Part III: Topic Types

This module introduces the core DITA topic types and explains how to use them effectively to create clear, well-structured content.

DITA defines several structured topic types, each intended for a different documentation purpose. Using the correct topic type ensures content is focused, reusable, and well-organized across deliverables. Topic types are not arbitrary categories; they reflect how users actually consume technical information. Aligning content structure with user intent improves the findability, readability, and usability of DITA topics.

Learning Objectives

Upon completing this module, you will be able to:

• Understand the core DITA topic types and explain their purpose.
• Identify the common structural elements (tags) associated with each topic type.
• Apply best practices within each topic type to produce clear, user-friendly content that’s easy to manage and reuse.
• Understand how different topic types work together to form comprehensive documentation.