The world is progressing every day. With the help of science and technology, innovations are being invented that people didn’t think were possible a few years ago. While this is quite an achievement for humanity, there are some people who need to keep themselves forever ready.
For instance, content developers specializing in technical documentation need to have the right tools so they can adapt to any technological changes that may come their way. But before we get into that, we need to understand basic things first.
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What is Technical Documentation?
As the name suggests, technical documentation is writing a document that explains how to use a particular technological machine. You must have noticed a small booklet when you bought a new TV or a laptop.
That is exactly what technical documentation is. It is important because some people aren’t very good when it comes to handling technology. Therefore, technical documentation is written so the person can easily understand the instructions.
In short, the main objective of technical documentation is to convey complex information in simple terms. Some people think that technical documentation is just writing technical content. Those who work in the field know that this is not the case. It refers to technical communication in different fields such as computer hardware, chemistry, aeronautics, engineering, and other such areas. It is more than simple content writing.
Must-Have Tools for Technical Documentation
It can be pretty hard to write technical documentation without the right tools. It is not only time-consuming, but it also drains your energy.
So following are the best tools that can help a content developer in technical documentation:
1. Authoring Tools
An authoring tool will help you in creating digital content. It could be anything ranging from something as simple as a Google document to something more complicated such as a video production suite. When people use authoring tools in learning and development, they are referring to the software that helps them create digital content.
The main objective of an authoring tool is to make the process of developing digital content easier for someone who wants to write technical documentation. Different kinds of such tools include eLearning authoring tools, video capture, and editing, integrated learning platforms, etc.
2. Screen Capture Tools
As you might have guessed by the name, a screen capture tool would allow you to capture a screenshot that is showing at a particular time on a computer screen. Images are the key to effective communication in technical writing. Along with providing the users with written instructions, you also need to show them a picture of how it should be done.
Think of it as a guideline but in the form of a picture. Always remember that the screenshot you are going to put is the first thing people are going to see when they see the file. If it is boring and common, the user might not pay much attention to it. If it is attractive and catchy, the user will like it. That is why it is imperative that you make sure the screenshot on your technical documentation is perfect.
3. Image Editing Tools
Since we have already established how important images are when it comes to technical documentation, let’s discuss the type of images that should be used. When you browse the Internet for pictures, chances are most of them are going to be royalty-free.
This means that they are the property of someone else. While you are allowed to use them, there are certain logos on the pictures which you need to get rid of. Here, image editing tools will come in handy, especially if you didn’t hire a team specifically for graphic work.
4. Spell Check Tools
The final tool on our list is the spell-check tool. It goes without saying whether you are a blogger or a technical writer, spelling and grammar are what bind your content together. Writing is actually the easy part; it gets hard when you have to recheck your work for spelling and other grammatical errors.
To make sure it is perfect, you are going to need a spell-check tool. Sometimes the length of the document you have written is too long. It is not only time-consuming for you to go through all of it; it can even drain all your energy. That is why to increase the quality of your content, you need to use a spell-check tool.
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