# Documentation content templates (/guides/content-templates)
Related: [How to create accessible documentation](/guides/accessibility.md), [Documentation content types](/guides/content-types.md), [Headless docs with a custom frontend](/guides/custom-frontend.md), [Build custom page layouts](/guides/custom-layouts.md), [Create developer documentation](/guides/developer-documentation.md), [Create a help center](/guides/help-center.md)
Use these templates as starting points for creating documentation. Customize the templates for your documentation and your audience.
1. Copy the template that matches your content type.
2. Replace placeholders and example content with your actual content.
3. Adjust sections as needed.
4. Remove any sections that don't apply.
Not sure which template to use? Read about [content types](/guides/content-types) to understand when to use each one.
## How-to guide template [#how-to-guide-template]
Use how-to guides when users need to accomplish a specific task and already have some familiarity with your product. How-tos are goal-driven and get straight to the solution.
````mdx title="How-to guide template"
---
title: "[Titles should start with a verb]"
description: "[Do specific task] to [achieve outcome]."
---
Start with a brief statement of what this guide helps users accomplish.
## Prerequisites (optional)
List only what's necessary:
- Required setup or configuration
- Permissions needed
- Related features that should be configured first
## [Action-oriented heading describing the task]
Provide direct instructions focused on achieving the goal.
1. Open [location] and navigate to [specific place]
2. Click [button or option]
3. Enter [required information]
4. Click [confirmation button]
```language
// Include code examples that users can copy and modify
```
Include practical tips that help users avoid common mistakes or work more efficiently.
## Verify the result (optional)
If success is ambiguous, explain how users can confirm they completed the task successfully.
## Troubleshooting (optional)
Address common issues users might encounter:
- **Problem description**: Solution or workaround
- **Another common issue**: How to resolve it
## Related tasks
Link to related how-to guides or next steps.
````
## Tutorial template [#tutorial-template]
Use tutorials when you want to help new users learn through hands-on practice. Tutorials guide users step-by-step through a complete learning experience with a clear outcome.
````mdx title="Tutorial template"
---
title: "[Action verb] [specific outcome]"
description: "Learn how to [specific outcome] by [method or approach]."
---
Use an introduction paragraph to explain what users can expect to learn and what they can do after completing this tutorial.
## Prerequisites
List what users need before starting:
- Required knowledge or skills
- Tools, accounts, or permissions
- Time commitment (optional)
## Step 1: [First action]
Provide clear, specific instructions for the first step.
```language
// Include code examples where helpful
```
Explain what this step accomplishes and why it matters.
## Step 2: [Second action]
Continue with sequential steps that build on previous work.
Point out milestones and progress markers so users know they're on track.
## Step 3: [Third action]
Keep steps focused on concrete actions rather than theory.
Minimize choices that users need to make.
## Next steps
Summarize what users learned and suggest logical next steps:
- Related tutorials to try
- How-to guides for common tasks
- Additional resources for deeper learning
````
## Explanation template [#explanation-template]
Use explanations when users need to understand concepts, design decisions, or how complex features work. Explanations provide context and deepen understanding rather than giving step-by-step instructions.
```mdx title="Explanation template"
---
title: "About [concept or feature]"
description: "Understand [concept] and how it works within [product or context]."
---
Start with a clear statement of what this explanation covers and why understanding it matters.
Define the concept in plain language. Explain what it is, what it does, and why it exists.
Use analogies or comparisons to familiar concepts when helpful.
## How [concept] works
Explain the underlying mechanics, architecture, or process.
![Diagram showing how [concept] works](/path/to/diagram.png)
Break down complex ideas into digestible sections.
## Why [design decision or approach]
Provide context about why things work the way they do.
Discuss trade-offs, alternatives that were considered, or constraints that influenced the design.
## When to use [concept]
Help users understand when this concept or approach is most appropriate.
- **Use case 1**: When this approach makes sense
- **Use case 2**: Another scenario where this is the right choice
- **Not recommended for**: Situations where alternatives are better
## Relationship to other features
Draw connections to related concepts or features in your product.
Explain how this concept fits into the broader system or workflow.
## Common misconceptions
Address misunderstandings or clarify subtle distinctions.
## Further reading
Link to related explanations, tutorials, or reference documentation.
```
## Reference template [#reference-template]
Use reference documentation when users need to look up specific details about your product's features. Reference docs prioritize accuracy, consistency, and scannability.
````mdx title="Reference template"
---
title: "[Feature or API name] reference"
description: "Complete reference for [feature or API] properties, parameters, and options."
---
Provide a one-sentence description of what this feature or API does.
## Properties
Brief description of the property.
Brief description with default value if applicable.
Brief description.
## Parameters
Description of what this parameter does and when to use it.
```language
// Example showing typical usage
```
Description of the parameter.
Available options:
- `option1`: Description of this option.
- `option2`: Description of this option.
## Examples
### Basic example
```language title="Basic usage"
// Minimal example showing common use case
```
### Advanced example
```language title="Advanced configuration"
// Example with multiple options configured
```
## Response
If documenting an API, describe the response structure.
Description of the response field.
Description of another response field.
Example response:
```json
{
"field1": "value",
"field2": 123
}
```
## Related references
Link to related reference documentation.
````
## Related pages [#related-pages]
Choose the right content type for your documentation goals.
Write effective documentation with consistent style.
Learn how to format text and style content.