What is Block Authoring? And Why Does ScreenSteps Use It? [VIDEO]

Learning to create content in new software can be challenging at first. It's different than what you are used to so it can feel like the new system is slowing you down.

It can feel that way for some new authors when they begin using the block authoring tools in their ScreenSteps knowledge base. Block authoring can be a little confusing if you've never used it before.

As the Head Consultant at ScreenSteps, I've worked with many companies to teach them how to use block authoring. I've seen how the block authoring tool has saved them time and made authoring articles easier.

Below, learn what block authoring is as well as why ScreenSteps uses block authoring. Then watch the 3-minute video to see examples of how ScreenSteps' block authoring tools work.

What is block authoring?

Block authoring is an approach to writing and designing learning assets. 

It requires that your insert content blocks to format your articles. Each of these content blocks serves a specific role. They are for different aspects of an article. For example, there are separate content blocks for headers, text, images, etc.

This is different than creating an article in Word, Google Docs, or other applications where you write in one space. Content blocks make it easy to move information around in an article.

Why does ScreenSteps use block authoring?

ScreenSteps' knowledge base software uses block authoring to make creating learning assets and articles easier for content creators.

While there is a slight learning curve to using block authoring, the benefits make learning a new authoring approach worth it.

You get more consistency in your articles and it speeds up the process of creating content, especially when you are using screenshots.

There are three main reasons ScreenSteps uses block authoring:

1. Blocks help authors write clearer guides 
2. Blocks make it easy to arrange and rearrange
3. Blocks allow more feature options

For more insight on how block authoring benefits content creators — and to see an example of how block authoring works in ScreenSteps — watch the 3-minute video below. 

Speed up content creation with ScreenSteps authoring tools

It can be challenging at first to use block authoring, but it doesn't take long to learn how it works and see the benefits. 

ScreenSteps has a robust collection of content creation tools that make it easier and faster to document complex procedures and learning assets. 

If you want to learn more about authoring in ScreenSteps, check out the content creation features. Then watch this 4-minute video to see the top 10 reasons people love using the ScreenSteps authoring tools.