Tutorial vs. Guide — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 29, 2024
A tutorial provides step-by-step instructions to teach a skill, while a guide offers advice and information on a broader topic.
Difference Between Tutorial and Guide
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
While tutorials are primarily educational and aimed at building competence and skill in a particular area, guides are more versatile, serving as references that users can consult as needed. This means that someone might use a guide to solve a specific problem or to get an overview of a subject, rather than for comprehensive learning from scratch as with a tutorial.
The format and content of tutorials are often more structured and detailed in comparison to guides. Tutorials may include lessons, modules, videos, and quizzes designed to facilitate active learning and practice. Guides, conversely, may be presented in various formats such as articles, books, or videos, focusing on delivering information in a more flexible and accessible manner.
Tutorials usually assume little to no prior knowledge of the subject by the user, providing all necessary background information and building up complexity gradually. Guides, while they can also cater to beginners, often address a wider audience, including those with some existing knowledge or specific interests within the topic, allowing for selective reading or use.
The choice between a tutorial and a guide depends on the user’s objective. If the goal is to learn a new software program, a tutorial might be more beneficial. If the objective is to gather tips on how to use specific features of the software more efficiently, a guide could be the better choice.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To teach a specific skill or process in a step-by-step manner.
To offer advice and information on a broader topic.
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Structure
Structured and detailed, often linear.
Flexible, can be non-linear.
Interactivity
Typically includes exercises or activities.
May not include interactive elements.
Target Audience
Beginners or those looking to learn a new skill.
A wider audience, including beginners and experienced users.
Content Focus
In-depth exploration of a specific subject.
Broad overview with selective depth.
Compare with Definitions
Tutorial
A methodical series of instructions to teach a specific skill.
An online tutorial for learning to code in Python.
Guide
A reference providing advice, tips, and information.
A travel guide book listing the top sights in Paris.
Tutorial
Often interactive, including examples and exercises.
A Photoshop tutorial that includes practice files.
Guide
Can cover a broad topic without linear progression.
A gardening guide with sections on different plant types.
Tutorial
Can be found in various formats, including video and written content.
A written tutorial with screenshots explaining software installation.
Guide
Offers flexibility in how the information is used.
A style guide that readers can refer to as needed.
Tutorial
Focuses on step-by-step learning.
A makeup tutorial guiding viewers through each step from foundation to finishing touches.
Guide
Useful for both beginners and those with some experience.
A guide to digital photography techniques.
Tutorial
Designed for beginners to gain proficiency.
A video tutorial on how to set up a blog.
Guide
Presented in various formats such as books, articles, or videos.
An online guide to investing for beginners.
Tutorial
A tutorial, in education, is a method of transferring knowledge and may be used as a part of a learning process. More interactive and specific than a book or a lecture, a tutorial seeks to teach by example and supply the information to complete a certain task.
Guide
A guide is a person who leads travelers, sportsmen, or tourists through unknown or unfamiliar locations. The term can also be applied to a person who leads others to more abstract goals such as knowledge or wisdom.
Tutorial
Of or relating to tutors or a tutor.
Guide
One who shows the way by leading, directing, or advising.
Tutorial
A book or class that provides instruction in a particular area.
Guide
One who serves as a model for others, as in a course of conduct.
Tutorial
(Computers) A program that provides instruction for the use of a system or of software.
Guide
A person employed to conduct others, as through a museum, and give information about points of interest encountered.
Tutorial
Of or pertaining to a tutor; belonging to, or exercised by, a tutor.
Guide
Something, such as a pamphlet, that offers basic information or instruction
A shopper's guide.
Tutorial
A self-paced learning exercise; a lesson prepared so that a student can learn at their own speed, at their convenience.
Guide
A guidebook.
Tutorial
An interactive class taught by a tutor to students at university or college, individually or in small groups.
Guide
Something that serves to direct or indicate.
Tutorial
(computing) A video or text that is basically a how-to (advice or instruction on a particular topic)
Guide
A device, such as a ruler, tab, or bar, that serves as an indicator or acts to regulate a motion or operation.
Tutorial
Of or pertaining to a tutor; belonging to, or exercised by, a tutor.
Guide
A soldier stationed at the right or left of a column of marchers to control alignment, show direction, or mark the point of pivot.
Tutorial
A class{6} or short series of classes in which one or more instructors provide intensive instruction on some subject to a small group. Such short courses of instruction may be held at an institution of learning, or in any other place where a small group may desire a brief but thorough introduction to a topic.
Guide
To serve as a guide for; conduct.
Tutorial
A set of instructions on how to use a particular computer program, built into the software package itself, displayed on the computer screen, and organized in a stepwise manner so as to familiarize a new user with all of or the most important features of the program.
Guide
To direct the course of; steer
Guide a ship through a channel.
Tutorial
A session of intensive tuition given by a tutor to an individual or to a small number of students
Guide
To exert control or influence over; direct
Guided the nation through the crisis.
Tutorial
Of or relating to tutors or tutoring;
Tutorial sessions
Guide
To supervise the training or education of.
Guide
To serve as a guide.
Guide
Someone who guides, especially someone hired to show people around a place or an institution and offer information and explanation, or to lead them through dangerous terrain.
The guide led us around the museum and explained the exhibits.
Guide
A document or book that offers information or instruction; guidebook.
Guide
A sign that guides people; guidepost.
Guide
Any marking or object that catches the eye to provide quick reference.
Guide
A device that guides part of a machine, or guides motion or action.
Guide
A blade or channel for directing the flow of water to the buckets in a water wheel.
Guide
A grooved director for a probe or knife in surgery.
Guide
A strip or device to direct the compositor's eye to the line of copy being set.
Guide
(occult) A spirit believed to speak through a medium.
Guide
(military) A member of a group marching in formation who sets the pattern of movement or alignment for the rest.
Guide
To serve as a guide for someone or something; to lead or direct in a way; to conduct in a course or path.
Guide
To steer or navigate, especially a ship or as a pilot.
Guide
To exert control or influence over someone or something.
Guide
To supervise the education or training of someone.
Guide
(intransitive) to act as a guide.
Guide
To lead or direct in a way; to conduct in a course or path; to pilot; as, to guide a traveler.
I wish . . . you 'ld guide me to your sovereign's court.
Guide
To regulate and manage; to direct; to order; to superintend the training or education of; to instruct and influence intellectually or morally; to train.
He will guide his affairs with discretion.
The meek will he guide in judgment.
Guide
A person who leads or directs another in his way or course, as in a strange land; one who exhibits points of interest to strangers; a conductor; also, that which guides; a guidebook.
Guide
One who, or that which, directs another in his conduct or course of life; a director; a regulator.
He will be our guide, even unto death.
Guide
Any contrivance, especially one having a directing edge, surface, or channel, for giving direction to the motion of anything, as water, an instrument, or part of a machine, or for directing the hand or eye, as of an operator
Guide
A noncommissioned officer or soldier placed on the directing flank of each subdivision of a column of troops, or at the end of a line, to mark the pivots, formations, marches, and alignments in tactics.
Guide
Someone employed to conduct others
Guide
Someone who shows the way by leading or advising
Guide
Something that offers basic information or instruction
Guide
A model or standard for making comparisons
Guide
Someone who can find paths through unexplored territory
Guide
Direct the course; determine the direction of travelling
Guide
Take somebody somewhere;
We lead him to our chief
Can you take me to the main entrance?
He conducted us to the palace
Guide
Be a guiding force, as with directions or advice;
The teacher steered the gifted students towards the more challenging courses
Guide
Use as a guide;
They had the lights to guide on
Guide
Guide or pass over something;
He ran his eyes over her body
She ran her fingers along the carved figurine
He drew her hair through his fingers
Common Curiosities
How do I know if I need a tutorial or a guide?
If you’re looking to learn a new skill from the ground up, a tutorial is likely more suitable. If you’re seeking information or tips on a wider topic, a guide would be better.
Can a guide include tutorials?
Yes, a comprehensive guide may include tutorials as part of its broader range of information and advice.
Can a tutorial and a guide be about the same topic?
Yes, both tutorials and guides can cover the same subject but from different angles. A tutorial would teach how to do something, while a guide might provide broader information about the topic.
Are tutorials only for beginners?
While tutorials are often aimed at beginners, they can also be designed for intermediate or advanced learners seeking to expand their skills.
What is the primary difference between a tutorial and a guide?
A tutorial is a structured, step-by-step instructional tool for learning a specific skill, while a guide offers advice and information on a broader topic.
Is one more effective than the other?
Effectiveness depends on the user’s goals. Tutorials are more effective for step-by-step learning, while guides are better for getting an overview or specific information.
Why would an experienced user consult a guide?
Experienced users might consult guides for advanced tips, best practices, or updates in their field of interest.
How do formats vary between tutorials and guides?
Tutorials often come in detailed, structured formats like video series or interactive lessons, while guides might be published as books, articles, or blog posts.
Can the same content creator produce both tutorials and guides?
Yes, content creators often produce both tutorials and guides, catering to different needs within their audience.
Are guides less detailed than tutorials?
Guides can be detailed but are usually broader in scope, unlike tutorials, which delve into specifics of learning a particular skill.
Do guides offer practical exercises like tutorials?
Guides typically focus on providing information and may not include practical exercises, unlike tutorials which often incorporate hands-on learning.
Are online forums considered guides or tutorials?
Online forums can offer elements of both, depending on the content. They may provide guides in the form of pinned posts or tutorials through step-by-step user contributions.
How do tutorials handle complex subjects?
Tutorials break down complex subjects into manageable, sequential steps for easier understanding and learning.
Can tutorials be part of formal education?
Yes, tutorials can be part of formal education, providing structured learning paths on specific subjects or skills.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
