# Using DynamicHelp for WinForms

## Content



The process of mapping Help topics to controls within a software application has often been thought of as an error-prone process of passing a topic map back and forth between Help authors and software developers. **DynamicHelp for WinForms** eliminates that painful process by providing two options:

*   Software developers can use [C1DynamicHelp](/componentone/api/win/online-dynamichelp/dotnet-framework-api/C1.Win.C1DynamicHelp.4.8/C1.Win.C1DynamicHelp.C1DynamicHelp.html) at design time to map the topics to controls.
    
    or
    
*   Help authors can map topics to controls themselves using the [C1DynamicHelp authoring mode](/componentone/docs/win/online-dynamichelp/usingdynamichelpforw/forhelpauthorsmappin/mappingatopictoacont1), without having to go through a software developer.

C1DynamicHelp gives you the ability to map a topic to any standard .NET controls and even parts of those controls. You can also map to custom controls. See the [Advanced Features](/componentone/docs/win/online-dynamichelp/usingdynamichelpforw/advancedfeatures) topic of this documentation for more information on mapping to control parts or custom controls.

**DynamicHelp for WinForms** supports several Help formats including HTML Help and NetHelp. No matter who is going to perform the topic mapping, the software developer must [specify the Help file](/componentone/docs/win/online-dynamichelp/usingdynamichelpforw/fordevelopersmapping/specifyingthesourceh) that is going to be used in the application before mapping can occur.

The following topics explain both ways to perform topic mapping.


> type=note
> **Note**: If you are the software developer of the application and would like the Help author to map topics to controls, please provide them with this documentation. The [For Help Authors: Mapping in Authoring Mode](/componentone/docs/win/online-dynamichelp/usingdynamichelpforw/forhelpauthorsmappin) topic provides all the information needed for topic mapping at run time in authoring mode.

## See Also

[For Developers: Mapping at Design Time](/componentone/docs/win/online-dynamichelp/usingdynamichelpforw/fordevelopersmapping)

[For Help Authors: Mapping in Authoring Mode](/componentone/docs/win/online-dynamichelp/usingdynamichelpforw/forhelpauthorsmappin)

[Advanced Features](/componentone/docs/win/online-dynamichelp/usingdynamichelpforw/advancedfeatures)