---
title: "Learn some tools (TW Job)"
date: 2009-12-20
description: "How to get a job in technical writing   1.0 Introduction to getting a job in technical writing (TW..."
canonical_url: https://idratherbewriting.com/2009/12/20/get-a-job-in-technical-writing-step-3-learn-some-tools/
---
# Learn some tools (TW Job)
Learn a **help authoring tool**, such as Madcap Flare, Adobe RoboHelp, or Author-it. When you document a complex software application, you usually need a powerful help authoring tool to create an online help file. Alternatively, use a text editor such as oXygen and learn DITA.

Second, learn a **page layout tool**, such as Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Word, or Adobe Framemaker. I use page layout tools when I'm creating quick reference guides. Depending on your technical writing role, you may be creating pamphlets, brochures, newsletters, or short guides with a lot of design elements. The page layout tools give you a lot of control over the display, position, and layout of your text and images. (Okay, maybe not Microsoft Word, but you can do some page layout with it.)