Adobe RoboHelp serves as a pioneering platform for authoring and publishing comprehensive online help, as well as policy, procedure, and self-service content, catering to the evolving needs of content creation and delivery. With its adoption by over 800,000 users across more than 40,000 companies globally, Adobe RoboHelp has firmly established itself as a key tool in content management and delivery, available on Mac to offer unparalleled support in creating exceptional help and knowledge base content.
This article will delve into the characteristics that set Adobe RoboHelp apart, including an in-depth look at Adobe RoboHelp Server, its ease of use, integration capabilities, and support for collaboration and review processes. Additionally, it will cover the tool’s capabilities in providing mobile and multi-device support, facilitating microcontent and chatbot interactions, and offering extensive online help and support resources. The evaluation also includes a review of pricing and subscription models, summarizing the pros and cons to provide a comprehensive overview of what is RoboHelp and why it remains a preferred choice for organizations worldwide.
Contents
Key Features of Adobe RoboHelp Server
Adobe RoboHelp Server distinguishes itself with a robust set of features designed to enhance the management and delivery of online help systems and knowledge bases. Here, we explore the key functionalities that make Adobe RoboHelp Server a comprehensive solution for content professionals.
Comprehensive Content Management
- Dynamic Content Creation and Management:
- Supports the creation and management of a Table of Contents, indexes, glossaries, and citations.
- Enables importing from Markdown, Word, and FrameMaker documents.
- Offers advanced content formatting tools including cross-references, links, and variable sets for easy updates.
- Enhanced Authoring and Publishing Capabilities:
- Provides HTML5 and CSS3 support for smarter, faster authoring.
- Allows omnichannel publishing to formats such as Responsive HTML5, PDF, and Adobe Experience Manager.
- Features superior design tools including a skin editor and extensive styling capabilities for various output formats.
Advanced Hosting and Tracking
- Robust Server Capabilities:
- Hosts and tracks online help, policy, and knowledge base content on an HTML5 platform.
- Supports Frameless HTML5 content with intuitive navigation and improved SEO through unique URLs.
- Offers data-driven insights with analytics and reporting features, allowing customization of reports like Frequently Viewed Topics and Browser Usage Statistics.
- Security and User Management:
- Ensures content security with options for authentication and rights management, allowing segmentation of help content into protected and public areas.
- Provides multiple sign-in options, including support for LDAP and single sign-on (SSO) protocols.
Optimization and User Experience
- Personalized User Experiences:
- Delivers personalized content experiences with dynamic content filtering and microcontent authoring.
- Enables chatbot integration for modern user interactions, enhancing the accessibility and relevance of help content.
- Efficient Content Delivery and Accessibility:
- Ensures content is accessible on any device, with responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes.
- Supports modern browsers like Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, ensuring broad accessibility.
Collaborative and Multilingual Support
- Enhanced Collaboration Tools:
- Facilitates better collaboration through features like Track Changes and review workflows, allowing multiple authors to work simultaneously.
- Provides a modern and intuitive user interface that simplifies project management and enhances team productivity.
- Support for Multiple Languages:
- Allows for the publication of projects in over 35 languages, supporting global teams and user bases.
- Automatically localizes the runtime interface to accommodate diverse user groups.
Adobe RoboHelp Server’s extensive capabilities not only streamline the content management process but also enhance the way organizations deliver help and instructional content. With its advanced features, Adobe RoboHelp Server remains a pivotal tool for content professionals aiming to provide high-quality, accessible, and engaging help systems.
Ease of Use and Interface
Adobe RoboHelp 2019 introduced a revamped user interface (UI) that prioritizes minimalism and power, aiming to streamline the user experience while enhancing productivity. This section explores the ease of use and interface of Adobe RoboHelp, focusing on the changes and features that affect user interaction and content management efficiency.
Minimalist and Powerful User Interface
- Redesigned UI for Enhanced Accessibility:
- Adobe RoboHelp 2019’s UI overhaul introduces a cleaner, more modern look, which, while minimalist, encompasses all the necessary tools and options for efficient content creation and management. The properties for topics are consistently available in a panel to the right, ensuring easy access.
- Dynamic Interface Adjustments:
- The interface allows users to continue working in the RoboHelp editor even while help generation processes are running in the background. This multitasking capability significantly reduces downtime and improves workflow efficiency.
Interface Challenges and Learning Curve
- Adaptation to New Layouts:
- The minimalist design may require a period of adjustment as users acclimate to the new layout where some functions might be harder to locate initially. This could temporarily impact the speed of workflow until users become familiar with the interface.
- Reduced Customization Options:
- Unlike previous versions, Adobe RoboHelp 2019 restricts the ability to undock and reposition panels within the UI. This limitation might affect users who prefer a highly customizable workspace for their content development processes.
Functional Limitations in the Interface
- Limited Search and Navigation Features:
- The search functionality within Adobe RoboHelp 2019 does not support searching across the entire project, which can hinder users’ ability to quickly locate specific content or topics.
- Restrictions on Content Interaction:
- Certain interactive features like Ctrl + Click to open links directly in the editor or right-click options to view source code in the embedded preview window have been removed. These changes may slow down content editing and review processes.
Impact on Content Management and Output
- Organizational Changes in File Management:
- All images, scripts, and assets are now organized into an “assets” subfolder, which might complicate CSS references and require adjustments in handling file paths.
- Output Generation and Viewing Limitations:
- The absence of features such as generating outputs in Word format and the removal of the ‘Primary Output’ button can restrict output flexibility and visibility during the generation process.
Enhancements for Modern Content Delivery
- Support for Modern Standards:
- Despite the UI challenges, Adobe RoboHelp 2019 supports HTML5 and CSS3 authoring, which aligns with current web standards and ensures that content is accessible and responsive across different devices and platforms.
- Improved Project Management Tools:
- The introduction of features like dynamic content filters and an HTML5-based report dashboard enhances the way content is managed and reviewed, providing a more tailored and efficient user experience.
In summary, Adobe RoboHelp 2019’s interface presents a mix of modern enhancements and some functional limitations. Users benefit from a more streamlined and visually appealing workspace but may face challenges with certain removed functionalities and a steeper learning curve. The new interface supports modern web standards and provides tools that cater to efficient project management and content delivery, although it requires some adaptation to fully leverage its capabilities.
Integration Capabilities
Adobe RoboHelp boasts extensive integration capabilities that significantly enhance its functionality and utility across various platforms and services. This section delves into how RoboHelp seamlessly integrates with numerous systems, making it a versatile tool for content management and delivery.
Collaboration and Version Control
- Git, SharePoint Online, and Azure DevOps (Team Foundation Server):
- Adobe RoboHelp supports collaborative efforts through integration with popular version control systems such as Git, SharePoint Online, and Azure DevOps. This allows multiple authors to work on projects simultaneously with efficient tracking of changes and revisions.
- Secure Cloud-Based Review:
- The platform offers an out-of-the-box online review feature, enabling secure cloud-based collaborations. This feature is particularly useful for teams working remotely, providing them with a platform to review and manage content effectively.
Content Management Systems (CMS) Integration
- Adobe Experience Manager:
- RoboHelp integrates smoothly with Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), allowing for efficient management and delivery of digital assets. This integration facilitates the synchronization of help content with marketing resources, creating a cohesive digital experience.
- Knowledge Base Output:
- Direct output to Adobe Experience Manager is supported, streamlining the process of updating and managing help content alongside marketing materials.
Enhanced Customer Support and Interaction
- Integration with Customer Service Platforms:
- RoboHelp integrates with leading customer service platforms such as Zendesk, Salesforce, and ServiceNow. This integration enables the creation and management of knowledge bases directly within these platforms, enhancing support operations.
- Chatbot Creation through Google’s Dialogflow:
- The integration with Google’s Dialogflow allows for the easy creation of chatbots within RoboHelp. This feature simplifies the setup process as it does not require complex coding, making it accessible for authors to implement interactive user support tools.
Advanced Translation and Localization
- Multi-Language Support:
- Adobe RoboHelp facilitates the translation of content into multiple languages, supporting global reach and accessibility.
- Translation Framework Configuration:
- The platform allows for the configuration of a translation framework with service providers and supports the export of XLIFF files for comprehensive content translation, online review, and PDF enhancements.
Database and Server Integration
- RoboHelp Server and Database Connectivity:
- RoboHelp Server uses databases to store important data such as usage reports and user information. It supports external databases through JDBC connectivity, enhancing its flexibility and utility in large-scale deployments.
- Integration with LDAP and ADFS/OKTA Servers:
- RoboHelp Server supports integration with LDAP and ADFS/OKTA servers, enabling users to log in using their existing credentials. This integration simplifies user management and enhances security.
Output Flexibility
- Diverse Output Formats:
- Adobe RoboHelp supports generating content in a variety of formats including Responsive HTML5, PDF, Microsoft HTML Help, and more. This flexibility ensures that content can be tailored to meet specific channel requirements.
- Integration with Knowledge Bases and Help Centers:
- The tool supports output to various knowledge bases and help centers like Zendesk, Salesforce Knowledge Base, and Atlassian Confluence, among others. This allows organizations to maintain up-to-date support content across different platforms.
Adobe RoboHelp’s integration capabilities are a cornerstone of its effectiveness as a content management tool, providing users with the flexibility and functionality needed to create, manage, and deliver content across various platforms and formats. This integration not only enhances the user experience but also streamlines workflows and boosts productivity.
Collaboration and Review Processes
Adobe RoboHelp enhances collaborative efforts through its robust review and collaboration features, designed to streamline the content creation and review process. This section details the functionalities that facilitate efficient workflows and seamless interaction among team members and stakeholders.
Online Review and Collaboration
- Web-Based Review System:
- Adobe RoboHelp offers a web-based review process that enables real-time collaboration. This system allows reviewers and subject matter experts to provide their feedback directly on the content online, which can then be seamlessly imported back into RoboHelp as tracked changes.
- Enhanced Review Workflow:
- The review workflow in RoboHelp is comprehensive, including steps such as creating a review, selecting content, sharing it through private invites or public links, and the ability to delete reviews. This flexibility ensures that all stakeholders can participate in the review process efficiently.
- Collaborative Tools and Tracking:
- RoboHelp supports Track Changes within the Design Editor, allowing multiple authors and editors to make and track edits simultaneously. Comments can be made directly on the PDFs using Adobe Acrobat Reader, further enhancing the collaborative efforts.
Integration with Version Control Systems
- Seamless Connectivity:
- Integration with platforms like Git and SharePoint Online provides robust version control capabilities, ensuring that all changes are tracked and managed effectively across different stages of the content lifecycle.
Real-Time Editing and Feedback
- Dynamic Content Management:
- The tool allows for comments from online reviews to be directly integrated into the RoboHelp topics or projects. This feature ensures that all feedback is accounted for and revisions can be made swiftly to enhance the quality of the final output.
Advanced Collaboration Features
- PDF Reviews and Merging Projects:
- Adobe RoboHelp supports creating PDFs for review, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback even if they do not have access to RoboHelp. Moreover, it facilitates multiple authors working on different projects simultaneously, with the capability to merge these at runtime into a single cohesive project.
- Automatic Synchronization:
- Automatic project merging and synchronized publishing are key features that support efficient content management, ensuring that the final documentation is consistent and up-to-date.
Adobe RoboHelp’s collaboration and review processes are designed to support a dynamic and interactive authoring environment. These features not only simplify the review process but also enhance the overall productivity and collaboration among teams, making it an indispensable tool for content developers and organizations aiming to produce high-quality, collaborative documentation.
Mobile and Multi-Device Support
Adobe RoboHelp excels in providing versatile output options tailored for mobile and multi-device environments, ensuring that end-users receive a consistent and engaging experience regardless of the device used. This section details the extensive mobile support capabilities of Adobe RoboHelp, focusing on mobile app generation, responsive layouts, and customizable output settings.
Mobile App Output Configuration
Adobe RoboHelp allows for the generation of mobile applications for both Android and iOS platforms, reflecting its commitment to versatile content delivery. Here’s a breakdown of the configurable settings available for mobile app outputs:
- General Settings:
- Title, Output Path, Language, Encoding, Post Generation Script
- Content Settings:
- Table Of Contents, Browse Sequence, Default Topic, Include Index, Glossary, Condition Expression, Dynamic Content Filter, Variable Set, Map Files
- Layout Settings:
- Search options such as using topic description as search context, enabling autocomplete and autocorrect in search box, showing definitions from glossary, and selecting file types to exclude from search
- App Details Settings:
- Package, Version, Version Code (Android only), Title, Description, Icon, Splash Screen
- Publish Settings:
- Options to publish output to FTP, SFTP, or File System, and configuration of a publish profile for the appropriate server type
The generation process for mobile apps is streamlined, involving the selection of a Mobile app output preset, configuration of settings, saving these settings, and generating the preset by clicking the Quick Generate icon.
Responsive HTML5 Outputs
RoboHelp’s support for responsive HTML5 output is a significant advantage for content creators aiming to reach a broad audience across various devices. The responsive HTML5 output automatically adjusts the presentation based on the device’s screen size, offering a seamless user experience. This output type is easier to configure and manage compared to the earlier Multiscreen HTML5 output, which used an adaptive approach. Here are some key features of the responsive HTML5 output:
- Single set of files with automatic adaptation to the display window dimensions
- Superior content experience with intuitive navigation and best-in-class search functionality
- Unique URLs for each topic, enhancing SEO
Dynamic Content Delivery
To further enhance the mobile and multi-device support, Adobe RoboHelp includes features like Dynamic Content Filters and the ability to create context-sensitive help apps for Android devices using built-in Adobe interfaces. These features allow for the delivery of more relevant and personalized content experiences, crucial for mobile users who require quick and accurate information.
RoboHelp’s capabilities in mobile and multi-device support not only streamline the content management process but also significantly enhance the way organizations deliver help and instructional content across different platforms.
Microcontent and Chatbot Support
Adobe RoboHelp excels in creating microcontent, which are small, bite-sized snippets of information designed to be self-contained and easily digestible. This microcontent is particularly effective in powering chatbots, microhelp, search snippets, and FAQs, enhancing user interaction and information retrieval efficiency.
Microcontent Creation Process
Defining Intent and Response:
Intent involves a specific piece of information intended to assist users during searches or interactions with chatbots and FAQ pages. Adobe RoboHelp allows users to define an intent and its corresponding response, which can be either authored anew or based on existing topic content.
Configuring Intent Properties:
Each intent includes properties such as Name, Phrases, Keywords, ID, and Condition Tags. These properties help in accurately triggering the correct response based on user queries.
Phrase Mapping:
Multiple phrases can be mapped to the same intent, ensuring that the chatbot or microhelp system can recognize and respond to various user inputs that mean the same thing.
Creating Responses:
Responses to intents can be crafted using existing topics or snippets, allowing for a seamless integration of existing content into new user interactions.
Chatbot Integration and Output
Out-of-the-Box Chatbot Integration:
Adobe RoboHelp includes built-in support for chatbot integration, enabling the creation of advanced voice and text-based interfaces. This integration utilizes the microcontent authored within RoboHelp to deliver precise and contextually relevant answers.
Chatbot Setup and Access:
Setting up a chatbot involves creating a new microcontent group, preparing intents and responses in the microcontent editor, and establishing a chatbot output preset. Once configured, the chatbot can be accessed conveniently from the lower right corner of the knowledge base.
Output Flexibility:
The microcontent can be output in various forms such as chatbots, microhelp, and FAQs. This flexibility ensures that organizations can tailor the content delivery to meet specific user needs and interaction scenarios.
Leveraging Microcontent Across Platforms
Adobe RoboHelp’s microcontent authoring capabilities are designed to enhance not only chatbots but also search engine optimization (SEO) and social media interactions. The platform enables the creation of modular, information-rich snippets that can be leveraged by search engines for featured snippets, social platforms for quick info bites, and in-context help systems for immediate user assistance.
Search Engine and Social Media Use:
Microcontent crafted in Adobe RoboHelp is structured to be easily indexed by search engines, improving the visibility and reach of the content. Additionally, these snippets can be formatted for optimal sharing on social media, providing quick answers and engaging users effectively.
In-Context Help and Feature Snippets:
Beyond chatbots and FAQs, microcontent is also ideal for in-context help systems and feature snippets within applications, providing users with instant information without navigating away from their current tasks.
Adobe RoboHelp’s microcontent and chatbot support streamline the delivery of concise, targeted content across multiple platforms and formats, enhancing the overall user experience and ensuring that information is accessible exactly when and where it’s needed.
Online Help and Support Resources
Adobe RoboHelp Server offers a comprehensive “Learn & Support” section that is meticulously designed to assist users at all levels, from beginners to advanced professionals. This support system is structured to provide guidance through a variety of resources tailored to enhance the user experience and proficiency with RoboHelp Server.
Beginner’s Guide and User Guide
Beginner’s Guide:
Offers a detailed introduction to Adobe RoboHelp Server.
Guides new users on how to start effectively using the software.
User Guide:
Provides quick answers to common questions.
- Includes step-by-step instructions and tutorials for practical, hands-on learning.
Troubleshooting and Technical Support
Common Issues and Solutions:
Addresses typical challenges such as download issues and Adobe ID sign-in problems.
Offers direct contact options for technical support via email ([email protected]).
Installation and Migration Guidance:
Detailed instructions for installing RoboHelp Server.
Tips for migrating data from RoboHelp Server 10 to RoboHelp Server 11.
Enhanced Learning and Community Engagement
Reporting Tools:
Users can generate reports to analyze how content is searched and navigated.
Community Forum:
A platform for users to engage in discussions and seek advice on specific queries related to RoboHelp and Technical Communication Suite.
Related Resources and Services
Integration with Adobe Products:
Lists related services such as Adobe FrameMaker and Adobe Technical Communication Suite, enhancing the utility of RoboHelp Server.
Access to Adobe Help Center:
Provides a direct link to the Adobe Help Center and a “Contact Us” option for real-time assistance.
Language and Regional Preferences:
Allows users to select their preferred language and region for a customized experience.
Trial Version and Subscription Information
Complimentary Trial:
A 30-day free trial version is available, offering full functionality for users to evaluate the software.
Subscription Details:
Information on obtaining a full license or subscription options is accessible, ensuring users can choose the best plan suited to their needs.
This structured support framework not only facilitates a smoother onboarding and usage experience but also ensures that users can maximize the capabilities of Adobe RoboHelp Server efficiently.
Pricing and Subscription Models
- Annual plan, paid monthly: US$29.99/month per user
- Annual plan, prepaid: US$359.88/year per user
This subscription includes the latest version of the desktop RoboHelp software and access to updates as they are released.
Enterprise, SMB, Education, and Government
Adobe offers volume licensing plans for teams, larger organizations, educational institutions, and government bodies. These plans provide more flexible purchasing options and potential volume discounts.
- Value Incentive Program (VIP): This is a subscription-based licensing program designed for ease of management and flexible terms. Discounts are available based on the volume of licenses you purchase.
- Enterprise Term License Agreement (ETLA): This is a customized term-based licensing plan suitable for larger organizations with more specific needs.
Important Notes:
- No perpetual licenses: Adobe no longer offers perpetual purchase options for the latest version of RoboHelp. All plans are subscription-based.
- RoboHelp Server: If you’re exploring options for hosting your help content, Adobe RoboHelp Server is available through the VIP and ETLA plans.
- Regional Variations: Prices may vary slightly depending on your region.
How to Learn More:
- Adobe RoboHelp Buying Guide: https://www.adobe.com/ca/products/robohelp/buying-guide.html
- Contact Adobe: For enterprise plans or RoboHelp Server pricing, you can request a callback from Adobe sales for specific quotes based on your needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Modern Output Formats: RoboHelp delivers content in responsive HTML5, WebHelp, Mobile Apps, PDF, Microsoft Word, and various eBook formats, ensuring your documentation works across devices.
- Improved User Experience: RoboHelp offers a more user-friendly interface with helpful features like an embedded preview window and streamlined navigation.
- Customization: CSS control and the ability to create custom skins and layouts give you considerable power over the look and feel of your help systems.
- Translation Support: RoboHelp integrates with translation management systems to streamline the localization process for global audiences.
- Version Control & Collaboration: Support for Git and RoboHelp Server facilitates teamwork, allowing multiple authors to contribute and manage changes efficiently.
- Conditional Build Tags: Include or exclude content for different audiences or product variations using conditional build tags.
- Search Optimization: RoboHelp provides tools to optimize your help content for search engines and offers user analytics to understand search behavior.
Cons
- Cost: Adobe RoboHelp, particularly when combined with RoboHelp Server, can be a significant investment for smaller teams or those on a budget.
- Learning Curve: While RoboHelp is becoming more user-friendly, it still has a steeper learning curve compared to some simpler authoring tools.
- Customization Complexity: Advanced customization can involve deeper coding knowledge if you want to extensively change the default look and functionality.
- Limited Third-party Integration: Integration with certain knowledge management systems or tools outside the Adobe ecosystem might be limited.
Conclusion
Through an extensive evaluation, Adobe RoboHelp has showcased its strength as a robust authoring and publishing tool, embodying superior design and publishing capabilities, enhanced user experience, and effective content delivery across multiple platforms and devices. Its integration with various systems and support for collaboration, mobile responsiveness, and microcontent and chatbot interactions further affirm its role as an indispensable asset for organizations aiming to streamline their content management and delivery processes. However, challenges related to its user interface, certain technical limitations, and the process of upgrading projects signify areas for potential improvement and consideration for users.
As we conclude, it’s clear that Adobe RoboHelp remains a powerful solution for content professionals looking for comprehensive management and delivery of online help, policy, and knowledge base content. Its ability to reduce customer support queries significantly, coupled with its advanced authoring, publishing, and collaboration features, positions it as a go-to tool for organizations worldwide. Future developments and user feedback will undoubtedly continue to shape its capabilities, making it an evolving platform that responds to the dynamic needs of modern content delivery and user engagement.
FAQs
What advantages does Adobe RoboHelp offer?
Adobe RoboHelp enhances productivity by allowing you to translate only the modified portions of files as needed. It also enables instant publishing to a diverse array of formats, including Frameless Responsive HTML5, PDF, Microsoft Help (CHM), and mobile applications.
How does Adobe FrameMaker differ from RoboHelp?
Adobe FrameMaker and RoboHelp are designed for different types of content. FrameMaker is better suited for managing long, complex documents such as books, due to its ability to handle interconnected content. In contrast, RoboHelp is ideal for creating shorter, help-oriented content that provides quick assistance to users.
What sets Document360 apart from RoboHelp?
RoboHelp targets enterprise clients that require a comprehensive solution for various customer touchpoints and strict regulatory compliance, similar to tools like Madcap Flare. Document360, on the other hand, focuses on creating a dedicated knowledge base specifically designed for user support.
What is the cost of Adobe RoboHelp?
The starting price for Adobe RoboHelp is $29.99 per month.
