A wiki article starts with a clear topic, a neutral point of view, and sources you can name

A wiki is a website where readers can edit pages directly in their browser. The most famous is Wikipedia, but thousands of smaller wikis exist for specific topics — from video games to local history to software documentation. Writing a wiki article means contributing factual information that others can read, check, and improve.

Before you start, pick a topic that does not already have a page, or identify gaps in an existing one. Your article should present information neutrally — not argue a position or promote something. Most wikis require you to cite where your facts come from, so gather your sources before you write.

Key Takeaways

  • Create an account on the wiki where you want to publish, then start in the sandbox or draft space so your work does not appear live until it is ready.
  • Write in a neutral tone that explains what something is, not why it is good or bad, and organize information with headings so readers can scan the page.
  • Add citations by placing <ref> tags around facts and listing your sources at the bottom, using the wiki's citation format.
  • Check the wiki's style guide before you publish, because each wiki has rules about how to format links, organize sections, and structure information.
  • Submit your draft for review if the wiki requires it, or publish to the main namespace once you have checked for spelling and broken links.

Choose your wiki and create an account

Different wikis cover different topics and have different rules. Wikipedia covers broad topics of public interest. Fandom wikis document fictional universes, games, and media. Specialized wikis exist for software (like the Arch Linux Wiki), local history, or niche hobbies. Visit the wiki where your topic belongs and look for a "Create account" or "Sign up" link, usually in the top right corner.

You will need a username and password. Some wikis let you edit without an account, but creating one lets you track your contributions and build a reputation. After you sign up, visit your user page — a space where you can write notes about yourself and your interests. This helps other editors understand who you are.

Start in the sandbox or draft space

Most wikis have a sandbox — a practice area where you can write and edit without affecting live pages. Wikipedia calls it the "Sandbox"; other wikis may call it "Draft" or "Userspace". Write your article here first so you can test formatting, check citations, and revise without worrying about publishing mistakes.

To find the sandbox, search for "sandbox" on the wiki or look in the help section. Once you are there, click "Edit" and start writing. You can save your work as many times as you need. When your draft is ready, you can move it to the main namespace — the public part of the wiki where readers will see it.

Write in a neutral, factual tone

Wiki articles explain what something is, not whether it is good or bad. If you are writing about a historical event, describe what happened and when. If you are writing about a person, list their accomplishments and roles. Avoid words like "unfortunately", "thankfully", "amazing", or "controversial" — these signal your opinion rather than neutral information.

Organize your article with headings so readers can jump to the section they want. A typical structure includes an introductory paragraph that defines the topic, then sections for history, key facts, related topics, and references. Keep paragraphs short — three to four sentences each — so the page is easy to scan on a phone or computer.

Add citations so readers can verify your facts

Citations tell readers where you found your information and let them check your sources. In most wikis, you add a citation by placing a <ref> tag around a fact, then listing the full source at the bottom of the page. For example: "The city was founded in 1887<ref>Smith, John. Local History of Springfield. 2010.</ref>"

Gather your sources before you write — books, news articles, official websites, academic papers, or interviews. Avoid citing social media posts, blog posts without author credentials, or websites that do not show where they got their information. The wiki's citation guide will show you the exact format to use. Wikipedia uses a format called "cite web" or "cite book"; other wikis may use different styles.

Follow the wiki's style guide and formatting rules

Each wiki has a style guide that explains how to format links, organize sections, and structure information. Before you publish, read the guide — it usually lives in the Help section or under "Community Guidelines". The guide tells you things like whether to capitalize certain words, how to link to other pages, and what information goes in an infobox (a box of facts on the side of the page).

Most wikis use simple formatting: put text in '''bold''' for emphasis, use [[double brackets]] to link to other pages, and use ==Headings== to organize sections. The wiki's editor will show you a toolbar with buttons for these, or you can type the code yourself. Test your formatting in the sandbox before you move to the main page.

Submit for review or publish to the main namespace

When your draft is ready, you have two options. Some wikis require new articles to be reviewed by an experienced editor before they go live — you submit your draft and wait for feedback. Other wikis let you publish directly to the main namespace, where it appears immediately. Check the wiki's policy to see which applies.

Before you publish, do a final check: read through for spelling and grammar, make sure all your links work, verify that your citations are complete, and confirm that your tone is neutral. If the wiki requires review, submit your draft and watch for comments from other editors. They may ask you to add sources, rewrite unclear sections, or remove unsourced claims. Respond to their feedback and revise your article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write about myself or my business on a wiki?

Most wikis have strict rules against articles written by the subject about themselves, because it is hard to stay neutral. If you want to write about your business or yourself, disclose that in the edit summary and expect other editors to scrutinize your sources. Many wikis will reject self-promotional articles outright, so check the policy first.

What if someone edits my article after I publish it?

That is the point of a wiki — it is collaborative. Other editors may fix typos, add sources, reorganize sections, or expand your work. You can watch the page to see changes, and you can revert edits you think are wrong, but be prepared to discuss why. If you and another editor disagree, talk it out on the article's talk page rather than fighting over edits.

How do I know if my topic is notable enough for a wiki article?

Each wiki defines "notable" differently. Wikipedia has strict rules: the topic must be covered in multiple independent, reliable sources. Smaller wikis may be more inclusive. Read existing articles on your wiki to see what gets covered, and check the deletion policy to understand what topics the community values.

Can I copy text from another website and paste it into my wiki article?

No — that is plagiarism and copyright infringement. Read your sources, understand the information, and write it in your own words. If you want to use a direct quote, put it in quotation marks and cite it. Most wikis have strict policies against copied text and will delete articles that violate them.

What if my article gets deleted?

Read the deletion notice to understand why. Common reasons include lack of sources, off-topic content, or duplication of an existing article. You can appeal the deletion on the wiki's discussion page or revise your article to address the concerns and request restoration. Many wikis keep deleted articles in a history, so you can see what was removed and learn from it.