A Software User Guide and, if required, its accompanying Online Help system, provide clear, task-focused instructions that help users understand, navigate, and make effective use of your software application. These documents and help systems support users at all skill levels and ensure that your software is easy to learn, easy to use, and easy to maintain.
What These Documents Are For
Software User Guides and Online Help systems serve as the primary “information for use” resources for your product. They explain how the software works, how to perform tasks, and how to resolve common issues. Whether delivered as a traditional manual or an integrated help system, they guide users through concepts, workflows, configuration steps, and troubleshooting.
Who They’re For
- New and experienced users of the software
- Administrators who configure or manage the system
- Support teams assisting end-users
- Organisations requiring formal software documentation
Why They Matter
High-quality user guides and online help systems:
- Reduce onboarding time for new users
- Minimise support calls and user frustration
- Improve accuracy and consistency in software usage
- Support compliance, training, and knowledge retention
- Provide a dependable reference throughout the software lifecycle
Typical Contents of a Software User Guide
A comprehensive User Guide for software products typically includes:
Introduction to the Software
Navigation and Interface Overview
Common Tasks and Workflows
Configuration and Settings
Data Entry and Processing Instructions
Troubleshooting Guidance
Glossary of Terms and Concepts
Contact or Support Information
User Guides may be delivered as PDF manuals, web-based documentation, or structured digital formats depending on your requirements.
Typical Contents of an Online Help System
Online Help—delivered directly within the application—may include:
Context-sensitive help topics
Step-by-step instructions for completing screens
Embedded diagrams or interface callouts
Searchable knowledge topics
Links to administration or reference manuals
Topic-based updates and version-specific information
Online Help can provide “just-in-time” assistance where users need it most—inside the software itself.
Related Software Documentation Types
Many software products also benefit from additional supporting documents listed in Orchid’s documentation catalogue:
- Administration Manual – For system administrators managing configuration, deployment, permissions, data control, and backend settings.
- Reference Manual – For advanced users requiring detailed parameter lists, command references, or in-depth explanations of system behaviour.
These may be supplied alongside the User Guide and Online Help to provide a complete documentation suite.
Applicable Standards
- ISO / IEC / IEEE 82079-1 – Preparation of Information for Use
- ISO 20607 – Safety of Machinery: Instruction Handbook (relevant when software supports machinery)
- ISO 12100 – Safety of Machinery: Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction (when software forms part of a machinery system)
- ISO Technical Product Documentation Standards (ISO 01.110 Series)
How We Work
Orchid produces Software User Guides and Online Help systems by:
- Reviewing your software workflows, interface, and user goals
- Structuring content around tasks, not features
- Creating clear, user-centred help topics and illustrations
- Ensuring consistency across User Guides, Online Help, Administration Guides, and Reference Manuals
- Delivering documentation in PDF, HTML, context-sensitive help, or web-hosted formats
Delivery Options
- Searchable PDF User Guides
- HTML or web-based Online Help
- Embedded context-sensitive help
- Multilingual documentation packages
Next Steps
To discuss your Software User Guide or Online Help requirements, or to request a quotation, please contact the Orchid team via our standard enquiry channels.
Other Manual Types can be seen here.
