Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Microsoft HTML Help VS Read CHM

Compare Microsoft HTML Help VS Read CHM and see what are their differences

Microsoft HTML Help logo Microsoft HTML Help

Microsoft HTML Help is the standard help system for the Windows platform.

Read CHM logo Read CHM

Read CHM is ultimate CHM (Compiled HTML Help) file reader.
  • Microsoft HTML Help Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-27
  • Read CHM Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-27

Microsoft HTML Help features and specs

  • Widely Supported
    Microsoft HTML Help is widely supported on Windows platforms, making it a reliable choice for developing Windows-based applications.
  • Comprehensive Features
    HTML Help provides a range of features such as indexing, search, and cross-referencing, which are essential for creating detailed and user-friendly help documentation.
  • Ease of use
    The system allows developers to use familiar tools and languages (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), making it easier to create and manage extensive help systems.
  • Integration with Applications
    It allows for easy integration with applications to provide context-sensitive help, enhancing the user experience by linking directly from application features to relevant help topics.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft HTML Help

  • Outdated Technology
    As a technology that hasn't seen significant updates, it may not support modern layouts and functionalities expected in current documentation standards.
  • Platform Limitation
    HTML Help is primarily designed for Windows, which can be a limitation for applications intended to be cross-platform.
  • Security Concerns
    Certain features in HTML Help have raised security concerns, and running HTML-based help files can expose vulnerabilities.
  • Complex Setup
    Creating and configuring help files might require substantial effort, particularly for developers unfamiliar with its specific setup process and requirements.

Read CHM features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Read CHM provides an intuitive and easy-to-navigate user interface, making it simple for users to open and read CHM files without any technical expertise.
  • Compatibility
    The application supports a wide range of CHM files, ensuring that users can access and read files created from various sources and with differing content structures.
  • Search Functionality
    The app includes powerful search capabilities that allow users to quickly find specific topics or keywords within large CHM files, enhancing the user experience.
  • Lightweight and Fast
    Read CHM is designed to be light on resources, providing fast load times and quick navigation to enhance productivity without slowing down a user's device.
  • Offline Access
    Once downloaded, CHM files can be accessed offline, enabling users to read and refer to important information without the need for an internet connection.

Possible disadvantages of Read CHM

  • Limited Platform Support
    The application might not be available on all operating systems, limiting its usability across different devices and potentially excluding some users.
  • Feature Limitations
    Compared to more comprehensive document management solutions, Read CHM may lack advanced features such as annotations, highlighting, or cross-referencing.
  • File Type Restriction
    The app is specifically designed for CHM files, which may be a limitation for users who need to work with multiple document formats beyond CHM.
  • Paid Features
    Some features of the app may be locked behind a paywall, requiring users to purchase a license or subscription to access the full range of functionalities.
  • Potential Bugs or Stability Issues
    As with any software, there is a possibility of encountering bugs or crashes, which can disrupt the user experience and reliability of the application.

Microsoft HTML Help videos

RoboHelp 10: Enhanced Microsoft HTML Help (CHM) output format

Read CHM videos

No Read CHM videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Microsoft HTML Help and Read CHM)
Document Management
42 42%
58% 58
Document Management System
Office & Productivity
24 24%
76% 76
Knowledge Management
56 56%
44% 44

User comments

Share your experience with using Microsoft HTML Help and Read CHM. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Microsoft HTML Help and Read CHM, you can also consider the following products

WinCHM - Creating CHM file, Make CHM file, Web Help. WinCHM Pro - Help authoring software (CHM, WebHelp, DOC, PDF) . With this powerful tool you can not only create chm file from scratch, but also convert a set of existing HTML files to a chm file.

Kchmviewer - Kchmviewer is a free, open-source CHM (MS HTML help) and EPUB viewer for Unix, Mac and Windows...

CHM Editor - Best solution to edit CHM files

ExtraCHM - A fully featured reader for Compiled HTML (chm) documents.

KEL CHM Creator - KEL CHM Creator a is flexible, powerful and free (freeware) CHM creator that uses Microsoft® HTML Help Workshop to combine your HTML files into one compressed and compact CHM (Compiled Help Modules…

Enolsoft CHM View - Enolsoft CHM View is a CHM (Microsoft Compiled HTML Help) file reader for Mac OS X. Features