****************** Editing the Manual ****************** Update ====== Firstly, make sure that your local copy of the manual is up to date with the online repository using: .. code-block:: sh svn update Writing ======= You can now edit the documentation files, which are the ``.rst`` files inside the ``manual`` folder using a text editor of your choice. Be sure to check the :doc:`/about/contribute/guides/writing_guide` for conventions and :doc:`/about/contribute/guides/markup_guide` to learn how to write in the reStructuredText markup language. Happy writing! Bigger Changes -------------- If you are going to add or overhaul a section, be sure to check carefully that it does not already exist. In some places, the docs are so disorganized that sections may be duplicated or in a strange location. In the case that you find a duplicate or out of place section, `create a task `__ explaining the issue, and optionally include a revision (actual changes). Before you make any edits that are not simple and plainly justified (for example, moving folders around), you should verify with a manual maintainer that your contribution is along the community's vision for the manual. This ensures the best use of your time and good will as it is otherwise possible that, for some reason, your changes will conflict and be rejected or need time-consuming review. For example, another person may be already working on the section you wish to change, the section may be scheduled for deletion or to be updated according to a planned change to Blender. :ref:`Communicating ` early and frequently is the key to have a productive environment, to not waste people's effort and to attain a better Blender manual as a result. .. Communication is a very important step in community development. Manual maintainers and the general community can also point to areas that are in need of big or small changes. Getting Help/Answers -------------------- If you are in doubt about functionality that you wish to document, you should pose your questions to the Blender developers responsible for that area or ask at the unofficial user support channel at ``#blender`` :ref:`IRC channel `. Blender itself has a system of module owners with developer and artist members who are responsible for the design and maintenance of the assigned Blender areas. See the `module owners page `__ for more information. Preview ======= To view your changes, build the manual :doc:`as instructed `. Keep in mind that you can also build only the chapter you just edited to view it quickly. Open the generated ``.html`` files inside the ``build/html`` folder using your web browser, or refresh the page if you have it open already. Upload ====== When you are happy with your changes, you can upload them, so that they will be in the online manual. At first, this is done by submitting patches so that someone can review your changes and give you feedback. After, you can commit your changes directly. This process is described in detail in the next section.