Skip to main content
技术写作

Technical writing Q&A with workshop expert Julia Bluff.

8 Questions View all
User avatar

How many pictures should be included along with writing?

A picture is thousand words, so how many pictures should be included with writing?

Answer this question I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Score 1
Add a comment

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer
User avatar

It depends on how complicated or delicate the procedure is—and how versed your target audience is with the procedure.

For example, at iFixit we write repair manuals for consumer electronics. Our guides and manuals are designed so novices can easily use and understand them. Naturally, we don't want our readers to damage any of the delicate components in their iPhones or their MacBook Pros. So, we supplement our textual instructions heavily with pictures. Essentially, every time the repairer's hand moves, there is a picture to document it. We need the reader to see just how a component slides off the connecter, or how a tiny tab swings open. Without that level of detail, novice repairers might just pull a component off the motherboard and completely ruin their device.

Of course, not everything requires that much visual explanation. A general rule of thumb: Use pictures when words won't suffice on their own, and your text needs that extra level of visual clarity.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 1
Add a comment

Add your answer

Author avatar Ashok Shah will be eternally grateful.
TRUSTe