Convert CHM to HND

Understanding CHM and HND file formats

CHM (Microsoft Compiled HTML Help) is a proprietary format developed by Microsoft for online help documentation. It packages HTML pages, images, and navigation tools into a single compressed file, commonly used for software help manuals.

HND files are associated with HelpNDoc, a popular help authoring tool. The HND format is a project file that stores all the content, structure, and resources for creating help documentation, eBooks, or manuals within HelpNDoc.

Why convert CHM to HND?

Converting a CHM file to HND allows you to edit, update, and republish help documentation using HelpNDoc's advanced features. This is useful for maintaining legacy documentation or migrating to a more modern authoring environment.

How to convert CHM to HND

There is no direct one-click converter for CHM to HND, but you can achieve the conversion by following these steps:

1. Extract CHM contents: Use a CHM decompiler such as CHM Decoder or 7-Zip to extract the HTML files and resources from the CHM file.
2. Import into HelpNDoc: Open HelpNDoc, create a new project, and use Project → Import → HTML files to import the extracted HTML files into your HND project.
3. Organize and edit: Arrange the imported topics, add navigation, and update content as needed within HelpNDoc.
4. Save as HND: Save your project to generate the .hnd file.

Recommended software for CHM to HND conversion

• CHM Decoder – Free tool to extract HTML files from CHM archives.
• 7-Zip – Open-source archiver that can extract CHM contents.
• HelpNDoc – Comprehensive help authoring tool to import HTML and save as HND.

Summary

While there is no direct CHM to HND converter, extracting CHM contents and importing them into HelpNDoc is the most effective workflow. This allows you to modernize and maintain your help documentation efficiently.