File Extension Database

Open HLP File

In today's digital world, files come in numerous formats, making it essential to know how to handle and open them properly. One such file type is the HLP file extension. Primarily, HLP files are help files used by various applications to offer context-sensitive help to users. Created in the Windows Help format, these files can be opened and used in different ways, depending on individual needs. In this article, we will explore various formats and ways to open and use HLP files.

Opening HLP Files in their Native Format (Windows Help)

As mentioned earlier, HLP files were primarily designed for Microsoft Windows Help, which was supported by default until Windows Vista. If you are using an older version of Windows (Windows 98, XP, or 2000), you can open HLP files directly by double-clicking the file or opening the Help menu in the associated application. Microsoft documentation provides more information on this topic.

For more recent operating systems, such as Windows Vista and newer, Microsoft no longer provides built-in support for HLP files. However, you can download the WinHlp32.exe program from the Microsoft website to open HLP files on these systems.

Converting HLP Files to CHM or PDF Format

If you prefer to use a more modern format for help documentation, you can convert HLP files to Compiled HTML files (CHM) or Portable Document Format files (PDF). There are specialized software applications, such as Help & Manual, that can help you convert HLP files to CHM or PDF formats. This will allow you to view the content with popular file viewers like Adobe Reader or CHM viewers embedded in web browsers.

HLP File Editors and Creators

If you need to create or edit a help file with an HLP extension, several software applications can help you achieve this task. Most notable among these is Microsoft's HTML Help Workshop, which has a visual interface and comes with basic functionalities needed to edit HLP files. Alternatively, you can use third-party software like HelpScribble or HelpNDoc to create and edit HLP files efficiently.

HLP file Important Information

In conclusion, working with HLP files requires a basic understanding of their nature and the appropriate software tools to operate, such as the official Microsoft WinHlp32.exe program. Understanding and adapting to the evolution of help files in newer Windows operating systems is critical. Utilizing appropriate file conversion applications and editing tools can make the task of managing HLP files more accessible and more effective.

Typical HLP application file locations:

%SystemRoot%\winhlp32.exe %1
C:\Windows\winhlp32.exe %1

Frequently associated Windows objects:

hlpfile

How Can I Open HLP File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open HLP file is to find a HLP file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a HLP file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open HLP file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as HLP file opener then try to search online for "HLP viewer", "application to open HLP file" or "open HLP file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open HLP file

How Can I Open HLP File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a HLP file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a HLP file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with HLP file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as HLP file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open HLP file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open HLP file then try to search for "HLP viewer", "application to open HLP file" or "read HLP file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read HLP file

How Can I Open HLP File on Android

If you downloaded a HLP file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded HLP file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "HLP".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "HLP viewer", "HLP file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open HLP File on iPhone or iPad

To open HLP File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the HLP file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "HLP". This way you can find apps which can open HLP files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "HLP viewer" or "HLP file" online in your favorite search engine.

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