OLE support has some restrictions, because active OLE objects cannot be supported directly in the published output formats generated by Help+Manual. OLE objects in the editor remain clickable and editable so that you can edit them in their associated applications. However, when you publish your project the objects are converted into static bitmap graphics.
It is best to think of OLE objects as static graphics that remain editable until you publish your output.
Linking is always preferable to embedding:
You can either embed OLE objects in your project or insert them as a link to an external file. The Create New option in the Insert OLE Object dialog always embeds the object in your project. The Create from File option embeds the object if you deselect the Link option.
Embedding OLE objects in your projects has several disadvantages:
•It increases the size of your project files.
•Handling embedded objects generates considerable system overheads. This can slow down Help+Manual, particularly on older computers and systems with less memory.
•Embedded objects can only be edited by opening Help+Manual and double-clicking on the object in the editor. Linked objects can be edited normally as external files
It is thus always preferable to use links to external files instead of embedded OLE objects.
Restrictions on OLE objects in Help+Manual
Because of the restrictions listed below it is advisable to only use OLE objects when there is no alternative. For example, you can copy text with tables and complex formatting directly from MS Word and Excel, so you no longer need to use OLE objects for this. You can also use linked snippets for reusing content once you have converted it to a Help+Manual XML file.
You can only use OLE objects that can be displayed as graphics. |
You cannot use dynamic objects like videos and other media files. The OLE selection dialog is a Windows element that automatically displays all the OLE-capable applications installed on your system. This does not mean that you can use all the object types listed! |
Only the visible part of large OLE objects is included in the output. |
For example, if you insert a Word document consisting of several pages only the page (or part of the page) that is visible in the Help+Manual editor will be included in your published output. This is a restriction imposed by conversion of the objects into static graphic images. |
Print quality and the quality of OLE objects in PDFs may be slightly inferior. |
This is caused by the conversion to static graphics designed for on-screen viewing and cannot be prevented. |
See also:
