Tools in Technical Writing

Technical writers create documents in various formats like electronic publishing, print, online help, etc. The various tools used to produce technical documents are described below.

Publishing Tools (Microsoft Word, FrameMaker) - Microsoft Word is actually the most popular tool for publishing in spite of its bugs and limitations. It is easy to use, review, and make changes. But with larger documents (more than 500 pages), Word behaves a bit inconsistently and may get corrupt. Here, FrameMaker creates more stable documents. Styles are very consistent and rigid in FrameMaker and it can handle large amount of text and graphics.

Help Authoring Tools (RoboHelp, Epic Editor, AuthorIt) - With the increased use of the Internet, users have become more accustomed to using online information. Online help is searchable and helps the users to resolve their problem or query easily rather than going through pages and pages of manuals. Help Authoring Tools like RoboHelp, Epic Editor, AuthorIt are used to create online help.

Template Designer (Indesign, PageMaker, QuarkExpress) - Template designing tools are used for creating documents that require a flexible layout or strict typography demands. It is easy to create and design datasheets, whitepapers, brochures, solution sheets and other marketing and technical documents using these template designer tools.

Image Editor (Photoshop, SnagIt, CorelDraw, Illustrator) - Graphics are an important part of any document. As rightly said "a picture is worth more than words to say." Image editors are used for image designing, capturing, cropping, morphing and all sorts of image editing.

Web Design Tools (Dreamweaver, FrontPage) - Web design tools are created to deliver content to end users in the form of web pages. You can create both static and dynamic web pages using web design tools.

Screen Recording Tools (Camtasia, Captivate) - Recording tools like Camtasia and Captivate are used to create product demos, engaging simulations, scenario-based training, and randomized quizzes. In addition, it doesn't require programming knowledge or multimedia skills.

Multimedia Tools (Flash, Max 3D) - Multimedia tools are used to create audio and video content. Multimedia tools like Flash and Max 3D can be used to create interactive animations and demonstrations.

These are some of the basic tools used in technical writing. Other tools like Teamsite, Lectora, Visio, and so on are also used to create content and graphics.