As technical documentation becomes more complex, teams are under increasing pressure to deliver accurate, consistent, and localized content. Yet many organizations still rely on outdated tools and disconnected processes that can’t keep up with their growing needs.
Enter – MadCap Flare.
Used by teams worldwide, the platform is a preferred choice for creating centralized content that can be published across channels, such as help sites, documentation portals, knowledge bases, training materials, and compliance content.
Recently, MadCap introduced MadCap Flare Online.
A rebranding of MadCap Central, Flare Online combines the power of Flare Desktop and MadCap Central along with advanced AI assistance. It brings Flare’s full content management capabilities to the cloud, unlocking the next chapter in scalable content creation.
What is MadCap Flare Online?
MadCap Flare Online is the reimagined documentation platform built on the foundation of MadCap Central. It is the only documentation solution that offers a complete desktop authoring experience alongside real-time cloud-based collaboration and AI-driven content creation and enhancement.
Let’s look at the key capabilities of Flare Online and how it helps organizations.
1. Collaborative Authoring
MadCap Flare Online blends the strength of cloud collaboration with robust authoring capabilities. It enables teams to co-create content in real time while supporting advanced workflows through a flexible, hybrid model. Here’s how:
I. Streamlined Content Creation and Reuse
Flare Online supports modular content creation, reusable content blocks, and custom templates, making it easy to build scalable documentation. It enables single-source multi-channel publishing that helps maximize content reuse.
II. Seamless Transition from Desktop to Cloud
Users can move existing Flare Desktop projects to the cloud without losing structure or functionality. Flare Online also supports key features like conditional text, variables, and TOCs (Table of Contents).
III. Hybrid Authoring for Maximum Flexibility
With both cloud and desktop access, teams can work uninterruptedly on their projects. However, the desktop version remains crucial for handling complex tasks, such as content imports, batch outputs, and plugin-based extensions.
IV. Supporting Modern Documentation Workflows
Flare Online integrates smoothly with CI/CD pipelines and advanced scripting. It also aligns well with agile documentation practices and enterprise content strategies.
V. Built for All Skill Levels
Its intuitive interface makes it easy for anyone, from seasoned writers to subject matter experts, to create, review, and update content efficiently.
2. Content Creation and Distribution
Flare Online extends Flare’s capabilities with tools for publishing, collaboration, project oversight, AI-supported authoring, translation workflows, and more. Let’s take a look:
I. Instant Multi-Format Distribution
Teams can immediately deploy content updates across various formats, including responsive web pages, PDF, ePub, MS Word, and PowerPoint.
II. Access Control Management
Organizations can establish user hierarchies and structured approval processes. This ensures proper oversight and collaborative content development workflows.
III. Version Tracking and Approval Processes
Built-in revision monitoring and governance tools help teams document modifications and maintain quality standards throughout content development.
IV. User Engagement Insights
Detailed analytics reveal performance metrics and user interaction patterns to optimize reader experiences.
V. Translation Management
Integrated translation workflows streamline content localization for penetration into international markets.
3. AI-Powered Authoring and Actionable Insights
MadCap Flare Online features built-in AI Assist functionality that lets users integrate ChatGPT into their workflows. They can train it on internal content to generate responses that align with their brand voice. It also refines those responses within the AI Assist interface and inserts them directly into their documents.
Users can also compare original content with AI-edited versions and perform real-time translations. Admins have full control over AI usage, with the ability to restrict or disable features based on organizational policies.
Besides, Flare Online connects with MadCap Syndicate, a robust, enterprise-level platform for content aggregation and delivery. Its Publish to Syndicate feature enables content in Flare Online to be seamlessly pushed to Syndicate to unlock additional AI capabilities:
- Flare content can be fed into large language models (LLMs) for advanced analysis and processing.
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) chatbot support enables chatbots to use Flare content securely, with no exposure to external AI services.
- AI-driven semantic search enables users to find relevant information using natural language, even when exact keywords aren’t present.
Users also benefit from Syndicate’s broader functionalities, including smart search and filtering options, integration with external systems, role-based access controls, detailed analytics, and support for compliance and governance at scale.
Future Proof Your Documentation With Flare Online
Creating technical documentation shouldn’t be harder than it needs to be. Whether you are a solo contributor or part of a global documentation team, Flare Online adapts seamlessly to your evolving needs.
For organizations seeking flexibility, collaboration, and long-term value in their documentation workflows, MadCap Flare Online is a smart investment.
Have you explored it yet?