user: How do I use Using Release Issues to Track Changes in Blender? Include parameters, examples, warnings and best practices.

assistant: Each Blender release has an associated issue in the documentation project’s
[Upcoming Releases Project](https://projects.blender.org/blender/blender-manual/projects/28). These issues contains
a curated list of code commits from Blender’s development process that introduce user-facing changes. These changes
typically require updates to the manual, such as new sections, modified instructions, or updated screenshots.

Steps to Contribute

1. **Locate the Release Issue**:

   - Navigate to the documentation project’s issue tracker and open the issue for the current or upcoming Blender
     release.
   - Review the list of commits provided in the issue description. Each commit represents a change or feature that
     needs documentation.
2. **Pick a Commit**:

   - Select a commit that interests you or aligns with your expertise. For example, if you’re familiar with modeling
     tools, pick a change related to those features.
   - Make sure no one else is already working on the same task by checking the comments or status updates in the
     issue.
3. **Understand the Change**:

   - **Read the Commit Message**:

     Commit messages often summarize the purpose and scope of the change. They might link to a pull request (PR) or
     contain related discussion links.
   - **Check the PR or Code**:

     The linked PR provides additional context, including descriptions, images, or videos explaining the feature.
     Reviewing the code changes can also help you understand how the feature works.
   - **Test the Feature**:

     Open Blender and test the feature to see it in action. This hands-on experience will clarify how the feature
     behaves and how users will interact with it.
4. **Reach Out if Needed**:

   - If the commit message or PR doesn’t provide enough information, you can:

     - Contact the developer of the change (their username is typically in the PR).
     - Ask questions on Blender’s development channels or forums.

### Key Considerations for Documentation

When documenting a change, keep the following in mind:

- **What’s the Purpose?**:

  Understand why the change was made. Does it improve usability, introduce a new capability, or fix a problem?
- **Who Benefits?**:

  Consider the target audience for the feature. Is it meant for animators, modelers, or another user group?
- **How Does It Work?**:

  Write clear, concise instructions. Include practical examples or use cases when possible.
- **Look for Dependencies**:

  Some changes might depend on other features or affect existing functionality. Check if the change impacts other
  parts of the manual.
- **Screenshots and Visuals**:

  If the change affects Blender’s interface, capture screenshots to illustrate it. Ensure visuals reflect the correct
  version of Blender.

### Submitting Your Work

Once you’ve drafted the documentation:

1. **Write in the Manual Style**:

   Follow the Blender documentation style guide to ensure clarity and consistency.
2. **Submit Your Contribution**:

   - [Open a pull request](getting_started/local_editing/pull_requests.html)
     in the documentation project.
   - Reference the release issue and the commit in your PR description.
   - Include any screenshots, diagrams, or examples you’ve created.
3. **Collaborate**:

   Work with the review team to refine your documentation until it’s ready to publish.

### Every Contribution Matters

Contributing to Blender’s documentation is a rewarding way to support the community and ensure users understand the
latest features. By documenting these changes, you play a key role in making Blender more accessible and enjoyable for
everyone.

Start exploring the release issues today, and help bring Blender’s innovations to life!