MadCap Software have announced the release of Flare 8, the latest incarnation of their flagship authoring tool. This looks like a major upgrade with some worthwhile new features:
- A revamped interface using ribbons that should be much easier to use
- A new HTML5 based WebHelp format
- EPUB output
- Improvements to the PDF output
The What’s New in this Version topic in Flare’s new online help (I think it’s in the new format) has a detailed explanation of the new features.
This release looks good enough that it almost makes me wish I was still using Flare. I stopped because of incompatibilities with their WebHelp format and our production environment and because I found the interface confusing and awkward. It looks like at least the second issue has been cleared up. However, I have no plans to switch away from FrameMaker and WebWorks at this point, as there’s no way I could undertake the conversion of existing content, which is much more time consuming than MadCap’s product literature would have you believe. If I was starting fresh, I’d be thinking about it.
Paul Pehrson, who was a beta tester for Flare 8, has an extensive review on his blog.
As you can see, Flare 8 launches an impressive number of new features. I’ve been using Flare 8 for about a month now, and it is still–by far–my favorite authoring tool. (And I know, because for some work projects, I’m required to use a competitor’s tool. So, I have experience with current competing software.)
With version 8, you are able to create stellar output in a variety of formats (including ePub, which I didn’t mention above). Flare 8 makes your product look more professional, and makes it easier for you to get that work done quickly and efficiently.
HTML5 output raises the standard of what WebHelp output can look like and how easy it can be for customers to use. I think MadCap has hit a home run with this release of Flare. Let me know in the comments what features you’re most excited about, and what features you wish had made the cut for this version.