Microsoft Compiled HTML Help
| Filename extension |
.chm |
|---|---|
| Internet media type |
application/vnd.ms-htmlhelp |
| Developed by | Microsoft |
| Initial release | 1997 |
| Latest release | 1.4 |
| Extended to | .lit |
| Microsoft HTML Help Executable | |
|---|---|
| Other names | hh.exe |
| Developer(s) | Microsoft |
| Included with | Microsoft Windows |
| Predecessor | Microsoft WinHelp |
| Successor | Microsoft Help 2 |
| Type | Help system |
Microsoft Compiled HTML Help (CHM) is a Microsoft proprietary online help format, consisting of a collection of HTML pages, an index and other navigation tools. The files are compressed and deployed in a binary format with the extension .CHM. The format was intended to succeed Microsoft WinHelp.
Although the format was designed by Microsoft, it has been successfully reverse-engineered and is now supported by many document viewers.