본문 바로가기

카테고리 없음

How To Write A User Manual Example



Jon ZamboniUpdated April 17, 2017
Rudyanto Wijaya/iStock/Getty Images

/ Training Manual – 40+ Free Templates & Examples in MS Word Training manuals are typically used to serve as a guide in achieving goals for a performed task. Although the concept of manuals usually applies to beginners, they can also prove helpful for persons familiar with the performed task.

If you are conducting research on a product or service, you may reference a user manual or instructional guide in your paper. Whenever you reference a source in your work, cite it properly so your reader knows where you found your information. In American Psychological Association, APA, style, user manuals are cited as part of a product's information.

Reference List

When you cite any information that is packaged with a product, the company is listed as the author, along with the year the product was made and the location of the company. APA formats this information like this:

Company name. (Year). Product name: Type of product info. Publisher location: Publisher.

Because the publisher is the company, the company's location will be listed as the publisher's location, and the publisher will simply be listed as 'Author'. For example:

Staples. (2014). Screen cleaning set: Instruction manual. Framingham, MA: Author.

User Manuals With Authors or Outside Publishers

When a product's user manual lists an author, list the author of the manual in place of the company name in your reference list citation:

Gates, B. (1995). Windows '95: User Guide. Redmond, WA: Microsoft.

If a user manual is published by an outside publisher, that publisher information is listed in place of the company information under 'publisher':

General Mills. (2002). Cheerios chess: Instructions. Seattle, WA: Wizards Games.

Citing a User Manual Found Online

If you are citing a user manual that you found online, include a link to the site from which it was retrieved:

Company name. (Year). Product title: Type of product information. Retrieved from URL.

For example:

Blizzard Entertainment. (1998). Starcraft: User manual. Retrieved from http://ftp.blizzard.com/pub/misc/StarCraft.PDF.

Adobe Reader 11.0.23 for Mac is free to download from our application library. The following versions: 11.0, 10.1 and 9.4 are the most frequently downloaded ones by the program users. The unique identifier for this application's bundle is com.adobe.Reader. Adobe Reader for Mac is. Adobe Reader Mac performs the same function as Windows version. Thus, it gives you the ability to open PDF files directly on the interface. It is easy to use and all you have to do is to import the file into the interface and it does the rest. Installing Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a two-step process. First you download the installation package, and then you install Acrobat Reader DC from that package file. Apr 28, 2019  Download Adobe Illustrator CC 2019 for Mac Free. Click on below button to start Adobe Illustrator CC 2019 Download for Mac OS X. This is completely Tested and Working Latest Version Mac OS App of Adobe Illustrator CC 2019. It is offline installer and standalone setup for Adobe Illustrator CC 2019 for Apple Macbook Macintosh. Download adobe acrobat mac. May 20, 2014  Adobe Reader for Mac is an essential application for reading, printing, marking up, and commenting on PDF files. Good functionality: With Adobe Reader for Mac.

In-Text Citations

When you reference or quote a user manual in the text of your paper, include an in-text citation to show where the information comes from. The in-text citation will include the author name of a source -- in this case, the company name -- the year of publication and the page number, if applicable. For example:

The product kit includes a screen cleaning solution, microfiber cloths, and a 'stain light' to check for scratches (Staples, 2014).

Windows users were instructed to troubleshoot and only reboot their computer as a last resort (Gates, 1995, p. 12).

If the author name or date of publication is included in the leading sentence of a reference, you do not need to include that information in your in-text citation. For example:

Blizzard describes Starcraft as being open to multiplayer formats such as 'Melee, Free for All, Greed, Slaughter, and Capture the Flag' (1998, p. 11).

Cite this Article
Choose Citation Style
Zamboni, Jon. 'How to Cite a User Manual in a Paper.' , https://penandthepad.com/cite-user-manual-paper-8653776.html. Accessed 14 December 2019.
Zamboni, Jon. (n.d.). How to Cite a User Manual in a Paper. . Retrieved from https://penandthepad.com/cite-user-manual-paper-8653776.html
Zamboni, Jon. 'How to Cite a User Manual in a Paper' accessed December 14, 2019. https://penandthepad.com/cite-user-manual-paper-8653776.html
Note: Depending on which text editor you're pasting into, you might have to add the italics to the site name.

References

Pen & the Pad

What is a User Guide? A User Guide explains how to use a software application in language that a non-technical person can understand. In general, user guides are part of the documentation suite that comes with an application for example, Data Sheets, Release Notes,Installation Guides andSystem Administration Guides.

Write

Technical Writers will often create a Documentation Plan before writing their user guide. This defines the scope, size, delivery format and resources required to produce the actual user guide. https://miquiinren.tistory.com/21.

As the name implies, User Guides are written to help people understand an software application or IT system. They are also called User Manuals. When writing a User Guide, use simple language with short sentences. This writing style helps the user understand the application.

How to write user manual for software application examples

Our User Guide templates can be used to create user guides, user manuals, getting started guides and other types of technical documents. A User Guide is an online or printed book that describes how to use a software application.

User Guides are the first port of call when something needs to be read. As many people read user guides when frustrated and after having lost patience with the software, you need to write your material to address their concerns quickly.

Microsoft dynamics ax 2012 user manual pdf. User Guides are often written for non-technical individuals. The level of content and terminology differs considerably from, for example, a System Administration Guide, which is more detailed and complex.

This rest of article offers some guidelines to consider when writing your User Guide, such as:

  • Identifying your audience
  • Writing sections
  • Defining style guide and standards
  • Delivery formats

Identifying Your Audience

As with all types of writing, the first step is to define your TARGET AUDIENCE. Your target audience are the people who will user your document. As different readers have different requirements, you need to consider their specific requirements. Use this template to learn more about the target audience for your projects and what they want to achieve, for example, read your user guide, visit your website or buy your product.

The worksheets include 130 points you can use to capture demographic date so that you have a more holistic view of their wishes, desires, fears, and preferences.
  • Identify the target audience
  • Identify their level of technical knowledge
  • Identify how they will use the guide

Audience Definitions

In the planning process, develop an audience definition that identifies:

  • The user
  • The system
  • The tasks

Software is used to do specific things. Users want to know what the software can do for them, for example, how to print a page in landscape.

They are generally not interested in the nitty-gritty technical details; they want to click a button and get a result. The User Guide is to teach them how the software helps them to do something.

Depending on the guide in question, you may need to address several audiences. For example:

  • Programmers who will troubleshoot the program
  • IT Managers who want to know the resources the program requires
  • Project Managers who want to confirm that the original requirements were met.

If you are writing for more than one audience, develop an audience definition for each one. Examine the definitions and see if you can address all audience types with one document. In many situations, you may need to write a number of documents, of which the users guide is only one.

  • When planning, use the audience definition to focus your decisions.
  • When writing, the audience definition serves as a guide for the documentation team and as a benchmark for evaluating the results.

Here are some questions that will help define your audience's needs:

  • Where will they use the document, for example, in the office, at home, in their car?
  • How much experience have they of using your application?
  • Is this guide an upgrade to an existing application?
  • Is your application new? If so, you may want to include a Getting Started document to introduce the software.
  • How will they use the user guide?
  • Will they install the software by themselves or do so over the internet?
  • What level of detail is required?
  • Will graphics help their understanding of how to use your product?

Writing the User Guide

Each user guide is comprised of front page, body sections, and a back page. The following section describes what each of these needs to contain.

Mac icon converter. It does not matter which icon you're doing, with IconFly it will be as easy as ABC. Moreover, now IconFly allows you to create icons for Android applications.

Front Page (cover pages)

Include a cover page, table of contents, and a preface, if necessary.

Cover and Title Page

If the user guide is copyrighted, include a copyright notice.

Copyright © 2020 The Name Of Your Company.

Original InstructionAll information, illustrations andspecifications in this manual are based onthe latest information at the time ofpublication. John deere d105 transmission diagram.

Place the copyright notice on the cover (and also the title page).

Disclaimer

Include a standard disclaimer inside the front cover that outlines the Terms and Conditions for using this guide.

Preface

Use this section to reference other documents related to the software. Make sure you refer to the correct release number for all software and documents that you refer to. If necessary, include a section on 'How to use this guide' as an introduction.

Contents

You must include a table of contents. the only exception is if your guide is less than ten pages, in which case you should probably refer to it as a Getting Started guide or Reference Guide.

If this user guide is more than twenty pages, include an index at the end of the document.

Body of the guide

This is the heart of the guide. In the main body, separate the procedures (also called instructions) from reference materials. This will help the user navigate their way through the guide much faster.

Procedures

Procedures help the user perform specific tasks. They are also known as instructions or tasks. Examples of these may include:

  • When, why, and how you can perform a task, for example, printing a document, cropping an image, uploading a file.
  • What the screen will show after you perform a task, for example, an updated view of your bank balance.
  • Examples of tasks and program operation.

Writing procedures

Writing procedures involves the following tasks:

  • Identifying the major tasks
  • Separating each major task into subtasks
  • Writing a series of steps that walk the user through each subtask
  • Using an 'if-then' approach when explaining decisions that users can make.

Chunking text

Breaking large pieces of information into smaller piece of information is called 'chunking.' App for hotspot on mac.

When writing user guides, you can separate information by menu options and their respective consequences, for example, showing the user the results of each action.

Subtasks that need to be performed can be divided into chunks. Hp 8620 manual download. Each chunk can form a new chapter or section within the guide.

Use a consistent format for each section, for instance:

Her trials mostly her triumphs have left a tender mark in my life. Emma smith mormon.

  • Introduce each section with an overview of the task to be performed
  • Describe the inputs and outputs. In other words, what the user must enter into the system and what the system will do as a result.
  • Describe the procedures for accomplishing these tasks.

Number your steps

How To Write User Documentation

When writing procedures, number each step and use the imperative form of verbs, for example:

Press ENTER

or

Click 'Yes' and press ENTER to submit your details.

Using the If-Then Approach

When users are allowed to make decisions, use an If-Then approach to show the different result for each decision they make.

If you choose 'Yes,' the program will make Firefox your default web browser. If you choose 'No,' it will set Opera as your default browser.

Parry Hotter. https://coachingtree157.weebly.com/harry-potter-font-mac-download.html.

Use diagrams to illustrate more complicated procedures.

Reference Materials

User turn to reference material when they need detailed information on a specific topic, for example, settings or parameters they must enter.

Reference materials can include:

  • Program options, for example, different menus and buttons that are presented to the user
  • Keyboard options, for example, hold AltGr and 4 to show the Euro symbol
  • Error messages that may arise when you use the application
  • Troubleshooting tips to resolve these issues
  • Frequently asked questions that the user may have about the software

Back Matter

Add a Glossary of Terms and an Index towards the end of the document.

Glossary

The glossary should cover all acronyms and industry terms used in the document. Help the user understand your material. Do not alienate them by using jargon and assuming that they know the meaning on these words.

  • A short glossary can appear at the front before the table of contents
  • A larger glossary should appear in the back matter.

Highlight glossary terms (by italics, for instance) the first time they appear in text.

Index

How To Write An Instruction Manual

Any guide longer than 20 pages benefits from an index. An index helps users locate specific items very fast without having to search through the entire document manually. Large documents without an index are impossible to use efficiently.

Establishing Standards

As well as writing the guide, you also need to consider how the document will be delivered, for example, as a book, online or a PDF.

Areas that need consideration include:

  • Format (the design and layout of the pages)
  • Style (elements affecting readability, such as font, size, color)
  • Other requirements that are specific to each delivery format. For example, PDFs may need security settings applied so material cannot be copied; partner logos may need to be added; terms and conditions may need to be updated.

Document Format and Structure

If you are writing a user guide for a client, rather then your own company, check if they use a specific style guide or have a preference for how the document should be presented. Check this with the client during the planning phase.

Use a document map to organize the guide. To do this:

  • Use headings for organizing information.
  • Include page numbers and section titles on every page, either in footers or headers.
  • Consider using dual columns. This lets you put headings in the left-hand column and the text in the right-hand column.

Style

Use an appropriate style. Decide on the technical level of your language, how you address the user, and conventions that are required.

Technical Language

Match the level of technical language with the audience ¯s level of proficiency. Always underestimate the knowledge of your readers rather than overestimate it.

Limit technical terms to those the user will encounter. If you must define a large number of terms, use a glossary to supplement definitions in the text.

Addressing the User

When writing procedures, use the active voice (e.g. Click this) and address users directly (write 'you' rather than 'the user').

Does mac adaware cleaner come with a mac. When explaining an action, use the 'command' form of the verb:

'Choose an option from the menu and press [ENTER].'

Presenting your material

Download Apple IPHONE 7 User Manual. Apple IPHONE 7: User Manual Brand: Apple Category: Smartphone Size. Cell Phone Apple iPHONE 7 User Manual 302 pages. Cell Phone Apple iPhone User Manual 196 pages. For ios 8.4 software. Cell Phone Apple Apple iPhone User Manual 179 pages. Sep 07, 2016  The just announced iPhone 7 from Apple has some new and noteworthy features, like stereo speakers, new cameras, longer battery life, and is water-resistant as well. Here’s everything you need to know about this phone, including the release, specs, features, user manual here. Global Nav Open Menu Global Nav Close Menu; Apple; Shopping Bag. Apple iphone 7 plus user guide download. Apple iPhone 7 Plus User Manual Download. Apple iPhone 7 Plus Release in September 2016 comes with iOS 10, Apple A10 Fusion chipset, 3 GB, Display size 5.5 Inch, 1080 x 1920 pixels (Full HD) Screen Resolution, 12 MP Primary Camera, Li-Ion 2900 mAh Battery, weight 188g. Apple iPhone 7 User Manual Download. Apple iPhone 7 Release in September 2016 comes with iOS 10, Apple A10 Fusion chipset, 2 GB, Display size 4.7 Inch, 1334 x 750 pixels Screen Resolution, 12 MP Primary Camera, Li-Ion 1955 mAh Battery, weight 138g release price USD 626, EUR 547, INR 43180.

You can improve the readability of your documents by using specific formats to distinguish different types of information.

For example, you can distinguish the user's input from the system's response by:

  • Indenting text

How To Write A Product Manual

  • Using columns to layout text
  • Providing illustrations or photographs that highlight key areas
  • Using different fonts and type features (bold, italics and underline)

Nonverbal devices, such as icons or diagrams, help supplement verbal instructions.

Special Requirements

If the guide is to be used outdoors, in a car, or on the move, make sure the font size is large enough to read easily.

How To Write A User Manual

Use spiral biding so the book does not to break easily, and high-quality paper so the text does not smudge or leave stains on the reader's hands.

How To Write User Guide

PS - Download the User Guide Templates here