asked on Use of colors in documentation - Callouts, keyboard/mouse actions, sidebar definitions
Hi:
I'm writing a user manual with step-by-step actions and I'm looking for a web site or blog or pdf that has best practices for using colors in callouts, documenting keyboard mouse actions, etc.
I'm writing a user manual with step-by-step actions and I'm looking for a web site or blog or pdf that has best practices for using colors in callouts, documenting keyboard mouse actions, etc.
Project ManagementTechnical WritingMicrosoft Word
Last Comment
Doug Van
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Thanks. I just ordered the MS Manual of Style. Didn't even know they had one.
You're welcome. Good luck with your project. There are few things more tedious to write than step-by-step manuals.
There is a Microsoft Garage Project that is awesome for screen snips. It turns the Print Screen button into a click/drag snipping tool... If you're running Windows 10, you can download it here. It works at an OS level, available in any app.
https://mix.office.com/en-
There is a Microsoft Garage Project that is awesome for screen snips. It turns the Print Screen button into a click/drag snipping tool... If you're running Windows 10, you can download it here. It works at an OS level, available in any app.
https://mix.office.com/en-
I tried Microsoft's Snip tool and wow, it is horribly inept. LOL With all of Microsoft's dev money, I am shocked that they would release something so ridiculously terrible.
If you want a remarkably capable (and free) screen capture tool, check out Gadwin PrintScreen (https://www.gadwin.com/printscreen/). They offer both a fully functional free version (no hidden advertisements or limitations) and a pay version with additional features.
I've been using GadWin for years... I now use the paid version because I felt it was only right to pay after so many years of using it for free.
Best regards,
Shawn
If you want a remarkably capable (and free) screen capture tool, check out Gadwin PrintScreen (https://www.gadwin.com/printscreen/). They offer both a fully functional free version (no hidden advertisements or limitations) and a pay version with additional features.
I've been using GadWin for years... I now use the paid version because I felt it was only right to pay after so many years of using it for free.
Best regards,
Shawn
I agree with Colleen's original comment. It is up to you to come up with standards that best suite your company's requirements and target market/audience.
But whatever colors and other attributes you decided on, consistency is very important in most situations. The MS Style guide is very good and considered one of the leading references among technical writers. However, there are many excellent style guides that you can download for free. Just Google, "style guide pdf" and you will find excellent documents like:
https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/media_wysiwyg/University%20of%20Oxford%20Style%20Guide.pdf
Also, if you have the resources, I highly recommend that you create your own corporate style guide based upon your specific requirements.
Good luck,
Shawn
But whatever colors and other attributes you decided on, consistency is very important in most situations. The MS Style guide is very good and considered one of the leading references among technical writers. However, there are many excellent style guides that you can download for free. Just Google, "style guide pdf" and you will find excellent documents like:
https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/media_wysiwyg/University%20of%20Oxford%20Style%20Guide.pdf
Also, if you have the resources, I highly recommend that you create your own corporate style guide based upon your specific requirements.
Good luck,
Shawn
Here is a good collection of style guides:
http://www.logodesignlove.com/brand-identity-style-guides
http://www.logodesignlove.com/brand-identity-style-guides