---
title: Documentation tools
description: Tools for writing Elastic documentation more efficiently, including the VS Code extension and Vale linter.
url: https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3380/contribute-docs/tools
---

# Documentation tools
These tools help you write documentation more efficiently, reduce context-switching, and catch errors before you commit.

## Elastic Docs Utilities extension

The [Elastic Docs Utilities extension](https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3380/contribute-docs/vscode-extension) for Visual Studio Code and compatible IDEs provides autocompletion for directives, frontmatter, and inline roles, along with real-time validation and variable previews. It works in the Visual Studio Code desktop application and browser-based editors.

## Vale linter

The [Vale ruleset](https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/3380/contribute-docs/vale-linter) allows the Vale linter to check your documentation against Elastic style guide rules. It integrates with your editor and CI/CD pipeline to catch style issues before they reach production.