What a wiki page is and where to start
A wiki is a website where many people can create and edit pages together. The most famous example is Wikipedia, but thousands of smaller wikis exist for specific topics, communities, and organizations. When you create a wiki page, you are adding a new article to that collection, and other people can later edit what you wrote.
Before you start, you need to decide which wiki to use. Wikipedia is the largest and most visible, but it has strict rules about what counts as notable enough to have a page. Smaller wikis like Fandom (for fan communities), Miraheze (which hosts free wikis on any topic), or a wiki your workplace or school runs may be easier to join and contribute to. Some wikis let anyone edit without an account; others require you to register first.
The basic process is the same across almost all wikis: you find the right place to add your page, write the content using the wiki's formatting system, and submit it. Other editors may review it, suggest changes, or ask you to add sources. This is normal and not a rejection.
Key Takeaways
- Different wikis have different rules about what topics are allowed, so check the wiki's guidelines before you spend time writing.
- Most wikis use a simple text-based formatting language called wikitext, which you can learn by looking at how existing pages are written.
- You will usually need to create an account and wait a few days before you can create a new page, to prevent spam.
- New pages are often reviewed by other editors, who may ask for sources, clearer writing, or changes to how you organized the information.
- Starting with edits to existing pages is often easier than creating a new page, and helps you learn how the wiki works.
Registering an account and understanding the rules
Most wikis require you to create an account before you can create a new page. Go to the wiki's main page and look for a "Sign up" or "Create account" link, usually in the top right corner. You will need a username, password, and sometimes an email address. Some wikis ask you to verify your email before you can do anything else.
After you register, read the wiki's rules about what pages are allowed. On Wikipedia, this is called "Notability" — the topic has to have been covered in reliable sources like newspapers, books, or academic journals. On smaller wikis, the rules are usually looser. Look for a page called "About", "Guidelines", "Policies", or "Help" to find out what the wiki expects. If you are unsure whether your topic fits, ask in the wiki's discussion forum or chat before you write.
Many wikis have a waiting period after you register — sometimes a few days — before you can create a brand new page. This is to prevent spam. During this time, you can edit existing pages to learn how the wiki works and build a track record.
Learning wikitext formatting
Wikitext is the simple code that wikis use to format text. You do not need to know it perfectly before you start; you can learn as you go. The easiest way to learn is to open an existing page you like, click "Edit" or "View source", and see how it is written.
Here are the most common formatting rules across most wikis:
- Headings: Surround text with equal signs. == Heading == creates a section heading. More equal signs make smaller headings: === Subheading ===
- Bold text: Surround with three single quotes: '''bold text'''
- Italic text: Surround with two single quotes: ''italic text''
- Links to other pages: Surround the page name with double brackets: [[Page Name]]
- External links: Use single brackets with the URL and link text: [http://example.com Example Site]
- Lists: Start each line with an asterisk for bullet points (*) or a hash for numbered lists (#)
You do not have to memorize these. When you are editing, most wikis show a toolbar above the text box with buttons for bold, italic, links, and headings. You can also click "Help" or look at the wiki's formatting guide while you write.
Creating your first page
To create a new page, search for the title you want to use. If the page does not exist, the search results will show a link that says "Create this page" or "Start this page". Click that link and you will open a blank editing window.
Start with a clear opening sentence that explains what the topic is. Do not assume the reader knows anything about it. For example: "The Arctic tern is a seabird that migrates between the Arctic and Antarctic every year" is better than "It is known for its migration."
Organize your content into sections using headings. A typical structure might be: introduction, history, main characteristics, uses or significance, and references. Keep paragraphs short — two to four sentences each — so the page is easy to scan and read on a phone.
If you are writing about something factual — a person, place, event, or scientific topic — include sources. At the bottom of the page, add a "References" or "Sources" section and list the books, articles, or websites you used. Most wikis have a standard format for this; check an existing page in your wiki to see the style.
Submitting your page and responding to feedback
When you finish writing, scroll to the bottom of the editing window. You will see a text box labeled "Edit summary" or "Change summary". Write a brief note about what you created — for example, "Created new article about Arctic terns" — then click "Publish", "Save", or "Submit". The exact button name varies by wiki.
After you publish, your page is live. On some wikis, it goes straight up. On others, especially Wikipedia, new pages are flagged for review by experienced editors. These editors are not judging you; they are checking that the page follows the wiki's rules and that the information is accurate.
If an editor leaves a comment or makes changes, read it carefully. They might ask you to add sources, rewrite unclear sentences, or move information to a different section. This is a normal part of wiki editing. You can respond in the page's "Talk" or "Discussion" tab, or you can make the changes they suggest. Most editors are helpful and will explain what they need.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not copy text directly from other websites or books. Wikis require original writing or text that is in the public domain. If you want to use someone else's exact words, you must quote them and cite the source. It is faster and better to read several sources and write the information in your own words.
Do not write like you are selling something or promoting a person or business. Wikis are neutral. If you are writing about a company, describe what it does and its history, but do not say it is "the best" or "revolutionary". Let the facts speak for themselves.
Do not add information you are not sure about. If you are not certain, leave it out or mark it with a note like {{citation needed}} (the exact code varies by wiki). Other editors will help find a source or remove it.
Do not create multiple pages about nearly the same topic. Before you write, search to see if a similar page already exists. If it does, you might add to that page instead of creating a new one.
Moving from editing to creating pages
If you are new to wikis, the easiest way to learn is to start by editing existing pages. Fix typos, add a sentence with new information, or improve a section that is unclear. This teaches you how the wiki works without the pressure of creating something from scratch.
After you have made a few edits, other editors will know you understand the rules and care about quality. When you do create a new page, they will be more likely to help you improve it rather than delete it.
Many wikis have a "Sandbox" page where you can practice writing and formatting without affecting the real wiki. Look for it in the Help section or ask in the community forum. Writing your page there first, then copying it to the real wiki, is a safe way to check your formatting and get feedback before publishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a page about myself or my business?
Most wikis, especially Wikipedia, do not allow pages created by the person or organization being written about. This is to prevent bias and self-promotion. If you think a topic deserves a page, write about it from a neutral point of view and let other editors decide whether to keep it. On smaller wikis, the rules are often more relaxed, so check the guidelines first.
What happens if my page gets deleted?
If a page is deleted, it is usually because it did not follow the wiki's rules — for example, it was too promotional, lacked sources, or was about a topic too small or new to have a page. You can ask the editors why it was deleted in the wiki's forum or discussion area. Many wikis will help you improve the page so it meets the standards. Deletion is not permanent; you can always try again with a better version.
Do I need to know how to code to edit a wiki?
No. Wikitext is much simpler than programming code, and most wikis have a visual editor that works like a word processor. You can click buttons for bold, italic, and links instead of typing code. Learning the basic formatting takes an hour or two, and you can look up anything you forget while you are writing.
Can I edit a page someone else created?
Yes. That is the whole point of a wiki. Anyone can edit almost any page (except those locked by administrators). If you see a mistake, add information, or improve the writing, go ahead. Other editors will review your changes. If they disagree, they will discuss it with you on the page's talk tab.
How do I know if my sources are good enough?
Look at what other pages in the wiki use. Generally, published books, newspaper articles, academic journals, and official websites are strong sources. Blog posts, social media, and personal websites are usually not. If you are unsure, cite what you have and let other editors suggest improvements. They will tell you if you need better sources.