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This article is the first in a series of deadly cuts I've experienced and my proposed solutions.

## Software Documentation Gaps

I use Google to find documentation. Clicking help sometimes gets the job done. Unfortunately, most of the time, feature documentation is garbage.

I tried Apple's Photos app. First, I searched for **Keep Folder Organization** documentation when importing pictures. I thought this would help, but I was wrong. I searched for **Import** and found prospective documentation. I chose [Import photos and movies from your camera to my Mac], which was different from what I was trying to do. However, this was the best documentation I could find at that moment. Unfortunately, the article contained little about keeping a folder organized.

So I Googled, found an article on Apple's discussion forum, and learned this wasn't the feature I was looking for. I incorrectly presumed it would move files around and put data into folders.

_The real purpose is to create albums based on your folder structure._

{{< figure src="software-documentation-deadly-cut-1-apple-photos-import.png" alt="Software Documentation Deadly Cut 1 - Apple Photos Import" >}}

The worst aspect of this common problem is the fear of presenting problems. I expect a correction saying I'm dumb for not knowing this. This behavior is not productive. Shutting people down doesn't improve user experiences.

{{< figure src="software-documentation-deadly-cut-1-gaps.jpg" alt="Software Documentation Deadly Cut 1 - Gaps" >}}

## Solutions

- Use native software documentation systems
- Ideally, add context-sensitive help
- Create comprehensive documentation
- Allow documentation feedback
- Regularly test and improve documentation effectiveness

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[1]: https://support.apple.com/guide/photos/from-a-camera-or-phone-pht6c803201/mac



[import photos and movies from your camera to my mac]: https://support.apple.com/guide/photos/from-a-camera-or-phone-pht6c803201/mac