8 Technical Writing Examples to Inspire You
As a technical writer, you may be confused about your job description because each industry and organization has varying duties. At times, they may ask for something you’ve never written before. In that case, you can check out some technical writing examples to get started.
If you’re beginning your technical writing career, it’s advisable to review several technical writing examples to ensure you get the hang of it. You don’t necessarily have to look at industry-specific examples; you can get the general idea.
This article will go over what technical writing is and some of the common technical writing examples. If you’re looking to see some examples via video, watch the video below. Otherwise, skip ahead.
If you’re looking to learn via video, watch below. Otherwise, skip ahead.
What is Technical Writing?
Technical writing is all about digestible content regarding a specialized product or service for the public. Technical writers have to communicate technical information in easy-to-understand language.
There are many examples of technical writing, such as preparing instruction manuals and writing complete guides. In some cases, technical writing includes preparing research journals, supporting documents, and other technical documentation.
The idea is to help the final user understand any technical aspects of the product or service.
In other cases, technical writing means the writer needs to know something. For example, pharmaceutical companies may hire medical writers to write content since they have the required knowledge.
For entry-level technical writers, we suggest checking out our Technical Writing Certification Course.
8 Technical Writing Examples to Get You Started
As a technical writer, you may have to learn new things continually, increase your knowledge, and work with new forms of content. While you may not have experience with all forms of technical writing, it’s crucial to understand how to do it.
If you learn all the intricacies of technical writing and technical documents, you can practically work with any form of content, given that you know the format.
Therefore, the following examples of technical writing should be sufficient for you to get an idea. The different types of technical writing have unique characteristics that you can easily learn and master effectively.
1. User Manuals
A user manual is a complete guide on using the product, maintaining it, cleaning it, and more. All manuals have to be user-friendly. The technical writer has to write a manual to even someone with zero experience can use the product. Therefore, the target audience of user manuals is complete novices, amateurs, and people using the product/s for the first time.
Traditionally, manuals have had text and diagrams to help users understand. However, modern manuals have photographs, numbered diagrams, disclaimers, flow charts, sequenced instructions, warranty information, troubleshooting guides, and contact information.
Technical writers must work with engineers, programmers, and product designers to ensure they don’t miss anything. The writer also anticipates potential issues ordinary users may have by first using the product. That helps them develop a first-hand experience and, ultimately, develop better manuals.
The point of the user manual isn’t to predict every possible issue or problem. Most issues are unpredictable and are better handled by the customer support or help desk. Manuals are there to address direct and common issues at most.
You can check out some user manual examples and templates here. You can download them in PDF and edit them to develop an idea about how you can write a custom user manual for your product.
2. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Standard operating procedures are complete processes for each organization’s various tasks to ensure smoother operations. SOPs help make each process more efficient, time-saving, and less costly.
An SOP document can include:
- Everything from the method of processing payroll.
- Hiring employees.
- Calculating vacation time to manufacturing guidelines.
In any case, SOPs ensure that each person in an organization works in unison and uniformly to maintain quality.
If used correctly, SOPs help eliminate irregularities, favoritism, and other human errors. Lastly, SOPs ensure employees can take the responsibilities of an absent employee, so there’s no lag in work.
Therefore, developing SOPs requires a complete study of how an organization works and its processes.
Here are some examples of standard operating procedures you can study. You can edit the samples directly or develop your own while taking inspiration from them.
3. Case Studies & White Papers
Case studies demonstrate one’s expertise in an area. Case studies delve into a specific instance or project and have takeaways proving or disproving something. White papers address any industry-specific challenge, issue, or problem.
Both documents are used to get more business and leads by organizations.
Technical writers must be experts in the industry and the project itself. It’s best if the technical writer has prior experience in writing such white papers.
The writing style and formatting are unique. Both documents are written for a specific target audience and require technical writing skills. Case studies are written in a passive voice, while white papers are written in an active voice. In any case, it’s crucial to maintain a certain level of knowledge to pull it off.
You can check out multiple white paper examples here, along with various templates and guides. You can check out some examples here for case studies, along with complete templates.
4. API Documentation
API documentation includes instructions on effectively using and integrating with any API, such as web-API, software API, and SCPIs. API documentation contains details about classes, functions, arguments, and other information required to work with the API. It also includes examples and tutorials to help make integration easier.
API documentation helps clients understand how it works and how they can implement API. In short, it helps businesses and people interact with the code more easily.
You can find a great example of proper API documentation in Dropbox’s API documentation. You can learn more about it here.
5. Press Releases
Press releases are formal documents issued by an organization or agency to share news or to make an announcement. The idea is to set a precedent for releasing any key information in a follow-up press conference, news release, or social media channel.
The press release emphasizes why the information is important to the general public and customers. It’s a fact-based document and includes multiple direct quotes from major company stakeholders, such as the CEO.
Usually, press releases have a particular writing process. Depending on the feasibility, they may have an executive summary or follow the universal press release format.
You can find several examples of press releases from major companies like Microsoft and Nestle here, along with some writing tips.
6. Company Documents
Company documents can include various internal documents and orientation manuals for new employees. These documents explain technical information depending on their use.
For example, orientation manuals include:
- The company’s history.
- Organizational chart.
- List of services and products.
- Map of the facility.
- Dress codes.
It may also include employee rights, responsibilities, operation hours, rules, regulations, disciplinary processes, job descriptions, internal policies, safety procedures, educational opportunities, common forms, and more.
Writing company documents requires good technical writing skills and organizational knowledge. Such help files assist new employees in settling into the company and integrating more efficiently.
Here are some great examples of orientation manuals you can check out.
7. Annual Reports
Annual reports are updates on a company’s performance and other financial information. Annual reports directly correspond with company stakeholders and serve as a transparency tool.
The annual reports can also be technical in some cases. However, mostly, they include stock performance, financial information, new product information, and key developments.
Technical writers who develop annual reports must compile all the necessary information and present it in an attractive form. It’s crucial to use creative writing and excellent communication skills to ensure that the maximum amount of information appears clearly.
If the company is technical, such as a robotics company, the technical writer needs to develop technical concepts that are easy to digest.
You can check out some examples of annual report templates here.
8. Business Plans
Every company starts with a complete business plan to develop a vision and secure funding. If a company is launching a new branch, it must begin with a business plan.
In any case, the business plan has a few predetermined sections. To develop the ideal business plan, include the following sections in it.
- Executive Summary – includes the business concept, product, service, and target market. It may also include information on key personnel, legal entity, founding date, location, and brief financial information.
- Product or Service Description – includes what the offering is, what value it provides, and what current stage of development it is in.
- Team Members – includes all the information on the management team.
- Competitor and Market Analysis – includes a detailed analysis of the target market and potential competitors.
- Organizational System – includes information on how the organizational structure would work.
- Schedules – include start dates, hiring dates, planning dates, and milestones.
- Risks and Opportunities – include profit and loss predictions and projections.
- Financial Planning – includes planned income statements, liquidity measures, projected balance sheet, and more.
- Appendix – includes the organizational chart, resumes, patents, and more.
A successful technical writer must develop a business plan with the company stakeholders.
According to your industry, you can check out hundreds of business plan samples and examples here.
Becoming an Expert Technical Writer
Becoming an expert technical writer is all about focusing on your strengths. For example, you should focus on one to two industries or a specific form of technical writing. You can do various writing assignments and check out technical writing samples to understand your skills.
You can also check out user guides and get online help determining your industry. Once you’ve nailed down an industry and technical writing type, you can focus on becoming an expert.
In any case, it always helps to check out technical writing examples before starting any project. Try to check out examples from the same industry and a similar company. Start your writing process once you have a complete idea of what to do.
Since technical writing involves dealing with complex information, the writer needs to have a solid base on the topic. That may require experience, direct technical knowledge, or understanding multiple pieces of information quickly.
FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about technical writing.
What does a technical writing job involve?
A technical writing job involves creating clear, concise, and well-structured documentation that explains complex concepts to a specific audience. Technical writers collaborate with subject matter experts, designers, and developers to ensure accuracy and clarity in the content they produce.
What skills are essential for aspiring technical writers?
Aspiring technical writers should have strong writing and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to simplify complex information. Proficiency in documentation tools, familiarity with industry standards, and knowledge of content management systems can also be beneficial. A background in a relevant field, such as engineering, IT, or healthcare, can enhance credibility and domain expertise.
What types of content do technical writers create?
Technical writers produce technical content, including software documentation, API guides, instructional materials, troubleshooting guides, and knowledge base articles. The goal is to make information accessible, ensuring users can efficiently understand and apply the content to their needs.
How can someone start a career in the technical writing field?
To enter the technical writing field, individuals should develop strong writing skills, gain technical knowledge in a specialized area, and build a portfolio showcasing their ability to create clear, structured documentation. Earning certifications or taking courses in technical writing can also enhance credibility and improve job prospects. Many technical writers start as freelancers, interns, or subject matter experts before transitioning into full-time roles.
What industries hire technical writers?
Technical writers are in demand across various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and engineering. Any sector that requires detailed documentation, compliance reports, or instructional content benefits from skilled technical writers who can translate complex information into user-friendly documentation.
If you are new to technical writing and are looking to break in, we recommend taking our Technical Writing Certification Course, where you will learn the fundamentals of being a technical writer, how to dominate technical writer interviews, and how to stand out as a technical writing candidate.
