We try to have all of our pages follow the same format.Some instructions don't lend themselves to this format, but most do.When you're editing pages, try to keep the following guidelines in mind, and also refer to our Writer's Guide for more information on the wikiHow writing style.
Step 1: Start each step with a #.
Extra line feeds between steps will cause the auto-numbering to reset and create another step.
Step 2: Limit the steps to one action.
You can capture the step with a short sentence and then describe it in more detail.The reader should be able to skim over the initial bolded sentences and get a sense of the overall method before reading more.If there is a period, exclamation point or question mark other than the one ending the sentence, you may have to manually embolden the last part of the first sentence.You can manually embolden a sentence by using ''Text'', which has three apostrophes around the beginning and end of the text.
Step 3: With few exceptions, start each step with a word.
You can either use verbs that are concrete/physical or abstract/non-physical.Don't use transitional or introductory wording.A clear action verb is an activity for the person to follow instructions."First," "Then," or similar words are not good starting words.Some phrases are acceptable.Remove the top from the oven if it turns brown."If the top turns brown, remove it from the oven immediately."Don't use personal references in your steps.Say what you want your reader to do.The steps should read like commands.
Step 4: Break up the steps.
You can split them into steps or sub- steps.Try to keep each step and sub-step substantial, rather than very brief, but it varies depending on the topic and sentence length.If the sub-steps get so long that the reader can't remember which step they're on, subsections may be more appropriate.Use #* to make bullets on sub-steps.
Step 5: You can use subsections.
If each subsection requires its own set of tips and warnings, that is a sign that the article might need splitting.If there are many subsections, make sure there is a Steps section heading, otherwise the title will not say "How to" at the beginning, and other things will start to go wrong with the page.The title is important for the layout of the article.
Step 6: Decide if the subsections should be formatted as part or method.
When only one section is needed to accomplish the goal, use "Method" and "Part" when reading all the sections.If each subsection describes a different method, put the magic word "METHODS" at the bottom of the article, and the title will read as a method.If each subsection describes a different part, put the magic word "PARTS" and the title will read as a part.It will be hard to decide on "part" or "Method".If it's difficult to tell which section to choose in nuanced articles, use your best judgement.If you have a very complicated case, you can use additional headers within the main parts, but this is not recommended as it isn't supported in the layout.
Step 7: Images should be accurate and well placed.
All images that are large enough will be centered above each step, and placed automatically by the software.Small, portrait-oriented images can be aligned to the right of the step.There are two ways to put a photo in a wikiHow article.The image should be at the end of the text.
Step 8: The standard order is used for your sections.
Sometimes sections get mixed up if they've been edited in the Advanced Editor.If you see sections that are out of order or that have an improper heading, you are free to correct them.The preferred order is: