A Help-authoring tool or HAT is a software program used by Technical writer to create online help manuals.
Some common Help authoring tools include:
*AuthorIT: A collaborative authoring tool used for single-source content management.
*[http://www.softany.com/winchm WinCHM]: An easy-to-use html help authoring tool, no need to learn too much.
*Doc-To-Help: An authoring tool based on Microsoft Word
-based authoring tool.
*
Adobe FrameMaker: The most common tool for large technical documents. Requires other tools to convert content to online Help.
*Help & Manual from EC Software: Creates online help in WinHelp, HTML Help, PDF and other formats.
*
Macromedia RoboHelp: A specialized tool for creating online help.
*Microsoft HTML Help SDK: A collection of tools for creating files in Microsoft s HTML Help format.
*Microsoft Word: Widely used for technical writing despite its limitations. Requires other tools to convert content to online Help.
*Microsoft Visio: Software for creating diagrams.
, and Help toolkit based on Microsoft Word.
.
[http://www.xmetal.com/en_us/products/xmetal_author_dita/index.x XMetaL Author DITA Edition]: An XML Editor optimized for single-source output (including online help) based on the DITA standard.
Technical writers often use content management systems and version control systems to manage their work.