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Graphics and Hot Spots
The WinHelp compilers recognize *.bmp, *.dib, *.wmf, *.shg, and *.mrb image extensions. Graphical images used in Windows 3.1x help files must be four bit (16 colors) or less. (There are third party tools at will work around this limitation.) There is no color depth limitation for WinHelp 4.0 compiled help files.
Graphics may be included in a help file in one of two basic
ways:
(1) Insert graphic(s) directly into the *.rtf file. The paragraph in which the graphic is inserted is limited to
sixty-four thousand bytes. Or, presuming you insert a
graphic into its own paragraph, the graphical image is limited to sixty-four thousand
bytes. Most professionals do not recommend direct insertion method; however, it does work
well for small images, smaller help files and beginning help file authors. By using this
method, it is also easier to position graphics and format captions.
(2) Including graphical images by reference is the preferred solution. To do this you must
type the "bmX" entries into your *.rtf file, referencing the graphical file
name. {bmc graphic.bmp} is the most common "bmX" entry in the *.rtf file;
aligning the bitmap as a text character within the paragraph. Because the bitmap is
treated as text, any paragraph formatting properties assigned to the paragraph also apply
to the bitmap. {bml graphic.bmp} would align the bitmap at the left margin, and this entry
{bmr graphic.bmp} would align the bitmap at the right margin.
There are several ways to include graphics by reference.
Path and file names can be listed in the help project file (*.hpj). When only the file name is included in the "bmX" command(s), the project file must include the BMROOT option or a [BITMAPS] section. Both entries are not required, but if there is no BMROOT path listed in the [OPTIONS] section, the complete path and file name of each file must be listed in the [BITMAPS] section.
Project file entries ARE NOT necessarily the best solution. Another method is to include the complete path and file name when referencing a graphic in the *.rtf using the "bmX" commands ({bmc K:\picture\graphic.bmp}). The solution I prefer is to place the referenced graphical image's file name in the *.rtf via the "bmX" command, then save the graphic to the same directory / folder as the *.rtf file. The compiler will automatically search this directory / folder for the referenced file.
To use a graphical image as a hot spot ("jump") you must combine referencing and "jump" techniques. Double underline the "bmX" entry, then, using hidden text, type the context string. When the help file is compiled, the end user can mouse click on the displayed graphic, which will cause the context string assigned topic to be displayed. To create multiple hot spots on a single graphic you will need the SHED editor.
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