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HowTo Schema Generator
Describe your guide, list the tools and supplies, and add the steps in order to get ready-to-paste HowTo JSON-LD. Total time is converted to ISO 8601 for you, each step can link to its own anchor, and live checks flag missing or invalid properties.
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HowTo JSON-LD
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How to use the HowTo Schema Generator
- Enter the title of your guide exactly as it appears on the page, plus a short description and the main image.
- Add the total time, cost and result if they apply, for example 30 minutes and $8.
- List the supplies and tools, one per line. Supplies are used up; tools are kept.
- Add each step with clear instructions, and reorder steps with the arrow buttons.
- Copy the JSON-LD and paste it into the HTML of the guide page, then validate it.
What the generated HowTo markup contains
The tool writes one schema.org HowTo object. Empty fields are left out, so the code only contains what you fill in.
| Property | Type | What it holds |
|---|---|---|
name | Text | The title of the guide, the same as the visible heading. |
step | HowToStep list | Each step with position, optional name, text, url and image. |
totalTime | Duration | ISO 8601 duration such as PT45M. |
estimatedCost | MonetaryAmount | currency (ISO 4217 code) and numeric value. |
supply | HowToSupply list | Materials that are used up. |
tool | HowToTool list | Equipment you keep after the task. |
yield | Text | What you end up with, e.g. "1 birdhouse". |
image, description | URL, Text | A photo of the finished result and a one-line summary. |
ISO 8601 durations at a glance
| Time | Written as |
|---|---|
| 10 minutes | PT10M |
| 45 minutes | PT45M |
| 1 hour | PT1H |
| 1 hour 30 minutes | PT1H30M |
| 3 hours 5 minutes | PT3H5M |
| 26 hours (overnight project) | PT26H |
Tips for writing steps
- One action per step. "Sand the edges" and "apply primer" are two steps, not one.
- Start with a verb. Instructions such as "Remove the wheel" are easier to follow and read naturally when spoken by an assistant.
- Keep the markup and page in sync. Every step in the JSON-LD should be visible on the page in the same order.
- Use anchors. Give each step heading an id (
step-1,step-2…) so step URLs jump straight to the right place. - Pick the right type. Food belongs in Recipe markup; HowTo is for repairs, crafts, gardening, software and other tasks.
Frequently asked questions
What is HowTo schema?
HowTo is a schema.org type for instructions that walk someone through a task in a series of steps. As JSON-LD it describes the title, total time, estimated cost, the supplies and tools needed, and each step (HowToStep) in order, so machines can read the guide as structured data.
Does Google still show how-to rich results?
No. Google reduced how-to rich results in 2023 and then stopped showing them in search. The markup is still valid schema.org vocabulary and causes no problems, and other search engines, apps and AI systems can still read it, but it will not produce a special how-to result in Google.
What is the difference between a supply and a tool?
A HowToSupply is something used up or consumed while following the steps, such as glue, paint or sandpaper. A HowToTool is something you use but keep afterwards, such as a screwdriver, a pump or a mixing bowl.
How is total time written in HowTo markup?
totalTime uses the ISO 8601 duration format. PT30M means 30 minutes, PT1H means one hour and PT2H15M means two hours and 15 minutes. Enter hours and minutes in the form and the tool writes the correct code.
Should I use HowTo or Recipe schema for cooking instructions?
Use Recipe for cooking and baking. Recipe has its own properties for ingredients, prep and cook times, yield and nutrition, and recipes are still eligible for Google recipe rich results. HowTo is for non-food tasks such as repairs, crafts or software tutorials.
What are the step anchor URLs for?
Each HowToStep can have a url pointing to that step on your page, for example https://example.com/guide#step-2. Add matching id attributes (id="step-2") to the step headings on the page so the links land on the right spot.
Where do I paste the generated code?
Paste the script tag into the HTML of the page that contains the guide, in the head or the body. The markup should describe instructions that visitors can actually read on that page.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.
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