The step element represents a single action within a task procedure. It contains a required command element (cmd) and optional supporting information to help users complete tasks successfully.

The step element serves these primary purposes:

• Providing a single, distinct action within a procedural task

• Organizing actions and supporting information related to the step in a structured format

Key characteristics of the step element:

• A required element that must be added within a steps, steps-unordered, or substeps element

• Can be marked as optional or required (with the importance attribute)

• Must contain a cmd element that describes the action to be performed

• Can include a note or hazardstatement before cmd to provide important information or warnings

• Can include other optional elements that provide context, examples, or results

• Can include substeps for complex actions that require multiple sub-actions

• Can include choices when users must select from multiple options

A step element consists of these optional and required components:

Note (note)

An optional element used to provide supplementary information, tips, or important considerations related to the step. Notes can be typed (using the type attribute), for example, as tip, important, caution, or warning.

Hazard Statement (hazardstatement)

An optional element used to present safety messages that require special attention. Hazard statements have a required type attribute (with values caution, danger, notice, or warning) and include elements for the hazard symbol, message, and consequences.

Command (cmd)

A required element that specifies what the user needs to do. Should be written as a clear, actionable instruction.

Information (info)

An optional element that provides additional information or context that helps users understand or complete the command but isn't part of the command itself.

Substeps (substeps)

An optional container element that groups a series of subordinate steps (substep) required to complete the parent step. Substeps have their own sequence and numbering, typically different than the main steps.

Substep (substep)

A required element within the substeps element that represents a single subordinate step required to complete the parent step. Each substep must contain a cmd element and can include optional elements like info, stepxmp, or stepresult.

Step Example (stepxmp)

An optional element that illustrates how to perform the step.

Choices (choices)

An optional container element used within a step when users must choose one option from a list of mutually exclusive options. Each option is represented by a choice element and typically triggers a single action. Used for simpler decision points compared to choice tables.

Choice Table (choicetable)

An optional element used to present complex choices in a tabular format, with each row representing a different option and columns showing details about each option. Used when options trigger multiple actions or require detailed explanation.

Step Result (stepresult)

An optional element that describes what happens after completing the step, such as system responses or changes to the interface.

Content within the step element typically follows these output formatting rules:

• Steps are automatically numbered when contained in a steps element

• Steps typically appear as bullets when contained in a steps-unordered element

• Steps marked as required or optional (with the importance attribute) typically appear with a label like Required or Optional

• Supporting elements like info, stepxmp, and stepresult typically appear on new lines after the command

• Substeps are indented and may use different numbering formats than parent steps (such as letters or roman numerals)

• Choices are typically presented as bullets

Use step to:

• Present a clear, distinct action as part of a sequential or non-sequential procedure

• Provide supporting information directly related to a specific action

• Break down complex tasks into manageable individual actions

• Guide users through decision points with multiple options

<task id="configure-network">
    <title>Configuring Network Settings</title>
    <shortdesc>Configure network settings to connect your device to the internet.</shortdesc>
    <taskbody>
        <prereq>
            <p>Ensure your device is powered on and you have administrator privileges.</p>
        </prereq>
        <steps>
            <step>
                <cmd>Open the Control Panel.</cmd>
                <info>You can access the Control Panel from the Start menu or by using the search function.</info>
                <stepxmp>
                    <p>Click <uicontrol>Start</uicontrol> and then select <uicontrol>Control Panel</uicontrol> from the menu.</p>
                </stepxmp>
            </step>
            <step>
                <cmd>Navigate to the Network and Internet settings.</cmd>
                <stepresult>The Network and Internet settings panel appears, showing various network-related options.</stepresult>
            </step>
            <step>
                <cmd>Select your connection type based on your network infrastructure.</cmd>
                <note type="tip">If you are unsure which connection type to choose, check your device manual or contact your network administrator.</note>
                <choices>
                    <choice>For a wired connection, select <uicontrol>Ethernet</uicontrol>.</choice>
                    <choice>For a wireless connection, select <uicontrol>Wi-Fi</uicontrol>.</choice>
                </choices>
            </step>
            <step>
                <cmd>Configure the IP address settings.</cmd>
                <hazardstatement type="caution">
                    <messagepanel>
                        <typeofhazard>Network Configuration Risk</typeofhazard>
                        <howtoavoid>Incorrect IP settings may disconnect your device from the network. Note your current settings before making changes.</howtoavoid>
                    </messagepanel>
                </hazardstatement>
                <substeps>
                    <substep>
                        <cmd>Click <uicontrol>Properties</uicontrol>.</cmd>
                    </substep>
                    <substep>
                        <cmd>Select <uicontrol>Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)</uicontrol>.</cmd>
                    </substep>
                    <substep>
                        <cmd>Click <uicontrol>Properties</uicontrol> again.</cmd>
                    </substep>
                </substeps>
                <stepresult>The IP settings dialog box appears.</stepresult>
            </step>
        </steps>
        <result>
            <p>Your network settings are now configured, and your device should be connected to the network.</p>
        </result>
    </taskbody>
</task>