In addition to interactive HTML for websites, you can also generate PDF files, a series of static images and a single-file format with an embedded viewer for Microsoft Windows. Individual slides can be saved as single static images, allowing you to use HelpXplain as a powerful editor for annotated screenshots and other graphics.
See Publishing Your Xplains for details on using these formats.
Output formats supported in HelpXplain
HTML Slideshow |
This option creates a folder of HTML and other files that can be viewed on their own in a web browser or embedded in a page of your own on your web server. Uses:This is the main format for all the dynamic infographics for the web that you can create with HelpXplain – image sliders, HowTo screencasts and your own interactive infographics. |
eWriter and Ziphelp help file |
After online HTML this is HelpXplain's most useful and exciting output format. It creates a single help file with the extension .ewriter or .zhelp that can be displayed on any Windows device. These help files are dynamic, supporting all the animations, audio and other functions of Xplains in HTML pages. They are compact, neutral data files that can be downloaded and sent as email attachments without any restrictions. Getting the viewer for eWriter files – Windows 8 and 10:Users on Windows 8 and 10 will be automatically prompted to get the eWriter Viewer app from the Windows Store when they open an eWriter or Ziphelp help file. Getting the viewer for eWriter and Ziphelp files Windows XP, Vista, 7 and MacOS:Users on Windows XP, Vista and 7, and also Mac users, can download the free 32-bit or 64-bit eWriter Viewer installer from the eWriter website here: |
PDF File: |
This creates a static representation of your Xplain in a PDF file, in which each slide is a single page in the PDF. It does not support any animation features, of course. Uses:Static documents distributed as a single file without any need for a browser or a web server. Can be viewed in any PDF viewer application. |
Static Image Series: |
Generates a series of high-quality static images of the slides in your Xplain (all or a selection). Like PDF, this is static without any animation features. Uses:Representations of your slides for integration in documentation or for other purposes. |
Multi-page GIF image |
Generates a single animated GIF image containing all the slides in your Xplain in series. (Not recommended for large Xplains and images.) Uses:GIF images are most useful for display in normal HTML web pages. They allow you to present an animated series of images without any video or other files. |
Individual Static Images: |
Every slide in your Xplain can also be saved individually as a static image (JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP) with the Export Image option in the right-click context menu in the Slides list. Uses:Allows you to use HelpXplain as an image editor for individual images. Also useful for creating individual static versions of your slides for other purposes, for example for screenshots in your documentation and so on. |