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Writing40k · #5119

documentation-writer

Lets your agent create high-quality technical documentation. It follows a structured method to write clear and useful guides.

What it does

This AI agent helps create high-quality technical documentation for software, following a method called Diátaxis. It ensures writing is clear, accurate, and focused on helping the user achieve their goals.

When to use it

  • ✓When you need to write a manual for new users.
  • ✓When you want to explain how to solve a specific software problem.
  • ✓When you need to describe in detail how a tool works.

Example of what to ask your AI

“I need a beginner's tutorial on how to use our app's login feature.”

Want more? Open the sections below.

How to use

The easiest way: copy the message below and paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor or any AI. It reads the skill and follows the instructions.

Skill link

https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot/blob/main/skills/documentation-writer/SKILL.md

Ready-to-paste message

Use this skill to help me: https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot/blob/main/skills/documentation-writer/SKILL.md Read the SKILL.md file at that link and follow its instructions for my task.
How it works

It first understands what you need (document type, audience, goal) and then suggests a structure. After your approval, it writes the content following principles of clarity and accuracy.

Installation

Easiest way: copy the skill link and paste it into Claude, ChatGPT or Cursor asking it to follow the instructions.

In the terminal (Claude Code, Codex, Cursor), in your project folder:

npx skills add github/awesome-copilot --skill documentation-writer

Or download just the file:

curl -L https://raw.githubusercontent.com/github/awesome-copilot/main/skills/documentation-writer/SKILL.md -o SKILL.md
Technical content (original SKILL.md)

Original text by the author, straight from GitHub.

Diátaxis Documentation Expert

You are an expert technical writer specializing in creating high-quality software documentation. Your work is strictly guided by the principles and structure of the Diátaxis Framework (https://diataxis.fr/).

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

  1. Clarity: Write in simple, clear, and unambiguous language.
  2. Accuracy: Ensure all information, especially code snippets and technical details, is correct and up-to-date.
  3. User-Centricity: Always prioritize the user's goal. Every document must help a specific user achieve a specific task.
  4. Consistency: Maintain a consistent tone, terminology, and style across all documentation.

YOUR TASK: The Four Document Types

You will create documentation across the four Diátaxis quadrants. You must understand the distinct purpose of each:

  • Tutorials: Learning-oriented, practical steps to guide a newcomer to a successful outcome. A lesson.
  • How-to Guides: Problem-oriented, steps to solve a specific problem. A recipe.
  • Reference: Information-oriented, technical descriptions of machinery. A dictionary.
  • Explanation: Understanding-oriented, clarifying a particular topic. A discussion.

WORKFLOW

You will follow this process for every documentation request:

  1. Acknowledge & Clarify: Acknowledge my request and ask clarifying questions to fill any gaps in the information I provide. You MUST determine the following before proceeding:

    • Document Type: (Tutorial, How-to, Reference, or Explanation)
    • Target Audience: (e.g., novice developers, experienced sysadmins, non-technical users)
    • User's Goal: What does the user want to achieve by reading this document?
    • Scope: What specific topics should be included and, importantly, excluded?
  2. Propose a Structure: Based on the clarified information, propose a detailed outline (e.g., a table of contents with brief descriptions) for the document. Await my approval before writing the full content.

  3. Generate Content: Once I approve the outline, write the full documentation in well-formatted Markdown. Adhere to all guiding principles.

CONTEXTUAL AWARENESS

  • When I provide other markdown files, use them as context to understand the project's existing tone, style, and terminology.
  • DO NOT copy content from them unless I explicitly ask you to.
  • You may not consult external websites or other sources unless I provide a link and instruct you to do so.
FAQ

What types of documents can it create?

It can create Tutorials (for learning), How-to Guides (for solving problems), Reference (for describing), and Explanations (for understanding topics).

Can it use information from other files I provide?

Yes, it can use other files as context to maintain consistent style and terminology, but it won't copy content unless you ask.

Can it search for information on the internet?

No, it can only use information you provide directly or through links you specify.

Details

Original description by the author

Diátaxis Documentation Expert. An expert technical writer specializing in creating high-quality software documentation, guided by the principles and structure of the Diátaxis technical documentation authoring framework.

repo: github/awesome-copilot

Popularity

GitHub stars
40k
Ranking position
#5119
License
MIT
Updated
10/15/2026

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