I'm working on a Flare project that outputs to a CHM file. I want to embed a link in the TOC that goes out to our website and retrieves an HTML file (just a single file). In other words, I want the link to be out to that file on the website, so I can update that content independently of updates we do to the CHM file.
To test this, I put an entry in the TOC that links out to that file, and I also created a topic with a link in the topic out to that file. After building and testing, it appears that Flare is retrieving the file during the build process and embedding it into the CHM output.
Is the problem that I'm specifying the HTML file name in the website path, and so Flare is automatically grabbing the file and embedding it? If so, how do I prevent that from happening?
Please advise on this. Thanks.
Help me understand linking to an external HTML file
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- Propeller Head
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- Propellus Maximus
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Re: Help me understand linking to an external HTML file
Is the file you are linking to in the flare project or an external website?
Richard Ferrell
Certified Madcap Trainer
Certified Madcap Trainer
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- Propeller Head
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Re: Help me understand linking to an external HTML file
It is a single file that is currently outside of any Flare project, as we wanted to be able to update it independently of the CHM builds.
Originally, I wanted to have a local HTML file that I could link to from several different CHMs. However, I don't think that's possible unless the file is embedded into the CHM output during the build.
However, after some experimentation I found that I can link to a file on our website. So, I created a PHP file that will refresh each time it's accessed. Unfortunately, if there is no internet connection, the user won't be able to access that topic in the help.
Of course, I'm open to any other options.
Originally, I wanted to have a local HTML file that I could link to from several different CHMs. However, I don't think that's possible unless the file is embedded into the CHM output during the build.
However, after some experimentation I found that I can link to a file on our website. So, I created a PHP file that will refresh each time it's accessed. Unfortunately, if there is no internet connection, the user won't be able to access that topic in the help.
Of course, I'm open to any other options.
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- Sr. Propeller Head
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Re: Help me understand linking to an external HTML file
I simply go to Flare's Insert Menu, select Hyperlink, and follow through from there. The following is an example of the resultant source code:
<h5>Miscellaneous Symbols</h5>
<p><a href="http://unicode.org/charts/PDF/U2600.pdf">Link to Unicode website about this script.</a>
</p>
<h5>Miscellaneous Symbols</h5>
<p><a href="http://unicode.org/charts/PDF/U2600.pdf">Link to Unicode website about this script.</a>
</p>
Re: Help me understand linking to an external HTML file
Have a look at this site and see if one of the options linked will meet your needs:
http://kb.helpwaregroup.com/ms-html-help/hh-tips-tricks
I recommend browsing around the site for a lot of helpful info on chms.
http://kb.helpwaregroup.com/ms-html-help/hh-tips-tricks
I recommend browsing around the site for a lot of helpful info on chms.
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- Propeller Head
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Re: Help me understand linking to an external HTML file
OK, I will look at the info on that site. Thanks.
Re: Help me understand linking to an external HTML file
Good luck. Hope you find something that works.