# 002: Want Better API Docs? Grab my FREE Template & Checklist
¡Hola, lovely Tech Writers!
If you’ve ever struggled to figure out what in the heck you should document about an API, you know how quickly your mind can go blank.
How do you create API documentation more efficiently?
A Senior Technical Writer recently told me, “We haven’t yet established API doc guidelines, and I still feel like a noob.”
Think about that: a Senior said they feel like a noob.
If even Senior Tech Writers feel lost, do the rest of us have hope?
(Kidding! #darkHumorAnyone)
That’s why structured and consistent guidelines for creating API documentation are critical—not just for developers but for the success of the API itself.
In today’s newsletter, I’ll walk you through:
Why every API needs a documentation template
The essential API docs checklist
Why You Need an API Docs Template
How do you ensure your API docs stay consistent across dozens—or even hundreds—of endpoints?
The answer is simple: use an API Documentation Template.
A template provides a repeatable framework for documenting every API with clarity, consistency, and completeness.
Because learning should be fun, I’ve created a REST API example using the My Little Pony Characters API.
Structured, consistent API docs make even magical ponies easier to work with! 🦄
➡️ GRAB MY FREE API DOCS TEMPLATE here.
Grab my FREE REST API docs template.
Don't Forget Your API Docs Checklist
Even with a solid template, it’s easy to overlook critical information.
I recommend using an API Docs Checklist to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Using a REST API as an example, here’s what you should always include in your docs:
🔐 Authentication
Clearly outline how developers can access the API, covering everything from API keys to OAuth tokens.
Include troubleshooting tips like: “If your token isn’t working, double-check its expiration and scopes.”
📍 Endpoints
List all endpoints with their corresponding HTTP methods (GET, POST, etc.) and required/optional parameters.
Bonus: Add clear instructions on what to do if an endpoint changes or is deprecated.
📝 Example Requests/Responses
Provide real, functioning examples, not just generic placeholders.
For both successful and error responses, show what developers should expect.
Pro tip: Link to a live API playground where they can test calls in real-time.
⚠️ Error Codes with Solutions
Don’t just list error codes like 404 or 500.
Explain what it likely means for each code and what the developer should do next.
For example:
“404: The resource you’re trying to access doesn’t exist. This usually happens when you’re missing a required parameter—check the documentation for more info [insert link to troubleshooting page].”
⏳ Rate Limiting
Inform developers about any rate limits (requests per minute/hour) and explain how they can gracefully handle limits through retries or pagination.
Tip: Include instructions on identifying rate-limit headers and a link to the page explaining pagination best practices.
🛠️ Versioning Information
If you’re updating your API, explain how versioning works and what happens if a developer uses an older version.
Include a link to your migration guide.
⏲️ Timeout and Retry Strategies
APIs sometimes fail.
Provide clear guidance on timeout settings and retry strategies.
For example, “If your request times out after X seconds, retry up to 3 times with exponential backoff.”
📡 Webhooks (if applicable)
Explain how to set up and secure webhooks, including event formats, retries, and failure handling.
Don’t forget to highlight what developers should monitor in case of failures.
📖 Glossary of Terms
Include a quick-reference glossary for any jargon or technical terms used in the API so developers can familiarize themselves quickly.
🛠️ Change Log
Keep a detailed record of API updates and changes so developers can easily track new features or deprecated endpoints.
➡️ GRAB MY FREE API DOCS CHECKLIST here.
Grab my FREE REST API docs checklist.
Your Next Action Steps
Ready to create killer API docs?
Here are your action steps!
Customize my FREE REST API documentation template for your own APIs.
Follow my REST API docs checklist to ensure no critical details are missed.
Happy documenting, my friend! 📝
See you in two weeks,
¡Hasta luego!
Quetzalli
