Technical Writing Blog

Manuals are a valuable resource in guiding end-users, technicians, and personnel to operate products, perform tasks, and adhere to procedures. This is particularly relevant in IT, where technological complexity demands accurate, well-organized documentation. Understanding the different types of manuals enables organizations to develop tools that simplify product usage, enhance safety, and improve efficiency. This article…

Crafting a Request for Proposal (RFP) is a critical step in any project that requires outside expertise. A well-written RFP acts as a compass, guiding potential vendors toward solutions that meet your needs. A poorly written one, however, can result in wasted time, irrelevant proposals, and projects that fail to deliver. This article reveals how…

Documentation is the lifeblood of any organization, but simply creating it isn’t enough. Effective management throughout the entire lifecycle—from creation to archiving—is essential. Consider a team where developers avoid using a version control system (VCS). Each works independently, storing code in personal locations. If a developer leaves without documenting their files, the team may lose…

In modern business, a strong foundation is essential for long-term success. One often-overlooked but critical component of this foundation is the Policy and Procedure (P&P) Manual—a comprehensive guide outlining the rules, guidelines, and processes that govern an organization’s operations. More than just a set of rules, a P&P manual is a living document that fosters…

Onsite hosting has been the de facto standard for businesses for decades—but then cloud computing came along. The key benefits of cloud computing are scalability and “right-sizing.” If the bill from one provider is too high, you can explore alternatives. In addition to major players like Google Cloud, AWS, and Azure, smaller data centers may…

Imagine that you have recently started a new role as a TW (technical writing) specialist at a software company that develops cloud-based solutions. Your main responsibility is to overhaul and organize the company’s technical documentation. This includes migrating existing content, ensuring consistency, and establishing workflows for review and publication. Localization and translation will also need…

Today, the ability to seamlessly insert links into your content is crucial. Whether you’re working on a document, crafting an email, or building online help, hyperlinks are the key to connecting information and guiding users through a web of resources. In this article, you’ll learn how to effectively insert hyperlinks in various scenarios, including an…

When you start using a new digital product, device, or gadget, it’s an exhilarating experience—you’re eager to see how well it performs and what features it offers. However, to truly unlock its full potential, a well-designed manual is essential. A good product manual is key to understanding and maximizing the product’s capabilities. In this comprehensive…

One of the biggest challenges in writing documentation is not knowing what the final product should look like. Common questions include: What should I document? How should I write it? What does good documentation look like? How should it be structured? It’s difficult to create effective documentation without a clear model to follow. High-quality documentation…

If you ask a project manager for a project plan, what do you usually expect? What do you consider a project plan to be? Some people think that a project management plan is simply another term for a project charter or a project schedule. However, you may come across a project management plan that includes…