ZHELP File – What is .zhelp file and how to open it?

ZHELP File Format

A ZHELP file is a compressed package containing online help files for EC Software products. It is designed to provide a convenient way to distribute and store help documentation for software applications. ZHELP files are typically created using the ZHELP Packager tool, which allows developers to organize and compress help files into a single package. Once created, ZHELP files can be easily installed and viewed using the ZHELP Viewer application.

Usage and Features

ZHELP files facilitate the distribution and use of help documentation for software applications. They enable users to quickly access help content without having to navigate through multiple files or install additional help modules. ZHELP files also support full-text search functionality, making it easy for users to find specific information within the help documentation. Additionally, ZHELP packages can contain multiple help sets, allowing developers to organize documentation for different modules or versions of the software. ZHELP files are particularly useful for software vendors who need to provide comprehensive help documentation to their users in a convenient and easy-to-manage format.

Opening ZHELP Files with Ziphelp

ZHELP is a proprietary file format used by EC Software’s Ziphelp Help Authoring tool. To open and edit ZHELP files, you will need to install Ziphelp on your system. Once Ziphelp is installed, you can simply double-click on a ZHELP file to open it in Ziphelp. Alternatively, you can open Ziphelp and then use the File > Open menu to locate and open the ZHELP file you want to edit.

Once a ZHELP file is open in Ziphelp, you can view and edit its contents. Ziphelp provides a comprehensive set of tools for creating and editing help files, including a built-in HTML editor, a table editor, and a spell checker. You can also insert images, videos, and other media into your help files. When you are finished editing a ZHELP file, you can save it as a ZHELP file, an HTML file, or a PDF file.

Opening ZHELP Files in Other Applications

While Ziphelp is the primary application for opening and editing ZHELP files, there are a number of other applications that can open ZHELP files. These applications include:

• 7-Zip: A popular free file archiver that can open and extract ZHELP files.
• PeaZip: A free and open-source file archiver that can open and extract ZHELP files.
• WinRAR: A commercial file archiver that can open and extract ZHELP files.
• File Viewer Plus: A commercial file viewer that can open and view ZHELP files.

These applications can be used to open ZHELP files if you do not have Ziphelp installed on your system. However, they will not allow you to edit the contents of ZHELP files.

ZHELP File Structure and Usage

The ZHELP file extension denotes “Ziphelp Package.” It is a compressed archive that contains help files (.HLP) used by Windows-based applications. ZHELP files combine multiple HLP files into a single, compressed package to manage help documentation efficiently. By utilizing compression algorithms, ZHELP files reduce the overall size of the help files, minimizing file storage and distribution requirements. When accessed by an application, the ZHELP file is automatically decompressed, and the relevant HLP file is extracted for use.

Advantages and Applications

ZHELP files offer several advantages over traditional HLP files. Their compressed nature saves significant storage space and simplifies help file distribution. Additionally, ZHELP packages can be password-protected to ensure the security of sensitive help content. This is particularly beneficial for software developers who want to share help files with beta testers or distribute confidential information. The ZHELP format is widely supported by many Windows applications, making it a versatile and convenient solution for help documentation.

Other Extensions