howto

How-to is a form of instruction that explains how to perform a task or solve a problem. It is used as a noun and adjective, often hyphenated as how-to, and appears in manuals, guides, help centers, and online content. How-to materials focus on practical steps rather than theoretical background and are designed to enable readers to reproduce an outcome. In practice, the term also appears as a single word in titles, URLs, and brand names, though hyphenated forms are common in traditional writing.

The term stems from the phrase "how to" used in instruction; its use as a compound noun grew with the dissemination of manuals, magazines, and later digital media. In computing and DIY cultures, how-to articles and videos became a common format for sharing tacit knowledge.

A typical how-to includes a scope statement, prerequisites or required materials, a sequential set of steps, and one or more safety notes or warnings. Many also provide troubleshooting tips, common pitfalls, and optional variations. Visual aids such as images, diagrams, or video demonstrations are common to enhance understanding.

Formats vary: written articles or a checklist-style guide; video tutorials; interactive tutorials; or slide decks. Good how-tos are clear, concise, and neutral, avoid assuming prior knowledge, and use precise language. They may include decision points or conditional steps to adapt to different situations.

Benefits of well-constructed how-tos include faster learning, lower error rates, and increased accessibility to skills. Limitations include the need for up-to-date content, context sensitivity, and the risk of oversimplification for complex or safety-critical tasks.