Images in Technical Writing

As a technical writer, you want to give your audience the best user assistance for a product. Many great ways can help you to achieve this. One of them is images. These include photos, screenshots, pictures, graphics, etc. Visual content makes readers’ life easier since they don’t have to reread a text several times to understand what a tech writer wanted to say. Pictures make things clear and simple. Here the expression “a picture is worth a thousand words” is more than a truism. Because:

• Illustrations and diagrams are an excellent way to give your audience a general overview of devices, parts, and components.
• The installation of a product can be explained by means of illustrations. The illustrations can support the text or even replace it fully.
• Technical specifications or data are more legible when used in a table. In some cases, the table can replace text.
• A description of how to use a software tool could better be explained by adding screenshots. The more images you include, the fewer words you have to use.

Use images only when they support, replace, or augment the text in a better way than if you used the text alone.

Visuals may help you create better documentation. But keep in mind the following:

• There can be some restrictions on the use of illustrations only as a result of legal conditions
• Depending on your localization process, translating illustrations can be expensive
• Just like writing clear and unambiguous instructions, creating professional images requires specific skills. Tools and tutorials can support you in this.

Pictures are an effective tool for giving a visual representation of how to do something. They can stand alone or work in conjunction with the given text, and they can enhance a message. Most of the time, a text with visuals will be sufficient to create more explicit documentation. But, the important part is that your user wants a great user experience at every stage of the customer journey. It is your responsibility to deliver this!

Stay well!

Amrit.

“Follow the river and you will get to the sea.”