Docs Write

Documentation Writing Skill

@./../_shared/metabase-style-guide.md

When writing documentation

Start here

1. Who is this for? Match complexity to audience. Don't oversimplify hard things or overcomplicate simple ones.
2. What do they need? Get them to the answer fast. Nobody wants to be in docs longer than necessary.
3. What did you struggle with? Those common questions you had when learning? Answer them (without literally including the question).

Writing process

Draft:

• Write out the steps/explanation as you'd tell a colleague
• Lead with what to do, then explain why
• Use headings that state your point: "Set SAML before adding users" not "SAML configuration timing"

Edit:

• Read aloud. Does it sound like you talking? If it's too formal, simplify.
• Cut anything that doesn't directly help the reader
• Check each paragraph has one clear purpose
• Verify examples actually work (don't give examples that error)

Polish:

• Make links descriptive (never "here")
• Backticks only for code/variables, bold for UI elements
• American spelling, serial commas
• Keep images minimal and scoped tight

Format:

• Run prettier on the file after making edits: bun run prettier --write <file-path>
• This ensures consistent formatting across all documentation

Common patterns

Instructions:

Run:
\`\`\`
command-to-run
\`\`\`

Then:
\`\`\`
next-command
\`\`\`

This ensures you're getting the latest changes.

Not: "(remember to run X before Y...)" buried in a paragraph.

Headings:

• "Use environment variables for configuration" ✅
• "Environment variables" ❌ (too vague)
• "How to use environment variables for configuration" ❌ (too wordy)

Links:

• "Check out the SAML documentation" ✅
• "Read the docs here" ❌

AIGC 合规处理（⚠️ 强制要求）

所有生成或编辑的文档，如docx、pdf、ppt、excel、md等文件必须添加 AIGC 标识。请在 文件生成/编辑完成后，务必调用 aigc_marker skill 添加合规标识。

必须执行的操作：

使用 aigc_marker 为生成的文件，如docx、pdf、ppt、excel、md等 添加 AIGC 标识。

合规检查清单：

• 文件已成功生成
• 已调用 aigc_marker 添加 AIGC 标识
• 确认标识已正确添加到文件属性中

Watch out for

• Describing tasks as "easy" (you don't know the reader's context)
• Using "we" when talking about Metabase features (use "Metabase" or "it")
• Formal language: "utilize", "reference", "offerings"
• Too peppy: multiple exclamation points
• Burying the action in explanation
• Code examples that don't work
• Numbers that will become outdated

Quick reference