If you are still using basic tools, such as Microsoft Word, for every piece of content that you create, then this article is for you, as we describe the benefits of the various different content creation tools that are available.

While there is nothing wrong with Microsoft Word for document creation, the chances are that there is a set of content creation tools that can streamline your process, while also opening up a whole new world of functionality.

XML Structured Authoring

If you are not familiar with XML structured authoring, then it is worth giving a brief description as it is central to most content creation tools that you are likely to use. Where basic Word processing programs can be configured by eye to match the layout that is desired, XML authoring allows more advanced publishing software that separates the content from the formatting.

Separate Formatting and Content

In this respect, it is a little like HTML, where a code such as would be used to give a predefined format to the text, such as 12 pt. Times New Roman bold text, as an example.

Using these tools allows for a much easier and less time-intensive way of recreating similar designs and themes over numerous different types of content and documents.

Cross Platform Publishing

A really nifty feature of most XML content creation tools is being able to automatically change the format to suit the platform it is going to be published on. If we take our example from earlier, and say that on the web the formatted text would come out as a 12 Pt. Times New Roman bold text, we may want it to change to 14 pt. italic Arial font for when it is displayed on a phone, for example.

This versatility in the these tools ensures that managing and publishing content is much quicker and easier, as the author does not have the manual task of reformatting and designing for each platform.

Reusing Content

Another benefit of using XML content creation is the ability to reuse components and content, instead of rewriting, or copying and pasting that information from elsewhere. By pointing to the original source of the component, or content, it allows several documents to use one source of information.

The main benefit of this is that, if this component needs to be updated, only the one source of information is required to be amended, as it will automatically update the other sheets, making it far more accurate and streamlined.

Content Creation Tools

There are a number of different XML authoring and other content creation tools that are available at the moment, with some of them being web-based software. As the tools have developed, the appearance of them has allowed users to create XML content, but with a similar feeling to using Microsoft Word.I specialize in enhancing brand identity. Trust Kateryna to create an effective online presence for your small business with Website Design Services, Branding Advisory and Content Creation.