Top Content Writing Tools for Technical Writers

Download ebook

Technical writing is explaining the technique of using technology to a non-tech user using a language that is easy to understand. Generally, technical writing means to convey complex technical information in a simple form. Besides, writers might use various technical content writing tools as they often struggle with multiple projects, tight deadlines, and the need to convey complex information clearly and concisely.

Technical Writers work with creating product manuals, how-to guides, online wiki sections, journal articles, press releases, and other material that simplifies and explains technical information. Certainly, these writers have a background in their subject matter, whether learned academically or on the job. Therefore they build to clarify difficulties and get their readers, including developers, project workgroups, engineers, and consumers on the same page. To get them on the same page, the writers might use innumerable content writing tools. Some of them are discussed below. 

7 Most Important Technical Content Writing Tools

Using the right kind of content writing tools for a technical writer makes life easy. The tools for varied purposes like authoring, publishing, screen captures, drawing, image manipulation, etc., are available and can be used. So let us explore the top content writing tools for technical writers in 2024, emphasizing how each tool can transform the daily hustle into a more manageable and rewarding experience.

1. Adobe FrameMaker

Adobe Framemaker is one of the Content Writing tools that can resolve the issue of single-source authoring. If you are concerned about writing content and re-using the existing content then this tool will help you. As it is suited for industrial standard documentation for documents spanning over 200+ pages.

You can generate structured documents with an XML framework that is 100% DITA i.e., Darwin Typing Information Architecture compliant. Moreover, it is a DITA-friendly authoring tool with the Print PDF option.

Additionally, you can define draft content according to the templates. You can generate automatic hyperlinks table of contents, a list of figures, and a list of tables in just a few clicks.

2. Microsoft Word

When it comes to content writing tools, Microsoft Word is the first that comes to mind in a flash for any technical writer. They have an automatic spell checker, highlighter, and built-in grammar check capability. Further, pre-loaded document templates such as brochures, flyers, technical whitepapers, and troubleshooting guides are valuable. Track changes are also useful for editors and peer reviewers to review and suggest edits. Moreover, if you need to replace a word across the whole document find and replace option will be the lifesaver. Besides that saving your document in all formats like PDF, XPS, web page, Rich Text Format, plain text, etc. In addition to that you can style the document or the content as per your requirement like creating tables and contents.

3. Snipping Tool

A very easy tool for Technical Content Writing is a pre-built one in Windows called the Snipping Tool. With this tool, you can take a screenshot of the entire screen, the window alone, or grab a portion of the screen using the rectangular snip option. Further after snipping the content, you can use the pen tool, to highlight the text to make it look prominent. Besides that, you can also save the image in different formats such as PNG, JPEG, GIF, or Single File HTML. Again there is also an option to directly email the snippet to an email address as an attachment. Among various content writing tools, this is a handy one.

4. RoboHelp

RoboHelp is used by technical writers to publish online documentation. Hence, it is one of the most popular content writing tools as it is a Help Authoring Tool developed and published by Adobe Systems. It helps technical writers develop help projects and render them across different formats. RoboHelp delivers online help content and knowledgeable articles. In addition, it helps to generate output in the following formats HTML5 helps format, XML, Printed documents, Mobile App formats, WebHelp formats, and eBook. Furthermore, their interface is user-friendly and helps users to publish content easily without any hassles. As a Help Authoring Tool, users can create the documentation for publishing without any assistance.

5. Grammarly

From all the technical content writing tools available and useful Grammarly tool is a widely recognized tool for enhancing the quality of written content. Likewise, it goes beyond the basic spell check and grammar check features found in most word processors. It provides advanced feedback on Technical Writing style, tone, and clarity. Further, it provides suggestions for improving the clarity and engagement of your writing, helping to ensure your technical documentation is not just accurate, but also easy to understand. Grammarly has a tone detector that helps in checking whether the writing matches the tone. Hence it is an essential feature when writing for different audiences. Moreover, it has a plagiarism checker that helps ensure the content is original. Certainly useful if you are including information from various sources. Also, it helps in integration with a variety of platforms like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and web browsers.

6. Photoshop

Photoshop from Adobe is one of the content writing tools that most technical writers across the industry swear by. It is the world’s most popular image editing tool for creating and editing photos and pixel-based artwork. Therefore it has various uses like as creating user interface designs, web pages, banner ads, video graphics, editing pictures for print, manipulating an image, superimposing one image on another, refining a photograph to iron out imperfections, correcting lighting issues, and more. Further, the image editing process is reversible and incremental so that changes can be rolled back easily. Hence, for professional designers or content writers/creators, who are constantly in need of an image editing tool, there is almost no replacement for Photoshop.

7. Jasper AI

One of the content writing Tools For Technical Writers to create material is Jasper AI. As it is a dynamic artificial intelligence writing assistance, technical writers may use it as a useful tool to produce correct and consistent material in several languages. Consequently, it may draw from a wide range of sources, its strength is in producing unique, on-brand content. Multiple AI models and an integrated plagiarism detector guarantee that the content is original and of the highest caliber. Jasper AI provides a 7-day trial for a free AI content generator. Other applications like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copy.ai, and Claude are some other free AI content generator tools that technical writers may turn to for reader-friendly content.

Best Technical Writing Course – Henry Harvin

Henry Harvin ranks among the top global ed-tech companies, offering cutting-edge training with a focus on both technical proficiency and career advancement. Their technical writing course is designed to develop advanced technical communication skills, crucial for conveying complex information effectively. Therefore participants learn to write various technical documents, including lab reports, research papers, feasibility studies, progress reports, and more. The content writing tools covered include MS Word, Adobe FrameMaker, Grammarly, RoboHelp, and more. Likewise, the technical writing course emphasizes clarity, structure, and detail, ensuring that learners can adapt their writing to different technical contexts. The course is built around the Agota Framework, a comprehensive 10-in-1 program that includes 36 hours of interactive online training sessions, practical projects, and hands-on experience with key documentation tools.

Further students have access to over 52 masterclasses focusing on essential soft skills like communication and collaboration, which are vital for success in the technical writing field. One of the standout features is the 1 Year Gold Membership with the Henry Harvin Writing Academy. This membership provides access to a rich library of e-learning materials, including recorded videos, quizzes, practice tests, and projects. Learners can also participate in weekly hackathons, receive 10+ job opportunities weekly, and gain hands-on experience with real industry projects. Moreover, participants earn a globally recognized certification, Certified Technical Writer, enhancing their credentials and giving opportunities to high-paying job opportunities worldwide. Additionally, the technical writing course offers internship support with leading companies like J.P. Morgan and Accenture, along with entrepreneurship mentorship to help graduates establish successful freelance or entrepreneurial careers.

Conclusion

Finally, as a technical writer, you must choose the right content writing tools for technical writing. There are many different industries in which technical writers are required, and they are normally the primary and reliable source for generating quality documentation. However, before getting started on any of the technical writing tools, make sure you read the features offered. This helps to make a better decision. Therefore, picking the right tools for technical writing will help you generate quality content for your products that will interest the users. Hence, the best technical writing platforms increase productivity by streamlining formats, minimizing repetitive tasks, and organizing content. The standalone applications have advantages, but complete suites offer end-to-end documentation solutions. In the future, technical writers will have even more options to equip their toolkits and expedite documentation delivery because of the ongoing innovation in AI and smart content management.

Recommended Reads

1. Top 10 Important Technical Writing Skills to Know
2. What is Technical Writing: A Complete Guide 2024 Edition
3. 15 Ways to Improve Your Technical Writing in 2024
4. Technical Writing Courses Online in 2024
5. TOP 30 TOOLS AND TIPS TO MAKE YOUR CONTENT WRITING BETTER

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are technical writing tools?

Writers use various software applications to simplify writing, editing, and managing documents. They streamline the writing process to maintain consistency.

2. Why are content writing tools needed?

Tools help in maximizing efficiency and quality content. It also helps in maintaining grammar, spelling, style, and tone.

3. How do you learn technical writing?

Various institutes both offline and online are offering technical writing courses like Henry Harvin, Coursera, Udemy, etc.

4. What kind of career opportunity does a technical writer have?

Career opportunities for a technical writer are senior technical writer, writing editor, content strategist, project manager, etc.

5. Are technical writing tools free?

Yes, there are many free writing tools like Google Docs, Grammarly, Snipping Tool, Photoshop, ChatGPT, etc. Even if some of them are paid they have a free trial period.

Download ebook