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CHM File Info - What is a CHM File Format?

What is CHM file format?

CHM (Compiled HTML Help) is a file format used for the online help documents included with Windows programs. It is a proprietary format created by Microsoft. CHM files contain HTML pages, images, and a table of contents, as well as other navigation tools, that are used to search and view the help files.

CHM File Info

CHM files are a type of compressed help file format created by Microsoft. They are most commonly used to store help and documentation files, but can also be used to store any type of data. CHM files are commonly used as they are easy to create and maintain, and take up less disk space than other help and documentation formats.

What does CHM file format stand for?

CHM stands for Compiled HTML (Hypertext Markup Language).

Software, Tool, or Editor used to Create CHM File

There are a variety of software packages and tools available for creating CHM (Compiled HTML Help) files. Some of the most popular include Microsoft HTML Help Workshop, HelpNDoc, RoboHelp, Dr.Explain, and HelpScribble.

Software, Tool, or Editor used to Open CHM File

The most common tool used to open CHM files is Microsoft HTML Help Workshop. Other software that can open CHM files include 7-Zip, PeaZip, and the free version of Foxit Reader.

License Type of CHM File Format

The CHM file format is owned by Microsoft Corporation and is covered by Microsoft’s End User License Agreement (EULA). It is not available for redistribution or sale.

Usage of CHM File Format

  1. CHM files can be used to store and distribute technical documentation, help files, and software manuals.
  2. CHM files can be used to store and distribute collections of HTML documents, such as tutorials, ebooks, and other reference materials.
  3. CHM files can be used to store and distribute collections of images, audio, and video files.

Strucutre of a CHM File Extension

  1. Compiled HTML Help (.CHM) File: This is the compiled help file, which contains the compiled HTML, images, and other files.

  2. HTML Files: This is the collection of HTML files that make up the content of the CHM.

  3. Graphics Files: These are the image and other graphic files that are referenced from the HTML content.

  4. Script and Data Files: These are any additional script or data files that are referenced from the HTML content.

  5. Table of Contents (.HHK) File: This is the table of contents file, which contains the hierarchical structure of the topics in the CHM.

  6. Index (.HHI) File: This is the index file, which contains the keywords used to search the CHM.

  7. Project (.HHP) File: This is the project file, which contains the settings used to compile the CHM.

  8. Binary TOC (.ITB) File: This is the binary table of contents file, which is generated when the CHM is compiled.

History of CHM Format

The CHM (Compiled HTML Help) file format was introduced in 1997 by Microsoft. It was designed to replace the then-popular WinHelp format and was released as a part of the Windows 98 operating system. CHM files are used to store HTML documents and associated media into a single compressed file, which can then be used to create an electronic book or a help system for a software application. The files are compiled by the HTML Help Workshop, a tool from Microsoft, and are used to provide a unified look and feel to a software application’s help system.

CHM files are popular because they are easy to use, relatively small in size, and can be viewed on almost any platform.

Future of CHM Format

CHM (Compiled HTML) file format is a proprietary format used to store help files and other information. It is a popular format for document and information delivery due to its ability to compress large amounts of data into a relatively small file size. The future of the CHM file format is uncertain due to the increasing popularity of other formats such as PDF and HTML. However, the format is still widely supported by many operating systems and applications, so it is likely to remain in use for some time. In the future, it is possible that the CHM format may be replaced by more modern formats such as XML or HTML5, which would offer better compatibility across different platforms and devices.

Operations Performed on CHM File Format

To view and perform all the operations on CHM files, Check these free online CHM web apps

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