: select the image, click the right mouse button on it, choose "Define link", then the 3rd tab, click the "+ Add" button, then enter mailto:youraddress@aol.com 
 
Can I insert forms in RoboAuthor? 
Yes. Alternatively, you can link to a page that contains a form in your Web site. If the user wants to send the form, he/she must be connected, so this solution will be OK for all cases. 
 
I can't get the spell check working! 
The application uses the MS spell check engine. Some installations of Office 2000/XP mess things up. A practical solution to get things working quickly is to install an old MSWord release (for example Word 7). See the Web forum for a patch and detailed instructions. 
 
The program says “Access Violation XXXX”, then hangs... 
You have too many applications opened (”too many” may mean 4-5 in Win98/ME...!). Close some applications or restart the computer. The error numbers like 00231245E are of no use to us at all. 
If this happens and you are able to provide us with step by step instructions on how to reproduce the error, (e.g. open the program, write "mickey", press "save" and the error ALWAYS happens) we can correct the problem. Often it is not a problem with the program, but a problem of limited handles within MSWindows. 
 
If I switch to “read only” (Edit/Preview button), the slides don’t appear to work. 
You have to use “Hypertext >Reload page” to start the sequence. To obtain this at load time, configure the hypertext “Read only” with “Hypertext >Options”. 
 
I have noticed that in some of my work, when I resize the windows (larger or smaller), some tables or images move and don't retain their position. Is there a solution to this problem? 
This isn't a "problem". You would benefit from practicing with the "invisible" tables, and learning how to use them to correctly position images and text. You must remember that the final users screen and window sizes are unknown. At the end of the PDF manual you will find some useful suggestions on how to create this kind of positioning. 
 
I have created a CHM file and used some of the fonts installed on my computer for the pages. The problem I have is when other people install and view it, the fonts are not the same as the ones I used to create the help file. Should I use just fonts that are universal on all computers?  
Yes, Times New Roman, Arial and Courier New. If the user has MSOffice usually also Verdana and some others. Use GIF images when you want different fonts. 
 
I have worked with several presentations in the past, although I do not have any of them now. My question is related to the size. I have created most of these pages and you have to scroll them. I do not want that. In the past with past presentation programs, it automatically saved to open in the current screen and there was no scrolling needed. What do I have to do to make this work? 
Simply divide your pages into different pages. 
 
Is there a way to setup a printing order for the pages, so when the user wants to print, there is a predefined order? 
Just use "Hypertext >Predefined order - TOC" to setup an order. You can define chapters and subchapters, or just sequential pages. 
Then with "File >Print" you can choose to print the pages by using the predefined order. 
 
 
 
 
PURCHASE - REGISTRATION 
I created some pages with the TRIAL version, can I use the project with the regular edition, without having to redo it all? 
Yes, sure. 
 
I have some problems. 
Write to the email address provided in the registration email. Be sure to include your order # and possibly attach the receipt of the payment so we can proceed faster. 
 
How can I get RoboAuthor? 
Click here or below: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For more questions, contact us, or see the Web site, http://roboauthor.visualvision.com 
 
 
ebooks authoring and publishing software 
easy software for busy people! 
 
 
See this site in: Deutsch* | Español* | Français* | Italiano | Portuguese* (*machine translated) 
 
Get RoboAuthor and create documentation (HTMLHelp WinHelp .CHM .HLP manuals) for your software application in minutes! 
 
RoboAuthor is a VisualVision software. 
 
Take advantage of our great offers and be productive in minutes. [electronic edition, click here] [CD edition] 
 
Get started in 2 minutes [click here] 
 
Overview in 10 steps [click here] 
 
The fastest way for starting with RoboAuthor is to get the fast PDF manual - you need the free Acrobat Reader and XP or the free WinZip for decompressing [click here] 
 
Read the manual online [click here] 
 
Download 
 
 
Talk about your projects, exchange tricks and ideas with other users [click here] 
Free newsletter! 
Keep yourself updated, subscribe to the VisualVision Newsletter now, it’s free! Enter your email here:  
 
 
Tools 
Other easy tools from Visual Vision: 
 
 
 
*limited offer; US dollars 
 
Create a CD/Web catalog, autoinstall CDs 
 
 
 
 
 
 
+Contacts - Frequently asked questions (FAQ) - More: use the contact form 
User's Web forum - Get RoboAuthor electronic edition - Get RoboAuthor on CD - Bundles and offers - Buy now! 
 
VisualVision has also these good programs: 
catalog softwareWeb site CD catalog software HyperPublish: create a product catalog, an hypermedia CD, a Web Site, also with database CSV import 
ebook softwareebook software, protect, pack, compile, create EBooksWriter: create and protect a self-installing ebook with ease! 
create websitepersonal or business website software 1site: create a professional Web site, personal or business Website, with e-commerce, photo gallery 
web page designweb site creator software EasyWebEditor: create Internet pages, build your Web site page in minutes - Web space, hosting, domain 
create documentationproduct catalog PaperKiller: create a manual and/or Html Help, guides, reference manual 
create help fileautorun cd RoboAuthor: manage software documentation, Helpfile, CHM HLP 
product catalogautoplay cd CDFrontEnd: create autorun CD presentation, CD brochure, CD business card, selfrunning autoplay CD, organize documents on CD 
ecommerce web editor Looking for a nice present? Perogatt Special Editions! 
 
Software: create Website, CD, catalog, ebook, manual, brochure create catalogs ebook software create make build compile E-books Ebook e-book software Ebook editor software visual ebook editor and compiler e-book compiler e-book collection library logiciel ebook programa ebook crear ebook programma ebook create ebook kindle create ebook palm create ebook sony reader Website builder software Create your own Website Web Website publishing software create CDROM cd front end autorun cd CD brochure CD business cards make cd CDROM presentation cd menu Web page design software Create a Web site Web site design software program Web site editor software build Web site Website software logiciel Web programa Web crear sitio Web soluzioni semplici Create CD / Web catalog Create hypermedia hypertext CD / Web catalogue catalog Create catalogs CDROM builder software Catalog creator software Create make a CD ROM catalog Create software manual, WinHelp, Html Help Make online manual Create a manual, software HTML Help compiler, CHM creare manuale chm spettacolo spettacoli Creare un sito Web, CDROM, catalogo, manuale, ebook, ipertesto Creare CD sito DVD catalogo, programma per Realizzare CD sito Web aziendale DVD catalogo, software per Creare pagine Web, programma per Costruire sito Internet Creare manuali, WinHelp, Html Help, software per Fare un manuale, programma per Creare ebook créer site Web logiciel site Web créer pages Web son pages Internet programma sito Web creare sito Web programa sitio Web crear paginas Web créer CD DVD autorun CD démarrage automatique autorun autoplay CD DVD menu auto executable Creare ebook Creare catalogo Web CD DVD programa ebook Shareware software resource, upload, distribute, retail, resellers, magazines, tips accordi chitarra get software programmi semplici programmi semplici free games finanza, borsa americana programmi semplici soluzioni semplici  
Robo Author is a Visual Vision product 
We've had an Internet presence since 1996, and have been selling online since 1998 
We are proud members of the Association of Software Professionals 
RoboAuthor™, ©2022 Visual Vision®, leader in hypertext software 
Create html help system helpfile CHM HLP documentation for software applications. With ease.