HelpScribble vs XMetaL Author
HelpScribble
helpscribble.comXMetaL Author
xmetal.comSide by side
| Figure | HelpScribble | XMetaL Author |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 8 | 1 |
| Spec score · Help Authoring Tools | 7.9 (#11) | 6.9 (#21) |
| Headquarters | Rawai, Phuket, Thailand | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Purpose | HelpScribble is a help authoring tool for creating help files from start to finish. | XMetaL is an XML editor for structured authoring that uses standards including DITA to help teams create, collaborate on, and reuse content. |
| Support | Purchased licenses include free technical support by email; evaluators can receive support for problems that prevent proper evaluation. | XMetaL lists a North America support phone number and a Vancouver, British Columbia office for JustSystems Canada, Inc. |
Plans
HelpScribble
- HelpScribble 100-user license$35.99, paid once
- HelpScribble single user license$99, paid once
- HelpScribble 5-user license$399, paid once
- HelpScribble 10-user license$699, paid once
- HelpScribble 20-user license$1,199, paid once
- HelpScribble 30-user license$1,649, paid once
- HelpScribble 50-user license$2,399, paid once
- HelpScribble 75-user license$3,099, paid once
In their own words
HelpScribble
HelpScribble is a paid Windows desktop help-authoring tool that takes documentation from writing through publication. A single project can produce WinHelp files, HTML Help files, printed manuals and online HTML documentation. Writers can import HPJ and RTF files from other authoring tools or reuse material with a help decompiler. Single-sourcing, version control and translation support are included. A bundled HelpContext property editor maps topics to controls in Delphi and C++Builder, while generated help works with Windows applications built in other environments, including.NET, Visual Basic and Office VBA. The maker lists compatibility from Windows 98 through Windows 11. It is Windows-only, though the maker says VMware or Win4Lin can run it on Linux, and HTML output can document Linux applications. A free evaluation download is available, with anonymous downloading and no personally identifiable information collected during evaluation. Licenses include free email support, updates and bug fixes. The single-user license costs $99 as a one-time purchase.
XMetaL Author
XMetaL Author has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.