Organizing Your Tutorial
A two-column table, like the one in the Tutorial Template, can help you organize your content. Put only one step in the table cell in the left column. You can use the right column in that row for images, such as screenshots.
Visual aids, such as screenshots or diagrams, can help your audience understand the process better. Be sure your screenshots are clear and easy to read. If there are multiple platforms involved, be sure to subdivide content and use the appropriate screenshots for each platform. Try to use your own images. If you use images created by others, be sure you have the permission to use them and cite them according to any licensing agreements.
Your tutorial should include a conclusion that summarizes all of the steps. You can provide any final tips in the conclusion. Encourage someone to try the tutorial on their own.
It's nice to include some additional resources if you have them. They should be clearly presented and from trusted resources. Don't just link a bunch of resources at the end. Go for quality over quantity.
You can review the finished Sample Tutorial below for an example.
Sample Tutorial
Helpful Hint
If you are going to reuse your images for a video-based tutorial, make sure you find or create images as large as possible in good quality. Be sure to store them where you can find and reuse them. If you put them into the Tutorial Template and reduce them, you may lose some quality if you try to copy them from the template. Use your original image files if you are creating a video-based tutorial.
Try to keep your directions short and clear. A good tutorial length is about one page. Don’t sacrifice legibility for space, though. The directions need to be large enough for others to read.