Whether you are writing user guides, online help, reference manuals, scripts for Flash tutorials, or requirements documents, you need to master Technical Writing software. Technical writing software can be broken down into four types: Document management, word processing, online help and screen captures.
- Learn document management software such as Adobe FrameMaker. The main difference between document management software and word processing software is that document management software is designed to create and maintain very large documents. Other software in this category includes Author-it and MadCap Blaze.
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Step 2
Go beyond using Miscrosoft Word for writing letters. Many companies rely on Word for their technical writers and you must be more than an average user.
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Step 3
Familiarize yourself with as many different types of help authoring software you can. Two of the industry leaders are Adobe Robohelp and MadCap Flare. If you use FrameMaker, take a look at WebWorks ePublisher; if you use AuthorIT, then look no further.
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Step 4
Decide what kind of screen captures you need and learn the tools that best fit that functionality. If you’re just putting images of software in your document, Snagit is top of the class. If you are recording processes and want to distribute them get o know Adobe Captivate, Camtasia Studio or MadCap Mimic.