Online documentation (online help)

Online documentation is designed to be viewed on a computer screen. It is also known as online help, on-screen help, and Help.

Typical formats for online documentation are:

Compiled HTML (CHM), the Microsoft Windows help format.
WebHelp and FlashHelp (proprietary cross-platform help systems from Adobe).
JavaHelp (designed for use with Java-based software, similar in structure to WebHelp and Compiled HTML, but with some important limitations).
Lotus Notes help.
HTML help pages.
Intranets and websites.
WinHelp. For legacy systems only. WinHelp is not supported in Windows Vista.

Online help has an aspect ratio that is suitable for viewing on a computer screen. Typically, PDF files and Word files are designed to be printed. Therefore, we categorise them as printed documentation.