Jump to Key Sections
As a technical writer, it is essential to have a reliable authoring tool to create and manage documentation efficiently. Author-It is a complete authoring solution that claims to simplify content creation and management for technical writers. It allows users to create, edit, and publish information across various formats, including online help, printed documentation, and e-books. In this blog post, we will explore Author-It, its features, pros and cons, and our thoughts on this software.
Video Tutorial:
What is Author-It?
Author-It is a complete authoring solution created for technical writers. It provides a centralized platform to create, manage, and publish documentation across various formats. Author-It claims to simplify the process of content creation, and it has features that help authors to create structured content using reusable components and pre-defined templates. It also allows users to collaborate and work remotely on the same project in real-time.
Price:
Author-It pricing is not available on their website. However, they offer a 30-day free trial of their software.
Basics
Author-It is a comprehensive authoring tool that has several features to assist technical writers in creating documentation. It offers a centralized platform where several writers can work remotely on the same project, and changes are updated in real-time. Some of the basics of Author-It are:
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Centralized platform for content creation, management, and distribution
- Reusable components for document creation
- Easy collaboration with other writers
- Multi-format publishing
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other authoring tools
- Steep learning curve
- Poor customer support
Our Thoughts on Author-It
In our opinion, Author-It is an excellent authoring tool that provides several features to assist technical writers in creating documentation. Its centralized platform enables multiple writers to work on the same project simultaneously, saving time and increasing productivity. However, its expensive pricing and steep learning curve might be a turn-off for some users. Nonetheless, Author-It is a powerful tool that can simplify the content creation and management process for technical writers.
What Author-It Identifies
Author-It identifies several issues faced by technical writers while creating and managing documentation. It solves these issues by providing various features that simplify content creation and management. Some of the problems it identifies and solves are:
- Collaboration issues: Author-It provides a centralized platform that allows multiple writers to work on the same project simultaneously, simplifying collaboration problems.
- Difficulties in creating structured content: Author-It provides reusable components and pre-defined templates that assist in creating consistent and structured content.
- Multi-format publishing: Author-It allows users to publish documentation in various formats, including online help, web pages, print, and e-books.
How to Use Author-It?
Using Author-It is straightforward, and the software provides tutorials and guides to assist new users. Here are some basic steps to follow when using Author-It:
- Download and install Author-It.
- Create a new project or open an existing one.
- Create and structure content using pre-defined templates and reusable components.
- Review and edit content with other writers in real-time.
- Publish content across various formats, including online help, web pages, print, and e-books.
Alternatives to Author-It
While Author-It is a powerful authoring tool, it might not be the best fit for every user. Here are three alternatives to Author-It that offer similar features:
Madcap Flare
Madcap Flare is a powerful authoring and publishing tool that allows users to create, publish and manage documentation across various formats. It provides users with a centralized platform, pre-defined templates, and reusable components to simplify content creation. Madcap Flare pricing starts at $1,249 per user.
Download Link: Download Link
Adobe Robohelp
Adobe Robohelp is an authoring and publishing tool that allows users to create and manage content across various formats. It provides a centralized platform, reusability, and multi-format publishing features that simplify content creation. Adobe Robohelp pricing starts at $29.00 per month.
Download Link: Download Link
Help+Manual
Help+Manual is an authoring and publishing tool that allows users to create, publish, and manage documentation across various formats. It provides a centralized platform, reusability, and multi-format publishing features to simplify content creation. Help+Manual pricing starts at $449 per user.
Download Link: Download Link
5 FAQs about Author-It
Q1: Is Author-It only for technical writers?
A: Yes, Author-It is primarily designed for technical writers who create and manage documentation.
Q2: Can multiple writers work on the same project simultaneously using Author-It?
A: Yes, multiple writers can work on the same project simultaneously using Author-It.
Q3: Does Author-It provide pre-defined templates?
A: Yes, Author-It provides various pre-defined templates to simplify content creation.
Q4: Does Author-It allow multi-format publishing?
A: Yes, Author-It allows users to publish content across various formats, including online help, web pages, print, and e-books.
Q5: Is there a free trial of Author-It?
A: Yes, Author-It offers a 30-day free trial to its users.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Author-It is a powerful authoring tool that simplifies content creation and management for technical writers. Its centralized platform and collaboration features enable writers to work together on the same project, increasing productivity and saving time. However, its pricing might not be affordable for some users, and it has a steep learning curve. Nonetheless, Author-It is an excellent software that can significantly benefit technical writers.