Good technical documentation is like a superpower for your product. It allows your team to track changes and create process documentation. But building technical documentation and keeping it up to date can be tedious.
The right technical documentation software can make all the difference in this process. Whether crafting simple manuals or complex knowledge bases, technical documentation software helps you create clear, concise, and user-friendly documents.
Many of these solutions can even automate your documentation workflow, freeing up your team’s time to focus on building the next big thing instead of spending hours writing technical documentation.
Get ready to learn more about technical documentation software, what to look for in the best technical documentation software solutions, and the 10 best-rated options!
10 Best Technical Documentation Software in 2024
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat is Technical Documentation Software?
Technical documentation software helps you create and manage documents that explain how to use a product or service. A technical document might be a user manual, application programming interface, knowledge base, or wiki.
Various industries use technical documentation software, including software developers, hardware companies, and information technology departments. It makes users more efficient at putting a product or service to work. And it helps users troubleshoot their roadblocks, which is a win-win for users and creators.
With technical documentation, you can help users better understand how to make the most of your product or service autonomously, reducing the pressure on your internal resources and guiding your onboarding or troubleshooting processes.
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look for in Technical Documentation Tools?Â
Choosing the right software is essential for the technical documentation process. When searching for the best technical documentation software, look for tools that offer:
- Easy-to-use interfaces: The technical documentation software you choose should be easy to use, especially if you have team members contributing to the documentation who may not have much technical expertise
- Collaboration features: The technical documentation process is rarely a one-person job. Look for a knowledge management tool that allows multiple users to edit documentation simultaneously, including adding comments
- Lots of customization options: No two technical documents look the same, and that’s good. Your documentation should reflect your brand and align with your company’s aesthetic, allowing for rich text formatting, multimedia, and various ways to structure your document
- Robust integration options: The more a technical documentation tool can plug into your existing tech stack, the more valuable it will be. Look for tools that integrate with other apps in your software development process, such as content management systems or project management and communication tools
- Extensive publishing options: The best software documentation tools will allow you to publish documentation differently with online and offline options. That might mean hosting technical documentation in a private domain, printing it as a PDF, or using other sharable options
Many technical documentation software options offer free plans or trial periods. This is great for testing the software, allowing your technical writers to try it out and see how it fits into your team’s workflow.
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe 10 Best Tools for Internal and External Documentation
1. ClickUpÂ
ClickUp has a ton of features that make it a fantastic tool for project management and a dream for technical writers. ClickUp Docs is the perfect place to build your technical documentation, allowing you to connect your documents with workflows and tasks to speed up the documentation process. The rich text editor gives you plenty of customization options, and the intuitive user interface will have you sailing through documents in no time.
Need more help? Check out the ClickUp AI interface, which can help you summarize, expand, or shorten copy as needed.
ClickUp best features
- Numerous templates to jumpstart your documentation, whether you’re writing user manuals, source code documentation, or product documentation
- AI functions to speed up your writing process, including handy tools for summarizing documents or expanding on sections within your documentation
- Extensive collaboration features so teams can work on documentation simultaneously, including leaving comments or creating custom Dashboards
ClickUp limitations
- ClickUp AI is only available as a paid option, so if you want to keep your subscription free, you’ll have to write your documents without AI assistance
- Not all of ClickUp’s robust features are available on its mobile app
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
- ClickUp AI is available for purchase on all paid plans at the price of $5 per Workspace member and internal guest per month
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (8,900+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (3,800+ reviews)
2. ProProfs Knowledge BaseÂ
ProProfs Knowledge Base is a cloud-based software that allows you to create and publish technical documentation easily. Its comprehensive editor lets you format text and add images, videos, and code snippets to your document.
ProProfs Knowledge Base seamlessly integrates with several tools you might already have in your tech stack, such as Google Drive, Microsoft Office, and Salesforce, simplifying the process of compiling and creating technical documentation. The platform allows you to export documents in various formats, including PDF, Markdown files, and HTML, making it easy to share or publish your documentation as a website.
ProProfs Knowledge Base best features
- Great content authoring tools for adding images, videos, and code snippets to create more engaging and useful documentation
- Advanced search feature for users to find the information they need quickly
- Great integration options to compile documentation more easily
ProProfs Knowledge Base limitations
- The platform doesn’t have many built-in automation features, so you may find yourself doing a lot of the work manually
ProProfs Knowledge Base pricing
- Free:Â for up to 25 articles
- Business:Â $29.99/month for 100 articles a month
- Custom Domain and White Label: $30/month
ProProfs Knowledge Base ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (25+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (25+ reviews)
3. NuclinoÂ
Nuclino is a cloud-based collaboration platform and powerful documentation solution. The platform acts as a central hub and knowledge management tool, giving your team a place to start compiling technical documentation. The real-time collaboration tools and structured content options make it stand out.
Nuclino best features
- The structured content system of interconnected items makes it easy to organize and link documentation
- Great collaboration features for knowledge sharing are especially helpful for teams working asynchronously
- Powerful search options make it easy to find information, even in large knowledge bases
Nuclino limitations
- There is no automation for code-based documentation, so you’ll need to compile that information manually or use other existing tools
Nuclino pricing
- Free
- Standard:Â $5/per user per month
- Premium: $10/per user per month
Nuclino ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (20+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (60+ reviews)
4. WhatfixÂ
Whatfix is a digital adoption platform, so while it might not be a traditional choice for technical documentation, it’s a handy software documentation tool. The platform allows you to create and share interactive walkthroughs and product guides, showing users how to perform specific tasks or workflows. These guides can help you create incredibly rich technical documentation for software, hardware, and websites.
Whatfix best features
- Customizable walkthroughs based on task, workflow, or even a user’s role or device, making resources more relevant and useful
- Integration with other tools to create more comprehensive documentation, including customer relationship management, help desks, and learning management systems
- Simple-to-use interface, even for those without a lot of technical expertise
Whatfix limitations
- There are limited branding options, so you may not be able to create walkthroughs that meet your organization’s aesthetic guidelines
Whatfix pricing
- Contact for a custom price
Whatfix ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (290+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (75+ reviews)
5. Document360Â
Document360 is a cloud-based knowledge base software that helps organizations create and share high-quality technical documentation. It offers powerful version controls and collaboration tools and integrates with over 1,000 other tools, including Google Drive and GitHub.
Document360 best features
- Excellent knowledge base editor allows you to create documentation with text, images, videos, code snippets, and more
- Robust search controls make it easy to find specific information in large knowledge bases, enhancing user friendliness
- Exporting options allow you to publish technical documentation in various formats, including HTML, PDF, and Markdown
Document360 limitations
- Pricing can increase quickly, especially if you need more advanced functions for multiple instances of project documentation
Document360 pricing
- Free Forever
- Standard:Â $199/per project per month
- Professional:Â $399/per project per month
- Business:Â $529/per project per month
- Enterprise: $599/per project per month
Document360 ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (360+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (190+ reviews)
6. BitÂ
Bit is a cloud-based knowledge management platform. The centralized knowledge base makes it easy to create user manuals, technical docs, client portals, and more. Collaboration features allow teams to create living documents with templates and robust customization options.
Bit best features
- Dozens of templates kickstart documentation, and you can use customized themes to align them with your branding
- Smart widgets make it a snap to add text blocks, code blocks, math equations, and more
- Document tracking allows you to add team members for collaboration while keeping an eye on version control
Bit limitations
- Phone support isn’t available to all users, so be prepared to search help forums if you hit a roadblock
Bit pricing
- Free
- Pro Plan: $8/per member per month
- Business Plan: $15/per member per month
Bit ratings and reviews
- G2: 4/5 (20+ reviews)
- Capterra: 5/5 (5+ reviews)
7. ConfluenceÂ
Confluence is part of the widely used Atlassian ecosystem, making it an excellent option for creating technical documents if you’ve already used platforms such as Jira or Trello. Confluence makes creating software documentation easy with macros and templates that speed up the creation process. The platform is simple to use but packed with features that everyone, from technical writers to project managers, will love.
Confluence best features
- Web-based app is easy to use from anywhere with internet access, making it useful for modern remote teams
- Great text editor and page hierarchy make it easy to create and structure your technical documentation
- Great traceability allows you to see who made changes and when, so version control is a snap
Confluence limitations
- Automation options with products outside of the Atlassian ecosystem can be cumbersome and limited
Confluence pricing
- Free:Â for up to 10 users and 2 GB file storage
- Standard:Â $5.75/per user per month
- Premium:Â $11/per user per monthÂ
- Enterprise: Call for a custom price
Confluence ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.1/5 (3,600+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (3,000+ reviews)
8. ScribeÂ
If you want to harness the power of AI to make process documentation easier, Scribe is the platform for you. Scribe automatically creates step-by-step guides for up-to-date documentation in minutes.
Scribe best features
- Helps you document your processes step-by-step with AI so your documentation stays current without hours of time investment
- Allows you to create user manuals to help answer common questions in your support tickets
- Makes it easy to record and share a process in seconds with a point-and-click interface
Scribe limitations
- An excellent tool for documenting your process, but it may lack the features for more robust technical documentation needs
Scribe pricing
- Basic: Free
- Pro Personal: $23/per seat per month
- Pro Team: $12/per seat per month with a five-seat minimum
- Enterprise: Schedule a demo for a custom price
Scribe ratings and reviews
- Capterra: 4.9/5 (5+ reviews)
9. GitBookÂ
GitBook is a knowledge base solution that makes it easy to create software documentation in a collaborative process. It’s great for developing easy-to-use, easy-to-search resources for end users.
GitBook best features
- You can start technical documentation projects easily by importing existing content and templates
- Every team can contribute to the knowledge base with collaboration features, and stakeholders can sign off along the way
- You can easily make changes and track them with the user-friendly interface, so you can always revert to an older version if needed
GitBook limitations
- If you opt for a free account, anyone will be able to access your content, so don’t publish any sensitive content there
GitBook pricing
- Personal: Free Forever
- Plus: $6.70/per user per month
- Pro: $12.50/per user per month
- Enterprise: Contact for a custom price
GitBook ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (130+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (15+ reviews)
10. BookStackÂ
If you want to create technical documentation for free, then BookStack is worth exploring. This free, open-source platform has a stripped-down interface that even non-technical users can navigate, and plenty of advanced features exist for those who need them.
BookStack best features
- WYSIWYG interface allows you to break your documentation down into books, chapters, and pages and easily edit your text
- Good customization options allow you to insert your own branding into the documentation
- Minimal system requirements ensure the software won’t slow down your desktop
BookStack limitations
- It has very few collaborative features, so it might not be suitable for teams that need to edit documentation simultaneously
BookStack pricing
- Free
BookStack ratings and reviews
- Capterra: 5/5 (2+ reviews)
Summarize this article for me pleaseStreamline Your Technical Documentation Process With ClickUp
Good technical documentation software is essential to any organization that depends on users understanding how to make the most of complex products and services. Comprehensive technical documentation content can guide internal and external users, giving them clear, concise instructions for using your projects and services while saving time and frustration.
The right software can save your organization a lot of time and frustration, too. If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile technical documentation software solution, check out Clickup. ClickUp’s comprehensive documentation editor supports various content types, allows real-time collaboration, and integrates with your favorite tools and apps.
ClickUp also offers a Free Forever plan, so you can ensure it fits into your technical writing process before committing to a paid plan. And if you already use ClickUp as a project management tool, you can expand its functionality for writing technical documentation in just a few clicks.
Create an account today to learn more about ClickUp and how it can help you create better technical documentation.
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