Getting Started with zipBoard: For Technical Writers

This guide will help you get started with zipBoard to enhance your workflow when working with PDF documents.

Step 1: Set Up Your Project

1. Log in to your zipBoard account and create a new project.
2. Name your project after the document or manual you're working on (e.g., User Manual for Product X).
3. Define project-level statuses (e.g., In Draft, In Review, Final Version) to reflect your document’s progress.

📌 Pro Tip: Break the project down into phases or sections (e.g., Installation Guide, API Reference, Troubleshooting) to stay organized.

Step 2: Upload Your PDF Document

1. Navigate to the project dashboard and click "Add Files."
2. Upload the PDF document you’re working on.
3. Organize the document into phases or folders for easier navigation, especially for longer manuals.

📌 Pro Tip: Use version control by naming your files clearly (e.g., User-Manual-v2.pdf) to keep track of updates.

Step 3: Annotate and Review the Document

1. Open the PDF document and use the annotation tools to:
   • Highlight text for corrections or revisions.
   • Add comments to clarify instructions or provide additional information.
   • Draw shapes or add arrows to show where visual elements need to be adjusted or added.
2. Create tasks directly on the document for sections that need further development or approval.

📌 Example: Highlight a confusing instruction and comment, "Please clarify the steps for installing the software."

Step 4: Collaborate and Track Feedback

1. Share the document with colleagues, SMEs, or clients by clicking "Share Link."
2. Stakeholders can leave comments and feedback directly on the PDF, and you can respond, accept, or reject suggestions.
3. Track feedback to ensure all issues are addressed. You can prioritize comments based on their urgency or relevance to the content.

📌 Pro Tip: Use @mentions to tag specific people for feedback on particular sections or tasks.

Step 5: Track and Prioritize Feedback

Once feedback starts coming in from various reviewers, it's important to organize it:

• Triage Feedback: Sort comments based on importance, urgency, and impact on the document.
• Prioritize Actionable Changes: Focus on suggestions that will improve clarity, accuracy, and completeness.

Learn more about tracking and prioritizing feedback here.

Step 6: Manage Versions and Updates

1. As revisions are made, upload updated versions of the PDF document to keep everything organized.

📌 Example: If a section is restructured, you can upload the new version as User-Manual-v3.pdf.

Benefits of Using zipBoard for Technical Writing

• Real-Time Collaboration: Review and annotate PDFs in real-time with stakeholders.
• Centralized Feedback: All feedback and comments are in one place for easy access.
• Version Control: Keep track of document revisions and easily revert to earlier versions if necessary.
• Task Management: Convert feedback into actionable tasks, ensuring nothing gets missed.