Software manuals are a form of documentation intended to provide users of software with instructions for the software’s intended use. Such manuals frequently include technical specifications and a guide to troubleshooting. Software manuals are a form of instruction manual, which in turn are a subset of technical manuals. As such, software manuals are text based documents that often employ illustrations or diagrams to enable the reader to more easily access and process information related to the operation of the software. Frequently, software manuals contain sections in a number of languages which correspond to the languages the software is offered in to allow the software to be sold in multiple markets.

A joke has it that software manuals come in only two varieties: “dull and unintelligible.” This is because, like any technical writing, software manuals are produced to technical specifications which do not always match the end user’s idea of how a manual should work. Most software manuals feature sections on system requirements and compatibility issues, an installation guide, software setup, first time use, common functions and operations, and troubleshooting. In addition, software manuals instruct readers where they can obtain additional assistance installing, using, or repairing the software. Most manuals include screen shots of the software in action to help orient readers and guide them through installation and use of the software.

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