The 3 Crucial Instruction Types Every Technical Writer Needs to Know.
Tags: webdev, writing, contentwriting, devrel
Published: 2024-07-13 17:03:34

##INSTRUCTIONS: THE HEART OF TECHNICAL WRITING.


![Image of an instruction description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8mnxxpw421aexy276tje.png)

As you progress on your journey as a technical writer, the writing structures you need to learn might overwhelm you. It may seem that technical writing is all about complex frameworks and following rigid templates.


![Image of an overwhelmed writer](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/rhzmdg3h7lbbzln9ftxy.jpeg)

However, if you take a look at some technical writing examples, you will notice that almost all of them consist of instructions and explanations on how to do things.
Focus on mastering the act of writing instructions, and the rest will come easily.
In technical writing, instruction comes in three common forms:

**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**  
**Step-by-Step Instructions**  
**Troubleshooting Guides**

Mastering the art of writing clear and effective instructions is crucial for technical writers.
Here's a breakdown of the three types of instructions every technical writer should master:



**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):**
   - FAQs are structured to address common queries users might have about a product, service, or process. They are typically presented in a question-and-answer format to provide quick solutions to common issues or inquiries.

![Image of a dark themed background with question marks](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/7qbppunih97mc6hmpda7.jpeg)



**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
   - Step-by-step instructions break down complex processes into sequential, manageable steps. These are essential for guiding users through tasks, procedures, or setups in a systematic way, ensuring clarity and ease of execution.

![Image of a man climbing a staircase](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/mjm1hutjx70as67ozntw.jpeg)



**Troubleshooting Guides:**
   - Troubleshooting guides help users diagnose and resolve problems they encounter. They typically list common issues, symptoms, possible causes, and corresponding solutions or workarounds, enabling users to troubleshoot effectively.

![Image of troubleshooting logo](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/cmaytdkgyvy5rw2lhj0n.png)

Learning these three forms of instructional writing empowers technical writers to create various types of technical documentation, including user manuals, instruction manuals, setup guides, release notes, workflows, customer service scripts, and so much more.

Each form serves a specific purpose in providing users with clear, concise, and actionable information.

Ready to become better at technical writing? By perfecting the art of clear, concise instructions, you'll unlock the door to creating everything from user manuals to troubleshooting guides.


![Image description of a man opening a dooe](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/gxupx2ph7l5785jdt99m.jpeg)

It might seem overwhelming at first, but remember, even the most complex technical documents boil down to simple, easy-to-follow steps.

Your journey to technical writing excellence starts here, and it's going to be a fun ride. Ready, set, write.

I'd love to help you take the next step, **it's the most important skill you need to apply for technical writing jobs**.

Would you like to know how to write **clear**, **concise**, and **user-centric** instructions?
Let me know in the comment section.

![Image of comment section logo](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/6u20u6voaf3yl54418op.png)