Do you struggle using tables in Microsoft Word? A Quick Table might help, especially if you are using the same set of table formats across several documents. Go to the Insert tab in the ribbon. Go to Table->Quick Tables, then select a table format you like. Replace the headers and data included in the table…
Do you use “utilize” in technical documents instead of “use”? In most cases, we recommend using the word “use” following the Handbook of Technical Writing and plain language principles. Use will almost always be clearer and less pretentious. When is “utilize” acceptable? According to the Chicago Manual of Style, you can justify “utilize” in the…
To calculate the averages in Table 1, use this method: For the month of January in the Average column, click Ctrl+F9 to get this field: { }. In the brackets, type = 5.5/4: With your cursor in the brackets, click F9 to get the average: 1.38. To double check, right-click in the field and select Toggle Field Codes from the drop down to see the equation, then toggle back for…
Have you ever needed to calculate sums in Word tables but reached for Excel instead? Typically, you might use Excel, input the data there using formulas, and then copy and paste the outputs. Alternatively, you might use the digital calculator app to solve the calculations and plug them into the table. Good news! Microsoft Word…
Struggling with writer’s block? You’re not alone, and the fix is simpler than you think. In this quick video, learn how using a simple outline can unlock your ideas, build momentum, and make writing feel effortless again. Watch till the end for a tip you can use immediately
Assign a Shortcut to a Style Applying styles to format text keeps formatting consistent and prevents file corruption unlike formatting “manually” using the icons in the ‘Home’ tab. This means opening the style pane, finding the style, then applying it. There is the option of using the style gallery in the ‘Home’ tab, but that…
If you’re planning a new facility construction in the oil and gas, renewable, or construction industries, it’s time to think about your Operations and Maintenance Procedures. Do you know what you need to include in them? Get ready for the rundown on the basics, so you can be sure you check all the boxes when…
What do you call a dinosaur with an expansive vocabulary? A thesaurus! And thanks to Peter Mark Roget, you can also call a book filled with synonyms a thesaurus and reference one whenever you’re in need of a fresh word with a specific meaning. January 18th was selected as National Thesaurus Day because it is…
Are you responsible for writing an environmental report for an upcoming project? It’s essential to get this work done right the first time, or you could face rising costs, project delays, and more. We’ll cover what environmental reports are, why they are so important, and what paths you can take to keep costs down and…
From conception to execution, and in some industries, decommissioning, all engineering projects have at least one thing in common: technical communication. Much of what engineers do ultimately needs to be “put on paper,” i.e., documented. Technical documents must clearly explain complex ideas to technicians, operators, engineers, management, and customers. But why? Clear, concise, and correct…