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. 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 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.

HelpProvider Component
Explains the basics of the HelpProvider component.

ToolTip Component
Explains the basics of the ToolTip component.

Windows Forms Overview
Explains the basics of Windows Forms.

Windows Forms
Provides an overview of Windows Forms.