Quick reference guides
Quick reference guides refer to short, compressed guides that users can refer to instead of the longer manual or help site. The quick reference guide often condenses and distills the most important points, core tasks, and other key information into 1-2 pages. A similar deliverable is a getting started guide, which is oriented to setup and configuration for new users, while the quick reference guide aims to be a regular reference even after the user gets started.
The following content is in the quick-reference-guides category:
API quick reference guides (and the challenges of passing long content into AI contexts) | Jun 1, 2025
Webinar Recording: Designing Quick Reference Guides | Feb 18, 2012
Starting Points with Quick Reference Guides: Gathering Before Designing | May 14, 2009
Documentation Usability: A Few Things I've Learned from Watching Users | Apr 28, 2009
Quick Reference Guides: Short and Sweet Documentation | Apr 10, 2009
Quick Reference Guides Right Where You Need Them | Apr 9, 2009
Lessons Learned with Quick Reference Guides: Timing and Truth | Feb 26, 2009
Quick Reference Guide Formats -- Tips for Finding Attractive Layouts | Dec 31, 2008
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About Tom Johnson
I'm an API technical writer based in the Seattle area. On this blog, I write about topics related to technical writing and communication — such as software documentation, API documentation, AI, information architecture, content strategy, writing processes, agent skills, tech comm careers, and more. Check out my AI courses for more on the latest in AI and tech comm. If you're looking for info about documenting APIs, see my API documentation course.
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