I'm trying to find the offline manual as a handy reference when I'm working and can't remember how to do some random small  task within Sonar.  In the past I would go to the help tab and could find a link there.  I now go to the help tab and it has online links to very basic questions.
 
I need a manual where I can quickly look up something that I should already know, something like "how do I open the vst manager".  I've opened it many times in the past but just can't remember on hand and don't want to spend a few minutes searching online.   

If you installed it from Command Center with the default settings try here:
 
C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\SONAR Platinum\SONAR Reference Guide.pdf

The most important item in the help files is "How do I find the help files?" 
 
Once you do find it, make a desktop shortcut for it. 

I find the Window Help file format easier to use than the PDF version. See:
C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\SONAR Platinum\SONAR.CHM
 

The chm is updated more frequently too.

scook
The chm is updated more frequently too.

 One of the best features in DAW, not a fan of PDF.

The chm is best for context sensitive help (F1) for the part of Sonar you are working in at the moment.
 
PDF is best for browsing topics, or reading cover to cover. 

Thanks.  Exactly what I need.  Both the pdf and chm files are perfect. 

I found the CHM file but my Windows 10 doesn't know how to open it.  How does one open that file?
 

Open google and type"how to open chm file in You Win version"

It will show you the files you need to make it happen.