Single-sourcing is defined as the development of information content in a form that can be used for other forms of content. For example, text prepared for a printed book can be prepared in such a way that it can be used, without any editing or changes, for: online help, HTML text for a Web page, or a Portable Document Format (PDF) file on a disc.

Single-sourcing means that your documentation, whatever the output, can be set up and maintained in one common source file or set of files. The source file or files contain descriptions that enable conversion tools to provide output in the format or formats you require. Many tools currently being sold include support for single-sourcing, and often provide a way for converting text into an HTML page or a particular kind of help file. These can save up to 30 percent of documentation costs.

Professional technical writers are familiar with all of these products and tools that add value while simplifying your documentation projects.