A Help-authoring tool or HAT is a software program used by technical writers to create online help manuals.

Some common Help authoring tools include:

• AuthorIT: A collaborative authoring tool used for single-source content management.
• Doc-To-Help : An authoring tool based on Microsoft Word
• Epic Editor : An XML-based authoring tool.
• Adobe FrameMaker: The most common tool for large technical documents. Requires other tools to convert content to online Help.
• Help & Manual from EC Software: Creates online help in WinHelp, HTML Help, PDF and other formats.
• Macromedia RoboHelp: A specialized tool for creating online help.
• Microsoft HTML Help SDK : A collection of tools for creating files in Microsoft's HTML Help format.
• Microsoft Word: Widely used for technical writing despite its limitations. Requires other tools to convert content to online Help.
• Microsoft Visio: Software for creating diagrams.
• Republicorp XDK : An XML, HTML, and Help toolkit based on Microsoft Word.
• Webworks Publisher: Converts documents in various formats to other formats, primarily HTML.

Technical writers often use content management systems and version control systems to manage their work.