Which is the Better Tool for Online Instruction Manuals: Adobe Robohelp or MadCap Flare

When it comes to choosing between Adobe Robohelp and MadCap Flare for online instruction manuals, the decision often boils down to personal preference and specific needs. However, as a technical writer, my recommendation is based on experience and usability.

Why ClickHelp?: Agile Technical Writing and Productivity

There are many fine tools available, but as a technical writer, I find ClickHelp to be the most user-friendly option. Here are several reasons why:

Agile Technical Writing

ClickHelp allows for easy updates and revisions. If a product release necessitates minor changes, you don’t need to republish the entire documentation. You can simply select and update specific topics that were modified. This agility is crucial for keeping documentation up-to-date without a complete overhaul.

Productive Writing and Reviewing

The writing experience in ClickHelp is optimized for productivity. Its WYSIWYG editor is intuitive and familiar, similar to popular word processors. You get a suite of features that facilitate efficient document creation:

Text formatting Font size and style changes Insertion of images and tables Link insertion to other documents Creation of bulleted and numbered lists

For more detailed insights, read this post. These features make the writing and reviewing process seamless and effective.

Excellence in online Instruction Manuals

There are several excellent tools for creating online instruction manuals, including Adobe Robohelp, ClickHelp, MadCap Flare, Inline Manual, HelpNDoc, and HelpManual.

As a professional with extensive experience, I favor Adobe Robohelp and give second place to ClickHelp and MadCap Flare. Robohelp offers a comprehensive solution for creating a wide variety of online documents, which is a testament to its versatility and robust features:

Responsive HTML5 Multiscreen HTML5 Mobile App MS HTML .CHM file Web Help Pro e-Book Adobe AIR Flash Help Printed Documentation XML Output

The robust “conditional text” functionality in Robohelp allows the creation of multiple editions of the same source files by assigning tags to all the content. The “dynamic filtering” feature is particularly beneficial, as readers can select customized help files according to their needs. For example, a hotel guide can be filtered to show only hotels in a specific region.

Integration and Support

Robohelp integrates seamlessly with Adobe FrameMaker, a leading platform in technical writing. This integration is a significant advantage, especially for large-scale projects. It can import and link to individual FM files and books, making the process much more efficient. Robohelp can also import various file formats, including:

MS Word HTML/XHTML PDF DITA Map DITA Topics XML files Captivate Projects

The robust support system of Robohelp deserves special mention. Adobe Technical Communication Suite has a well-established user base and has seen significant improvements in customer support. In one instance, I received a response to a support request within two hours on a Sunday, and the issue was resolved with the assistance of a support technician. Adobe places a strong emphasis on customer support in this highly competitive tech market.

Free Trial and Future Considerations

Robohelp offers a 30-day free trial that allows users to evaluate the tool without any financial commitment. This trial can help users understand whether Robohelp aligns with their technical writing needs.

For technical writing tips and tutorials, you can visit the Technical Communication Center.