What is HowTo schema for?

It marks up step-by-step instructions so search engines can render them as a rich result — sometimes with images, estimated time and per-step previews.

Does every guide qualify?

No. HowTo schema is meant for instructions that teach a task. Recipes have their own schema, and Google has tightened eligibility for some categories over time.

What is ISO 8601 duration?

A standard way to write durations. PT30M means 30 minutes; PT1H30M means 1 hour 30 minutes; PT2H30M15S adds 15 seconds.

Do I need images for each step?

No, they're optional. Adding a HowToStep.image can improve the rich result, but the text fields are the only required data.

How is this different from FAQ schema?

FAQ schema marks up Q&A pairs; HowTo marks up ordered instructions. Use FAQ when the page answers questions, HowTo when it walks through a process.

Can I validate the result?

Yes — paste the JSON into Google's Rich Results Test or Schema.org's validator before deploying.

HowTo Schema Generator

Generate HowTo JSON-LD for step-by-step guides — copy-ready.

100% private — no uploads SEO ToolsFree & unlimited Read tutorial

See how it works

Watch a quick simulation of this tool in action — no file needed.

How to use HowTo Schema Generator

Follow these steps — everything happens instantly in your browser.

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Step 1. Give your how-to a name (e.g. “How to brew pour-over coffee”).
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Step 2. Add each step with a short name and the detailed instruction text.
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Step 3. Optionally enter a total time in ISO 8601 duration format (e.g. PT30M).
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Step 4. Copy or download the generated JSON-LD script tag.