Integrating User Help in Windows Forms

An essential, but often overlooked, aspect of building Windows-based applications is the Help system, as this is where users turn for assistance in times of confusion. Windows Forms support two different types of Help, each provided by the HelpProvider Component (Windows Forms). The first involves pointing the user to a Help file of either HTML or HTML Help 1.x or greater format. The second can display brief "What's This"-type Help on individual controls; this is especially useful on dialog boxes. Both types of Help can be used on the same form.

Additionally, the ToolTip Component (Windows Forms) can be used to provide individual Help for controls on Windows Forms.

In This Section

• How to: Provide Help in a Windows Application
  Explains how to use the HelpProvider component to link controls to files in a Help system.

• How to: Display Pop-up Help
  Explains how to use the HelpProvider component to show pop-up Help on Windows Forms.

• Control Help Using ToolTips
  Describes using the ToolTip component to show control-specific Help.

Related Sections

• HelpProvider Component (Windows Forms)
  Explains the basics of the HelpProvider component.

• ToolTip Component (Windows Forms)
  Explains the basics of the ToolTip component.

• Windows Forms Overview
  Explains the basics of Windows Forms.

• Windows Forms
  Provides an overview of Windows Forms.