Note: To merge browse sequences in RoboHelp 2002, please follow the link below:
http://kb.helpcommunity.ehelp.com/robo/projects/rhc_kbase/47654.htm
This month you learn about Browse Sequences, and a significant problem that occurs when using Browse Sequences in merged HTML Help (CHM) files.
To help you understand the problem, this tutorial creates two simple help projects in RoboHelp HTML. Then you merge the projects and examine the problem that occurs when using browse sequences in merged CHM files. Finally, you learn the workaround which is performed in Notepad.
This tip deals exclusively with Compressed HTML Help (CHM) files.
Note: The problem identified in this tip does not occur in WebHelp, Oracle Help for Java, or JavaHelp. The problem only occurs in Microsoft HTML Help (CHM) files.
Browse sequences are a series of links that allow users to move forward and backward through a series of Help topics. The TipList uses browse sequences (upper right corner of this window) to allow you to "browse" through this month's tip. The user clicks browse buttons to navigate through the series; the buttons dim when the series has ended.
Browse sequences are ideal for online books and reference material where longer browsing sessions are needed; they are also useful for navigating a series of complex or unfamiliar tasks.
Popup Example of WinHelp Browse sequence buttons
Browse sequences were originally developed by Microsoft for use in WinHelp systems. When Microsoft unveiled HTML Help a few years ago, browse sequences were excluded from the HTML Help design. So Blue Sky, now eHelp, decided to design their own form of browse sequence for HTML Help. The browse sequence shown in the popup example below becomes attached to the HTML Help Viewer (HH.EXE) window.
Example of Enhanced Browse Sequences used with HTML Help
Browse sequences consist of two elements:
Sequence name
HTML topics assigned to the sequence.
RoboHelp includes a tool for creating browse sequences called the Browse Sequence Editor, which is built into RoboHelp Classic and RoboHelp HTML. Later in this exercise you create simple browse sequences. For more detailed instructions please consult your RoboHelp Help file.