Technical communicators use a variety of tools to create useable information. Often referred to as a "tool set", there is no defined list of tools that are used by all technical writers. However, broad categories of tools are used by most technical writers and communicators. Many tools have independent forums that provide varying levles of support or assistance.

Word processors

There are a variety of word processors available, each with advantages and disadvantages. The most common are Framemaker by Adobe Systems, and Word by Microsoft. OpenOffice.org is a relatively recent tool that is growing in popularity.

Graphics Programs

There is an old cliche; "A picture is worth a thousand words". This holds true for technical communication. Many document sets contain large numbers of screen captures, black-box diagrams, and other explanatory pictures to assist the reader in understanding a concept or action. The most commonly used programs are Photoshop by Adobe, GIMP, Paint Shop Pro, and SnagIT .

Desktop publishing software

Not all projects require a high level of presentation quality, especially projects designed for a company's internal use only. When a project is to be presented to external audiences, presentation becomes more important. Desktop publishing software can give a document set a better presentation than a word processor. The most common desktop publishing packages are Framemaker and InDesign, both by Adobe.

Text editors

Light weight text editors are very useful tools. While many word processors can be used to edit text, specialised text editors generally have features for handling text that word processors don't have. The most common text editors are Notepad by Microsoft, BBEdit, vim, and TextPad.

HTML Editors

Any text editor can be used as a HTML editor however, specialised HTML editors generally include features for manipulating HTML that text editors don't include. Many word processors can save information as HTML however, the quality of HTML output is often not of W3C standards. The most common HTML editors are HTML Kit, Homesite/Dreamweaver, Adobe GoLive, and Namo.

Other Useful Tools

There are many other tools that technical communicators find useful. Dictionaries are one of the most useful tools any writer can have. A list of online dictionaries is available. For more information on available tools refer to the Technical communication tools category.