---
title: "Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Technical Writing"
date: 2013-01-17
description: "1. What technical writing tools should I learn? 2. Should I get a technical writing degree or certificate? 3. How do I..."
canonical_url: https://idratherbewriting.com/2013/01/17/top-10-most-frequently-asked-questions-about-technical-writing/
---
# Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Technical Writing
I’ve seen the same questions numerous times, so I’ve decided to compile a list of answers to those questions and add a link to them on my contact page.

![Charting your course in technical communication](https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/idbwmedia.com/images/sailboat2.png)

These are the 10 most frequently asked questions about technical writing:

## 1. What technical writing tools should I learn?

In general, learn markup and style languages more than a specific tool, since languages have a more widespread application than specific tools. The most useful markup and style languages are [HTML](http://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp), [XML](http://www.w3schools.com/xml/default.asp), and [CSS](http://www.w3schools.com/css/default.asp). You can find resources to learn these languages online.

For specific tools, look at [http://indeed.com](http://indeed.com) for technical writer jobs in your area. After analyzing the job postings, try to identify a common trend in the tools required. Learn those tools. You can also review commonly used tools from previous [WritersUA tool surveys](http://www.writersua.com/surveys/tools12/index.html).

In general, learn these four types of tools:

 - Help authoring tools (such as [Jekyll](/about-jekyll/), MadCap Flare, Confluence, Robohelp, Doc-to-Help, or some other)

 - Graphics tools (Snagit, Capture, Photoshop, Illustrator)

 - Video recording tools (Camtasia Studio, Screenflow, Captivate)

 - Page layout tool (InDesign, Word, Framemaker)

** **Tip: **When learning how to create screencasts and other videos, see my [five-step process for creating video tutorials](/2012/09/27/how-to-create-video-tutorials-a-five-step-process/)."