Writing Procedures: Insert Inline Images for Unnamed Buttons Part 1

The names of most parts of an interface can be identified via ToolTips, which display a visual element's name when the mouse is hovered over it.. Technical writers would often have to use the ToolTip when writing steps and procedures. However, some developers do not include this mouse over feature (e.g. Linux applications and open-source programs).

When a button or part of an interface does not have a name, it is often best to insert a small screen capture of the icon. In Windows 7, users can use the Snipping Tool or free software such as Lightscreen. Inserting these screen captures may be a bit laborious but assists users especially when the interface has numerous features and countless icons (e.g. Adobe Suite Products).

Inserting the screen captures or icons as inline images ensures that the image does not interrupt the flow of the text or instructions unlike large screenshots.

Word-processors programs such as Microsoft Word 2010, Lyx, LibreOffice Writer and design programs such as Adobe FrameMaker 10 and Adobe InDesign CS4 all insert inline images efficiently.

To insert inline images in Microsoft Word 2010:

1. Place the insertion point to where the image is to be inserted.

2. On the Insert tab, click Picture, and select the screen shot.

3. Word 2010 will automatically insert the picture as an inline image.
4. To edit image dimensions, borders, and position, click the Picture Tools tab.

To insert Inline images in Adobe FrameMaker 10:

1. Place the insertion point to where the image is to be inserted. 

2. On the File menu, click Import, then File. Select the screenshot or image. 

3. On the Imported Graphic Scaling window, select the dpi required for the image. For online tutorials or web-based documents, 72 dpi would suffice. 

4. FrameMaker will not automatically position the image in line with the text. To correct this, open the Special menu and click Anchored Frame. 

The screen cap is not aligned with the text.

The Anchored Frame panel changes the alignment and position.

5. On the Anchored Frame panel, select the At the Insertion Point on the Anchoring Position list. Click Edit frame. 

6. To adjust the alignment of the image with the text, edit the values found on the Distance Above Baseline. Negative values moves the image downwards in relation to the text.

**Alternately, inserted images can be aligned with text by selecting the frame (not the image inside the frame) and clicking ESC + M + P.

**Go to Writing Procedures: Insert Inline Images for Unnamed Buttons Part 2