In RoboHelp 10 and 11 you could generate an Android app in debug mode. That allowed authors to create an app that could be installed on an Android device but it could not be uploaded to Google Play as it lacked the necessary signature. Also it did not allow the creation of an iOS app for the same reason. Adobe RoboHelp (2015 release) introduces a new Single Source Layout specifically for the creation of mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices that can be installed from Google Play or the Apple Store.
Most of the settings are the same as for other outputs, it is the Application Details fields that enable the app creation.
Field |
Description |
Package |
This is effectively the filename. It is recommended you use only A-Z characters and the underscore. Use dots to separate the elements. |
Version |
Enter your version number. |
Version Code (Android) |
Enter the version of PhoneGap to be used. |
Title |
This is what will appear below the icon on the device. |
Description |
This will display on the PhoneGap apps page. |
Icon |
The icon that will display on the device to open the app. |
Splash Screen and Preview |
A splash screen that appears while the app opens. |
Phone Gap Credential |
Generation of the app is done online using the PhoneGap site. You need to register and select one of the options. The free PhoneGap plan allows you to create one app free. You can either register with PhoneGap direct and use that ID or you can use your Adobe ID. Alternatively you can opt for a paid plan. See https://build.phonegap.com/ for more information. Essentially you can create 25 apps in a private repository or you can create more if you store the output as open source. Check first to see if one of your developers is already registered. If they are, you could use their credentials. |
Platform |
Tick either iOS or Android or both. The Signing Key Setup button will then be enabled. The details in that screen will need to be completed for apps that are to be available on Google Play or the Apple Store. Check first to see if one of your developers is already registered. If they are, you could use their credentials. If you are generating for Android, you can create an app in Debug mode and that does not require completion of the Signing Key Setup dialog. In Debug mode the app generated can be installed directly onto an Android phone but it cannot be uploaded to Google Play. The same option is not permitted on iOS devices, a Signing Key is required. |