I partnered with a team to modernize server documentation for Tech Company (via Content Rules). We transformed unstructured PDFs into a single-source publishing workflow using MadCap Flare and Central, producing polished print guides and a searchable knowledge base website from the same content.
Client:
Tech Company, via Content Rules (hypothetical project scenario)
Role:
Technical Writer / Content Strategist
Timeline:
Sep 3, 2025 – Sep 14, 2025
Tools/Skills:
MadCap Flare, structured authoring, content modeling, CSS design, and single-source publishing
Summary
Tech Company needed a proof-of-concept solution to modernize their server documentation. Their existing hardware and software guides were maintained in unstructured PDFs, making it difficult to update content consistently, reuse information across deliverables, or provide customers with online access.
Our team was subcontracted by Content Rules to evaluate and deliver a single-source publishing workflow using MadCap Flare and Central. Within three weeks, we transformed sample Zen4 documentation into both print and online formats, demonstrating how structured authoring could streamline updates and improve customer experience.
Key Deliverables
- Redesigned Installation and Configuration Guides (PDFs) with consistent formatting, cover pages, TOCs, and searchable keywords.
- A knowledge base website (HTML5) built from the same source files, enabling Tech Company to publish once and deliver everywhere.
- Structured topics aligned with DITA-inspired templates, incorporating metadata, variables, and conditional content for reusability.
- Custom CSS styling for both PDF and HTML outputs, improving legibility and brand consistency.
Skills Applied:
- Component content management (MadCap Flare + Central)
- Structured, topic-based authoring and content modeling
- Single-source publishing for multi-format outputs
- Metadata, taxonomy, and keyword tagging for findability
- CSS design for web and print deliverables
- Remote collaboration using Slack and agile workflows
Impact
This proof of concept demonstrated that Tech Company could manage complex technical content from a single source, publish to multiple channels, and maintain consistency across teams. It positioned them to scale documentation efficiently while improving both customer support and long-term content strategy.