4 Best Technical Documentation Tools 2020
Are you an aspiring technical writer who is just looking to get started but doesn’t know which tools to use to document their writing? Well, you have come to the right place!
First and foremost, let's understand what exactly is technical documentation
One needs to document their process and hence a Technical Document is considered as one of the important factors that contribute to the success of a Software Project.
A technical document shouldn’t require a PhD to understand, in simpler words and in terms of engineering, technical documentation refers to any type of documentation that describes handling, functionality and architecture of a technical product or any other product that is under development or in use.
Documentation can range from a one-page requirements sheet to a thick reference manual documenting a new open-source framework.
Today, documentation for apps, APIs, SDKs, and even most hardware products are available online.
I have listed the best tools for Technical Documentation along with links to get a feel of them and understand them better, so let’s get started, shall we?
#1 HelpNDoc
HelpNDoc is an easy to use yet powerful authoring tool which is versatile for your various needs, it can generate various documentation formats from a single source.
HelpNDoc provides all the tools necessary to write complete help files, manuals and documentation in a user friendly and a very easy to use environment.
It can generate standard Windows CHM help files, WEB based documentation, iPhone specific websites as well as printable PDF and Word Documents.
Features
- HelpNDoc allows the writer to create a single source text which it then converts to a number of target formats such as HTML Help, PDF, RTF, DocX, Qt Help, and HTML documentation as well as EPUB and Amazon Kindle compatible E-books.
- It also has the ability to generate code for the C++, Delphi, Fortran, Pascal and Visual Basic programming languages for the integration of the generated CHM help files with the application being developed.
- As of version 4 HelpNDoc comes with a project analyser that can track the document’s layout, provide statistics and identify potential problems such as broken links or problems with media items.
- HelpNDoc can also be used to publish mobile websites, using the table of contents as a navigation menu, the content of the topics with navigation buttons, the keyword index menu, a built-in search engine, and mobile-specific user interface elements.
#2 ClickHelp
Need a documentation tool with a variety of features then ClickHelp is the one for you. ClickHelp is a modern browser-based documentation tool which is easy to set up and use, it requires no installation, runs in a web browser and supports multiple platforms: Mac OS, Windows and Linux which makes it easy to author your documentation from any place in the world.
Software companies all over the world use ClickHelp to create online user manuals, knowledge bases, help files, FAQs, tutorials and publish them instantly in their portal.
Features
-Daily backups- ClickHelp provides daily backups so you can make sure your data is safe
-Advanced Analytics- ClickHelp has its own integrated analytics which helps you analyse the current situation and helps plan your documentation process ahead as well.
-Human Readable Project URLs- A feature useful not only for people but also search engines, this feature helps in the SEO of your documentation
-Social Media Sharing Buttons- Easily share your documentation across various social media.
-Review Notes for topics- Reviewing is the stage in the documentation writing process that not a team can skip. ClickHelp offers not just the review notes functionality, but, also, a special Reviewer Role.
-Powerful Topic Editor- Every technical writer likes a good text editor, ClickHelp offers Word-like functionality and more to give you a comfortable work environment.
- Integrations- ClickHelp has impressive options for integrations such as : Zendesk, AddThis, Disqus, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Azure AD SSO, Google SSO, Salesforce SSO, YouTube, Vimeo, Gravatar, Screencast.com, etc.
#3 Whatfix
Want to create an interactive guide on your platform? Whatfix is the right tool for you.
Whatfix is a Digital Adoption Platform that helps enterprises onboard, train, and support their application users.
Whatfix allows you to create and deliver contextual and customized content using the form of flows, help tips, videos, links, and text all as an in-app experience
Whatfix can be used to create content on any web-based enterprise application like Salesforce, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM Cloud, etc. custom web applications and on consumer-facing websites.
Additionally, Whatfix supports both the cloud and self-hosted modes of deployment.
Features
-Multi-browser compatibility API
-Interactive user guides
-Self-Hosting
-Data Analytics
-User Tracking
-Multiple guide formats including videos, graphics, images, and texts.
-Customizable user interface
#4 ProcessStreet
ProcessStreet is the simplest way to manage recurring workflows for your team. Plus, it helps quickly assign checklist workflows to your team.
ProcessStreet has a simple interface which helps you create a structured document in seconds. Moreover, you can track activity from the dashboard and it notifies when tasks are done.
It is the home for your team’s process documents, their intuitive keyboard shortcuts and drag and drop makes it easy for anyone to use.
Features
-Conditional Logic- Use conditional logic to create truly dynamic checklists with if/then logic that adapts to your teams changing needs.
-Use forms to capture structured data- Use forms to collect structured data in your checklists. Input data manually or have it sent to and from the apps you choose.
-Rules based Workflow
-Collaborative Workspace
In conclusion
There are various software tools available for different types of Technical Documentation, the one you choose depends on your target audience. You need to get a feel of the one which attracts you most and just go for it, once you get started you can always decide which one’s ideal for you!
