Question
Answer and Explanation
Saving a website and its subpages into CHM (Compiled HTML Help) files involves several steps and the use of specific tools. CHM files are a Microsoft proprietary format used for help documentation, and they can be a convenient way to package a website for offline viewing. Here's a detailed guide on how to achieve this:
1. Choose a CHM Compiler:
- You'll need a CHM compiler to convert your HTML files into a CHM file. Popular options include:
- HTML Help Workshop: This is a free tool from Microsoft, though it's older, it's still widely used and reliable.
- HelpNDoc: A commercial tool that offers more advanced features and a user-friendly interface.
- RoboHelp: Another commercial option, known for its robust features and integration with other Adobe products.
- Other CHM compilers: There are various other free and paid options available, depending on your specific needs.
2. Prepare Your Website Files:
- Download the Website: Use a website downloader tool (like HTTrack or Wget) to download all the HTML files, CSS, JavaScript, images, and other assets of your website. Ensure that the downloaded files maintain the original directory structure.
- Organize Files: Place all the downloaded files into a single folder. This folder will be the source for your CHM file.
- Ensure Relative Paths: Make sure all links within your HTML files use relative paths (e.g., `page2.html` instead of `https://www.example.com/page2.html`). This is crucial for the CHM file to navigate correctly.
3. Create a Table of Contents (TOC) File:
- CHM files use a TOC file to structure the navigation. This file is usually in `.hhc` format (HTML Help Table of Contents).
- Manual Creation: You can create a `.hhc` file manually using a text editor. The structure is XML-based and includes entries for each page in your website.
- Using a Compiler: Most CHM compilers have a built-in TOC editor that simplifies this process. You can add pages and organize them hierarchically.
- Example of a simple .hhc file:
<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//IETF//DTD HTML//EN">
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<meta name="GENERATOR" content="Microsoft® HTML Help Workshop 4.1">
<!-- Sitemap 1.0 -->
</HEAD><BODY>
<OBJECT type="text/site properties">
<param name="ImageType" value="Folder">
</OBJECT>
<UL>
<LI><OBJECT type="text/sitemap">
<param name="Name" value="Home Page">
<param name="Local" value="index.html">
</OBJECT>
<LI><OBJECT type="text/sitemap">
<param name="Name" value="Page 2">
<param name="Local" value="page2.html">
</OBJECT>
</UL>
</BODY></HTML>
4. Create an Index File (Optional):
- An index file (`.hhk`) allows users to search for specific keywords within the CHM file. You can create this manually or using the compiler's index editor.
5. Compile the CHM File:
- Open your chosen CHM compiler.
- Create a new project and specify the source folder containing your website files.
- Add the `.hhc` file (and `.hhk` if you created one) to the project.
- Configure any other settings as needed (e.g., default page, window size).
- Compile the project to generate the `.chm` file.
6. Test the CHM File:
- Open the generated `.chm` file to ensure that all pages are displayed correctly, the navigation works as expected, and all assets are loaded properly.
Important Considerations:
- Dynamic Content: If your website relies heavily on dynamic content (e.g., database queries, server-side scripts), the downloaded version will be static. You might need to adjust your approach or use a different method for offline access.
- JavaScript: Ensure that any JavaScript code in your website is compatible with the CHM environment. Some advanced JavaScript features might not work as expected.
- Security: Be cautious when opening CHM files from untrusted sources, as they can potentially contain malicious code.
By following these steps, you can successfully save a website and its subpages into a CHM file, making it accessible offline and providing a convenient way to distribute documentation or website content.