HCMac
Macintosh Help Compiler and Converter
What it does
1) Converts standard Windows .HLP (WinHelp) files so they can be viewed with the Macintosh Help Viewer from Microsoft.
2) Compiles a standard .HPJ help project file and automatically creates two output files, one for Windows and one for the Mac.
3) Extends Visual C++ Cross Development compiler so that help files can be built for both platforms during the compile process. It automatically copies the final Mac output file to the Mac using Microsoft's MFILE utility.
Why it's better
It greatly improves the ease of building help files over using the HC35 compiler supplied by Microsoft. Here are some of the problems it takes care of:
~ Bitmaps are displayed correctly on
the Mac.
~ Larger bitmaps can be
used
~ No more small segmented help files.
~ No more shelling out to
DOS to run HC35.
~ No more 'Out of Memory'
errors.
~ No more 'Font not Found'
errors.
~ Only one .hpj project
file necessary for both platforms.
~ Only one set of .rtf
files for easy maintenance.
~ Both Windows and Mac
versions are built at the same time.
~ It's only $149. No more
huge license fees.
How it works
COMPILING
HCMac is a Windows program that first reads your .HPJ help project file, determines your needs, then runs the HCRTF.EXE Windows95 Help Compiler to generate the Windows version of your help file. All errors from the compiler are reported to you on the HCMac screen.
After the Windows version is successfully generated, HCMac opens the .HLP file and begins doing its magic. After a few seconds, a second help file, this time with a .MAC extension is created.
If you have the Microsoft MFILE utility, which is used to copy files across a serial or TCP/IP network from Windows to a Mac, then HCMac will automatically invoke MFILE and copy your final result to the folder of your choice on the Macintosh.
CONVERTING
Just open any .HLP WinHelp file with HCMac and click on "Convert". Copy the resulting output file to the Macintosh by floppy or network.
Sample Macintosh
Help File Created with HCMac
(read the documentation section on distribution before trying
this file)
HCMac
Price: $149