Displaying context-sensitive help

You can display detailed HTML help on any icon, menu, or dialog box that you use in Abaqus/CAE.

This task shows you how to:

Context:

You can use the help tool on the main menu bar to display detailed HTML help on any icon, menu, or dialog box that you use in Abaqus/CAE. When you click the help tool and then click an item in the Abaqus/CAE window, a help window appears containing the section from the online documentation that is relevant to that item.

Display help on an item in the main window or in a dialog box

  1. Click the help tool on the main menu bar.

    Tip: You can also select HelpOn Context from the main menu bar.

    The cursor changes to a question mark.

  2. Position the cursor over the item about which you need help, and click mouse button 1.

    A help window appears. The window contains the appropriate online documentation and links to associated topics.

Display help using the F1 key

Context:

Alternatively, you can use the F1 key to display help on a particular item. In most cases you can gain access to context-sensitive help by using the Help menu, the help tool icon, or the F1 key. However, you must use F1 if you are seeking information about menu items or dialog boxes that do not allow access to the help tool.

  1. Click the feature in the Abaqus/CAE window that you want help with. If the feature is part of a menu, do not release the mouse button.
  2. Press F1.

    A help window appears. The window contains the appropriate online documentation and links to associated topics. If you selected a menu item without releasing the mouse button, that menu disappears.

Note:

Abaqus/CAE also provides brief tooltips that describe the function of tools in toolboxes and in the toolbars. To see a tooltip, position the cursor over a tool and leave it stationary for a short time.