CHW File – What is .chw file and how to open it?
CHW File Extension
Compiled Help Index File – file format by Microsoft
CHW (Compiled Help Index File) is a binary file format developed by Microsoft for use in Windows Help (WinHelp) systems. It contains an index of the help topics in a help file, allowing for faster access to specific topics.
Definition of a CHW File
A CHW file is a compiled help index file used by Windows Help files (.HLP). It contains a hierarchical index of topics included in the associated .HLP file. CHW files are generated using the Microsoft HTML Help Workshop tool and provide a structured and searchable way for users to access help content.
Properties and Characteristics of CHW Files
CHW files are structured as binary files and are typically located in the same directory as the corresponding .HLP file. They are responsible for organizing and indexing the content of the .HLP file, allowing users to quickly locate specific topics and information. CHW files enable fast and efficient searching and navigation within the help documentation, improving user accessibility. Additionally, CHW files can reference multiple .HLP files, providing a central index for a collection of help topics.
Method 1: Using Microsoft HTML Help Workshop
Microsoft HTML Help Workshop is a discontinued software tool used for creating and managing HTML Help files (.chm). To open a CHW file using HTML Help Workshop:
- Install HTML Help Workshop on your computer.
- Launch HTML Help Workshop and click on “File” > “Open”.
- Select the CHW file you want to open.
- The CHW file will be opened in the HTML Help Workshop interface.
Method 2: Using a CHM Viewer
Alternatively, you can use a dedicated CHM viewer to open a CHW file. These viewers are designed specifically for reading and navigating CHM files. Some popular CHM viewers include:
- CHM Reader (Windows): A free and lightweight CHM viewer that allows you to open and browse CHM files.
- CHM Viewer for Android (Android): A free and user-friendly CHM viewer app for Android devices.
- CHM Viewer for iOS (iOS): A paid CHM viewer app for iOS devices that offers advanced features such as keyword search and full-text search.
CHW File Format
A Compiled Help Index File (CHW) is a binary file format created by Microsoft for its Help Viewer application. It contains an index of HTML help files, making it possible for users to quickly search and access specific help topics. CHW files are typically found in the “Help” subdirectory of application installations. They provide a structured and efficient way to organize and retrieve help documentation, allowing users to navigate through vast amounts of information with ease.
Usage
CHW files are typically used in conjunction with HTML help files (CHM). When a user opens a CHM file, the associated CHW file is automatically loaded into Help Viewer. The CHW file provides the index for the CHM file, enabling users to search for specific keywords or browse through the table of contents. By clicking on an indexed item in the CHW file, users can jump directly to the corresponding topic in the CHM file. This seamless integration allows for efficient access to help information, reducing the need for manual navigation and search within the CHM file itself.