What is a CHM file?

Chm files are also called compiled help or Compiled HTML Help files. A compiled HTML Help file is a file with a .chm extension that contains a set of HTML files. CHM files were first introduced in Windows 2000 as a replacement for the standard WinHelp files used for displaying help instructions for programs and for the Windows operating system.

A picture of a typical CHM file is shown below. In the left is a a table of contents and in the right is where the help contents are displayed. 

Compiled HTML Help files are a great way to distribute documentation. Now you can use two free programs to quickly and easily create .chm files instead of using expensive, complicated programs. 

Now you can create CHM files easily using free software. Just follow these simple steps...

You're just a few steps away from creating a Compiled HTML Help file. No expensive, complicated software, just install a couple of easy to use programs and you're ready to start making CHM files of your own.

1. Download and install Screenbook Maker

Screenbook Maker is free software that makes it easy to build HTML based tutorials with screenshots, tables of contents, and many other features.

2. Download and install the Microsoft HTML Help compiler

The Microsoft HTML compiler is a free program that combines html files along with text files that give instructions on how those files are to be compiled into a CHM file and produces a CHM file as output. You can use this compiler by itself to make your own CHM files, but the process is tedious. Screenbook Maker automates the process of creating the necessary files that are then compiled by the HTML Help compiler. When you use Screenbook Maker, the HTML Help compiler opens with all content already created and ready to compile. You only need to press the compile button, or optionally add more advanced options directly with the compiler first.

The walkthrough takes you step by step through creating an HTML Help (chm) file using Screenbook Maker. If you'd like to see how simple it is before you start, check out the walthrough first. Creating a compiled HTML Help file with Screenbook Maker takes just a few simple steps.

Also, with Screenbook Maker you create visual tutorials just like this walkthrough and then convert them to HTML Help. That way you get an HTML help file you can distribute and a set of visual tutorials that you can post to the web.