User Guides and User Manuals: Similar or Different?

Introduction

So people get confused when it comes to the relationship between user guides and user manuals. While the two terms have been used interchangeably for a long time, they differ in form and structure.

To better understand the relationships between the two, the table below has been drawn up:

User guide	User manual
Simple. It may be a detailed reference, but it can also indicate a very simple overview or instructions.	Comprehensive. Usually a reference document with detailed information.
It could be a card or a video.	Usually, it is a written document and comes in the form of a booklet or a large book.
Geared towards operation from a user’s perspective, it may not include things like repair, installation, or exhaustive maintenance and troubleshooting.	Contains instructions on how to make stuff work the way it’s supposed to. This can be operating instructions, maintenance and repair instructions, or legal responsibilities of operation.

You can find examples below to further understand how the two technical documents relate to and differ from one another:

User guides:

1. iPhone User Guide: https://support.apple.com/en-ng/guide/iphone/welcome/ios

2. Get Started With Your Z Flip5 Device: https://www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip5/myflip/

3. Hisense Refrigerator Use and Care Guide: https://assets.hisense-usa.com/assets/ProductDownloads/362/a6acc26400/HRB208N6BSE_UM.pdf

4. JBL IRX100 Series User’s Guide: https://www.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwc2264242/pdfs/JBL_IRX100_Series_Users_Guide_092820_EN.pdf

5. A Guide And Instructions For Laboratory Incubator-Types, Uses, and Parts: https://www.mrclab.com/a-guide-and-instructions-for-laboratory-incubator-types-uses-parts

User manuals:

1. Split Cool AC Tundra Series user manual: https://www.thermocool.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Split-Cool-AC-Tundra-Series-User-Manual.pdf

2. Panasonic Refrigerator Instruction Manual: https://manuals.plus/panasonic/refrigerator-manual-8#axzz8HLKbdk2v

3. JBL Quantum TWS Owner’s Manual: https://www.jbl.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwf53e7b49/pdfs/HP_JBL_Quantum_TWS_OM_SOP_EN_V7.pdf

4. LG Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Owner’s Manual: https://www.lg.com/us/support/products/documents/lfxs24623.pdf

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now have a clear understanding of user guides and user manuals and can use them appropriately.