Writing A Software Product Manual

By Author: Colleen Davis
Total Articles: 100
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If product manuals are important to users, then that would be doubly more important for software because of the technicality of the computer language. The print manuals for software could be touted as something that is almost as important as the program itself.

That is because software user manuals are essential for learning both the basic as well as the advanced techniques and usage of an application. As a user, you have the option to read the short version (if you are already have some technical background), but they also come in a longer version, if you need more step by step instructions. Additionally, the length of a manual’s contents will also depend on the type of software that you bought. But mostly, software manuals contain concise and precise information so that their readers will not be confused.

So if you are going to write a software manual, here are a few pointers.

1. You have to first write an outline. This will not only serve as the plan that you can follow while writing, these could also serve as your sub titles.

2. You have to be detailed as much as you can, especially in the installation ...
... process. You also need to mention the computer requirements, as there are software programs that will not work in lower models. The requirements should be the main installation procedure so users can prepare their computer beforehand.

3. You should think of your readers as neophytes in using the computer and the software. So you must include basic steps, like “click”, “double-click” or “insert CD” and such basic instructions. Some the most common instructions that you should explain are the normal installation as opposed to the advanced installation.

4. A good way to tackle the software manual is to get the user to experience going through the GUI Screens that will come out during the installation process. Even the most simplistic of computer users will understand instructions if they see the screens presented this way. Additionally, teach them how to register their software and how to put the codes and serial numbers there.

5. Get to the length of explaining what the menus are for and how to navigate them. As much as possible, explain them in about two to three sentences only. If longer explanations are necessary, then include them in the Common Tasks section so that the format of your manual will not be jeopardized.

6. If your software has advanced functions as well as extra benefits and features, then you should put these in a separate section. There are people who will not want to use this because after all, they can only understand the simple parts. But there are those who would prefer these because this is what they paid for actually. So at least, you get to separate the neophytes from the advanced users this way. Your new users will not find your software hard to understand while the advanced users can skip the instructions for the newbies and get to the meat of the matter immediately.

When you write product manuals, always make sure that you provide some tips for troubleshooting. You are already aware of what your product can and cannot do, so go to the length of explaining errors that people might encounter and what they can do about them. Your print manuals should also tell them how to avoid these errors from coming up again.

For more information, you can visit this page on product manuals