Continue Documentation Style Guide

Overview

Writing Tone & Voice

Conversational and Direct

• Follow Mintlify documentation standards
• Use simple, conversational language that gets straight to the point
• Avoid overly technical jargon when simpler terms work
• Write as if speaking directly to the developer using the tool
• Keep paragraphs concise and scannable

Example: ✅ "You send it a question, and it replies with an answer" ❌ "The system processes user queries and generates corresponding responses"

Helpful and Instructional

• Focus on helping users accomplish their goals
• Use active voice and imperative mood for instructions
• Assume users want to get things done quickly
• Include relevant Admonition components for tips, warnings, and info

Example: ✅ "Press cmd/ctrl + L to begin a new session" ❌ "A new session can be initiated by pressing cmd/ctrl + L"

Practical and Task-Oriented

• Emphasize what users can accomplish with each feature
• Lead with benefits and use cases before diving into mechanics
• Keep explanations grounded in real-world scenarios

Content Structure

Page Organization

1. Visual Introduction: Lead with GIFs or images showing the feature in action
2. Purpose Statement: Brief explanation of what the feature does and when to use it
3. Step-by-Step Instructions: Clear, actionable steps with keyboard shortcuts
4. Platform-Specific Notes: Separate sections for VS Code and JetBrains when needed
5. Additional Tips: Advanced usage or troubleshooting notes

Section Headers

• Use consistent heading hierarchy starting with h2 (##)
• Include YAML frontmatter with title, description, and keywords
• Use action-oriented headers that describe what users will do
• Format: "Verb + object" (e.g., "Type a request and press enter")
• Keep headers concise but descriptive
• Use title case

Examples: ✅ "Highlight code and activate" ✅ "Accept or reject changes" ✅ "Switch between different models"

Lists and Steps

• Use numbered lists for sequential steps
• Use bullet points for feature lists or options
• Keep list items parallel in structure
• Start action items with verbs

Technical Writing Standards

Code and Keyboard Shortcuts

• Use backticks for inline code elements
• Format keyboard shortcuts consistently: cmd/ctrl + L
• Always provide shortcuts for Mac/Windows/Linux
• Use code blocks for configuration examples with proper syntax highlighting

Cross-References

• Link to related sections using descriptive anchor text
• Use relative links to other documentation pages
• Format: [descriptive text](/path/to/page)

Platform Differences

• Always address both VS Code and JetBrains when applicable
• Use clear subheadings to separate platform-specific instructions
• Lead with the more common platform (typically VS Code) when both are covered

Language Conventions

Terminology

• Consistent Terms: Use the same terms throughout (e.g., "LLM" not "AI model" in some places)
• Product Names: Capitalize product names correctly (VS Code, JetBrains, Continue)
• Feature Names: Use consistent capitalization for Continue features (Chat, Edit, Agent, Autocomplete)

Abbreviations

• Spell out acronyms on first use, then use abbreviation consistently
• Common abbreviations: LLM, IDE, API, URL

Pronouns

• Use "you" to address the user directly
• Use "it" to refer to the tool/model
• Avoid "we" unless referring to the Continue team