Convert QCH to QHCP

Understanding QCH and QHCP file formats

QCH files are Qt Compressed Help files, used by the Qt framework to store compiled documentation in a compressed format. These files are typically generated from source help projects and are used for offline help systems in Qt applications.

QHCP files are Qt Help Collection Project files. They are XML-based project files that define the structure and content of a Qt Help Collection, including references to QCH files and other resources. QHCP files are used as input to the Qt Help Collection Generator (qhelpgenerator) to produce a .qhc (Qt Help Collection) file.

How to convert QCH to QHCP

Direct conversion from a QCH file to a QHCP file is not typically supported, as QCH is a compiled format and QHCP is a project definition. However, you can create a QHCP file that references your existing QCH file, effectively integrating it into a help collection project.

Steps to create a QHCP file from a QCH file

1. Create a new XML file with the .qhcp extension.
2. Define the structure, referencing your .qch file in the <docFiles> section.
3. Example QHCP content:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<QtHelpCollectionProject version="1.0">
  <docFiles>
    <file>your_help.qch</file>
  </docFiles>
</QtHelpCollectionProject>

Replace your_help.qch with the name of your QCH file.

Best software for working with QCH and QHCP files

• Qt Assistant: For viewing QCH files.
• Qt Creator: For managing help projects and editing QHCP files.
• Qt Help Collection Generator (qhelpgenerator): To compile QHCP files into QHC files. Use the command:
  qhelpgenerator your_project.qhcp -o output.qhc

Summary

While you cannot directly convert a QCH file to a QHCP file, you can create a QHCP project that references your QCH file, allowing you to build a help collection. Qt Creator and qhelpgenerator are the recommended tools for this process.