HTML Executable is currently the sole HTML compiler that creates three types of publications: Self-Extracting, Internet Explorer-based browser (a.k.a. IE Browser) and Stand-alone HTML Viewer. Each one responds to specific needs: when starting a new project, you are prompted to select the kind of publication you want to create.
Which type of publication should I choose?
It actually depends on the features and the security level you need for your publication and compiled files.
If you wish to archive a website, package it up for distribution, you can use a Self-Extracting publication. Otherwise, if you plan to create a secure desktop application or e-book, if you wish to hide your HTML code from the eyes of your end users, or if you want to get rid of Web browsers, a stand-alone HTML Viewer publication may probably be a better choice.
If you want to compile a website with JavaScript support, use an Internet-Explorer based publication.
Keep in mind that, once you have started a new project, you cannot change the type of publication anymore!
Publication Comparison Matrix
The following matrix shows you the main differences between the three types of publications. For further information about each one, click on the related "More information" link.
Self-Extracting | Internet Explorer-based browser | Stand-alone HTML Viewer | |
|---|---|---|---|
More information topic | |||
Single executable file (your publication is a real executable file that you distribute to your users) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Requires an external Web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla FireFox, Opera...) | Yes | No. Under unsupported Windows 9x: requires Internet Explorer 4.0+ (not necessarily set as default browser). | No. The publication has its own built-in HTML Viewer. |
Support for standard HTML 4, pictures, sounds, animated GIFs, Cascading Style Sheet... | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Support for DHTML, JavaScript... | Yes | Yes | No (use HEScript instead) |
Support for Java applets | Yes | Yes, but requires changes to HTML source code (more info) | No |
Adobe Flash support (requires Adobe Player Player) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Adobe Flash video (FLV) support (requires Adobe Player Player) | Yes | Yes | Yes, may require change to HTML source code |
Adobe Acrobat PDF support (requires Adobe Reader) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Adobe Shockwave support (.DCR files) (requires Adobe Shockwave Player) | Yes | Yes, partially | No |
Other ActiveX controls | Yes | Partially (experimental feature) | Partially (experimental feature) |
Source HTML page and graphic files need to be unpacked to hard disk | Yes | No | No |
| JavaScript files need to be unpacked to hard disk | Yes | No | Unsupported |
HTML source code can be accessed | Yes | No | No |
Context menu (and the Show source code command) can be disabled | No | Yes | Yes |
Password/page protection | At startup, a password may be prompted. | Yes | Yes |
Advanced security options for HTML pages (copy/print/select/restricted access...) | No | Yes | Yes |
HTML printing and print preview support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The browser's user interface (GUI) can be customized. | No, only startup dialogs. | Yes | Yes |
Support for skins | No | Yes | Yes |
Custom menu bar, toolbar and taskbar (own items) | No | Yes | Yes |
Search engine | No | Yes | Yes |
Table of Contents | No | Yes | Yes |
Favorite manager | No | Yes | Yes |
Kiosk mode | Partially | Yes | Yes |
Strong file compression | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Can create restricted, trial (users need to register your publication after a specific number of days/runs) and hardware-locked publications | No | Yes | Yes |
Localization (translation into different languages) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Is a runtime module required? | No | Yes but it can be merged with the publication or freely distributed/downloaded. | Yes but it can be merged with the publication or freely distributed/downloaded. |
Possibility to change the version information and icon of the .exe file | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Digitally sign publication .exe files with Authenticode. Free Signcode from Microsoft is required. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
