Help Authoring Tools (HAT) are systems that aid technical writers in the creation, publication, and maintenance of software help material. The text that is produced is used in explanation guides, manuals, and help files. They’re designed to cut down on the time and effort required to create help materials for employees and end-users. Help authoring tools will be used by technical writers to construct documents from start to end. They can write, edit, and export documents using the apps, which may subsequently be shared with editors, administrators, and other coworkers. The help authoring tool will eventually allow authors to publish documentation digitally. Many of these products can import text from a variety of file types or from software that creates documents. Some products that lack build tools will require interaction with build automation tools in order to be viewed or used.
A product must meet the following criteria to be considered for inclusion in the Help Authoring Tools (HAT) category:
- Have the ability to edit text, data, or code
- Provide a source text input and an output for help files.
- Have the ability to add indexes, content tables, or pictures
- Provide tools for customizing the UI.
Table of Contents
What does Help Authoring Tools(HAT) Software Do?
A Help Authoring Tool’s (HAT) fundamental functions can be split into the following categories:
- Input from a file
Edit HATs get their source text either by importing it from a file created by another application or by allowing the author to generate it using an editor within the tool. From HAT to HAT, the file formats that can be imported differ. ASCII, HTML, OpenOffice Writer, and Microsoft Word are all acceptable file formats, as are compiled Help formats like Microsoft WinHelp and Microsoft Compressed HTML Help.
- Help Output
A HAT’s output can be a compiled Help file in a format like WinHelp (*.HLP) or Microsoft Compiled HTML Help (*.CHM), or it can be a non compiled file formats like Adobe PDF, XML, HTML, or JavaHelp.
- Auxiliary Functions
Some HATs have additional features, such as:
- Assisted or automatic the creation of an index
- Table of Contents generated automatically
- a spell checker
- Editing of images
- Editing of image hotspots
- Text in XML files can be imported and exported for use with computer-assisted translation software.
Owing to its vast usage, choosing a good HAT software for your company becomes very crucial. And that is why we are here to help. Here is a list of the Best HAT software so that you make an informed decision according to your needs.
Top 7 Help Authoring Tools (HAT) Software
HelpNDoc
HelpNDoc is a simple yet effective help creation tool that can produce a variety of documentation formats from a single source. It can create HTML and CHM help files, PDF and Word instructions, ePub and Kindle eBooks, cross-platform Help files, and iPhone and Android mobile websites.
The many tools are grouped utilizing the popular ribbon design first introduced by Microsoft Office: contextual elements such as photo or table editing procedures will only surface when needed, substantially simplifying the overall experience.
Help and Manual
The most common authoring tool for writing and distributing help and technical documentation in a variety of formats is Help+Manual. It provides you with all of the features of a genuine WYSIWYG XML editor. All standard Windows help formats are supported, including Microsoft HTML Help, Webhelp, and Visual Studio Help, as well as Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word documents, and ePUB ebooks.
The built-in multi-user editing feature of Help+Manual is ideal for users sharing a local network (LAN). A version control system is the best option if you need to do multi-user editing remotely and offline (at multiple places).
For added protection and the ability to roll back to previous versions, keep your projects in a version control system. Subversion, Microsoft Team Foundation Server, and Microsoft Visual SourceSafe compatibles are all actively supported by Help+Manual Professional. When you change a topic, it is automatically checked out of the version control database and checked back in when you save it. Manual check-out is also an option, and multi-user editing is, of course, supported when used in conjunction with version control.
Dr. Explain
Uniquely Dr.Explain automatically captures and documents application screens or web pages. Based on a one-of-a-kind interface analysis and capture mechanism. Created CHM, PDF, DOC, and HTML help files, documentation, and online instructions. You are allowed to use the unregistered version of Dr.Explain for as long as you want. Although all output photographs are watermarked, the free unregistered copy is practically fully functioning.
HelpStudio
Tools for creating cutting-edge documentation and support, Helpstudio is a venture of Innovasys. Innovasys is a renowned provider of cutting-edge documentation and helps to author software. Document! X automates the documentation of.NET, ActiveX, databases, Java, Javascript, Web Services, and XML Schema (XSD). HelpStudio allows you to create a single source of browser help, HTML Help, Help 2. x, and PDF help. Managing documentation as part of the software development process can be a difficult task. Helpstudio is able to generate and maintain high-quality, up-to-date documentation in a short period of time and with no overhead.
HelpSmith
HelpSmith is an HTML Help (CHM), Web Help, Printed Manuals, Adobe PDF, MS Word documents, and ePub eBook publishing tool. HelpSmith combines a robust feature set with a user interface that is simple to use and has a low learning curve. If you need a help creation tool to create a CHM help file, an online Web Help system, or a PDF manual, HelpSmith is a good option. It has a lot of features, from a strong word processor to develop help topics to a built-in screenshot tool that can automatically create help for dialogue windows.
AutoVue
Oracle’s AutoVue Enterprise Visualization solutions are designed to address today’s issues in information sharing and collaboration. Oracle AutoVue products can help you transform your organization by providing a single visualization platform for reading, printing, and securely collaborating on nearly any sort of document, from back-office documents to advanced engineering files (MCAD, ECAD, etc).
MadCap Central
MadCap Central is a secure cloud-based content and project management platform with on-premises authoring and publishing capabilities. In addition to that, The user interface of MadCap Central makes it simple to organize your content, projects, teams, and users. Working becomes more customized and productive with a configurable dashboard.
Using help authoring tools has a number of advantages. Single-source and topic-based authoring save time. Once you’ve written a text, you can compile it into other formats using the same source. It’s simple to write, amend, and update.
Work together on documents. Allow your team to collaborate on a single page to produce, comment, and amend the best customer support material possible. No more wasting time looking for the most recent version of a document or trying to compile disparate comments into a single document.
Conclusion
All the above-mentioned Help Authoring Tools(HAT) software have extremely good reviews from their customers and surely deserve a lookout. As you can see, the most important tools are accessible to your right now, and most of them are free!
For more information on Help Authoring Tools head to SaaSworthy.
