Any picture (photo, screenshot...) required by the documentation project is first placed in the library. It can then be included in any number of topics while being centrally managed from the library: updating the picture in the library will automatically update all instances of that picture in any topic where it has been placed.

Overview of the user interface

1. Library item name

Choose a unique name for that library item.

2. Customize item

A picture can either be stored within the project or linked from an external location based on the project's requirements. Choosing how it is stored can be decided individually for each item based on pros and cons for that specific item and / or overall documentation project.

Storage

Description

Pros

Cons

Include File

Item file is stored within the project archive
  • Item is always available even when the project is moved to a different location
  • Sharing project is easier as the HND project file contains the item's content
  • The item is always available to the end-user as it is stored with or within the generated documentation file
  • HND project file becomes larger with each included item
  • Replacing an item involves locating it in the library and updating it
  • Items can't be shared between multiple projects
  • Generation time is slower as the file needs to be copied / included in the generated documentation

External File

Item file is stored anywhere on the hard drive or a network location, and included at generation time. Note: The external file path can be absolute, or relative to the HND project file location
  • HND project file is smaller as only the path to the external file is stored
  • Updating the item on the hard drive or network location will update it the next time the documentation is built
  • Items can be shared between multiple projects: each project will include it when needed
  • The item is always available to the end-user as it is stored with or within the generated documentation file
  • Item location must be updated in the library when the HND project file is moved, or the item must be moved with the project
  • Sharing a project requires all external items to be shared too
  • Sharing a project might require an update of all external items' paths
  • Generation time is slower as the file needs to be copied / included in the generated documentation

URL

Item file is stored on a web server, and displayed at viewing time
  • Item is always available even when the project is moved to a different location
  • HND project file is smaller as only the URL is stored
  • Updating the item on the web server automatically updates any client application requesting that item from now on
  • Items can be shared between multiple projects: each project will display it when needed
  • Generation time is faster as the file is not copied / included in the generated documentation
  • A working Internet connection is required at viewing time to request and display the item
  • Only compatible with CHM, HTML and Markdown documentation formats as well as some ePub readers

3. Commands and fields

Include File

  • Insert / Replace file: Locate a file on the hard drive or a network location to 
  • Remove file from project: Remove the content of the file from the project
  • Edit image: Open the built-in image editor to edit the image.
  • Convert to image map: Convert a picture to an image map. Note: This action can take time on large projects as it needs to analyze the whole project and convert every instances of this picture. This action can't be undone.
  • Export file: Export the content of the file to the hard drive

External File

  • File path: Absolute or relative path of the file to include at generation time

URL

  • URL: Internet link to the file to display at viewing time

4. Preview

For included files, a preview of the library item is displayed. It is possible to drag and drop a file from a third party application such as the Windows Explorer into the preview to include it or replace the existing file.

5. Properties

Custom properties for this library item. Use the "Reset" button to reset to the default value. Default properties can be applied to every instances within the project by clicking the "Apply to every instances throughout the project" button.
Note: this will override any manual settings defined in any instances.

Property

Description

Default align

Specify the default alignment of the picture when added to a topic.

Default alt text

Specify the default alt text of the picture when added to a topic.

Default margins

Specify the default margins for the picture when added to a topic.

Default padding

Specify the default padding for the picture when added to a topic.

Default width

Specify the default width for the picture when added to a topic. Note: Clear this value to use the picture's default width.

Default height

Specify the default  for the picture when added to a topic. Note: Clear this value to use the picture's default height.