Written by Chris Drinkard
14 years in hospitality management
5 years helping independent hotels grow their online presence. Passionate about AI, search, and digital strategy.
What is HowTo Schema?
HowTo schema is structured data markup for instructional content that guides users through a task step by step. It tells machines that your page contains a tutorial, guide, or set of instructions. Google once used it to render step carousels in search results; it no longer does, but the markup remains a valid Schema.org type that other consumers still parse.
Perfect Content Types for HowTo Schema
- ✓ DIY projects and home improvement guides
- ✓ Craft tutorials and creative projects
- ✓ Software tutorials and technical guides
- ✓ Repair and maintenance instructions
- ✓ Beauty and grooming tutorials
- ✓ Educational how-to content
- ✓ Assembly instructions
Note: Don't use HowTo schema for recipes—use Recipe schema instead. HowTo is for non-food instructional content only.
HowTo Rich Results in Google (Retired)
Google no longer shows any of these.
HowTo rich results were dropped for mobile in August 2023 and for desktop that September, and the search appearance has since been removed from Search Console and the Rich Results Test. No amount of correct HowTo markup will bring the step carousel back. The results below are described as they used to work, so you can recognise the many guides still recommending HowTo schema on this basis.
Historically, HowTo schema could trigger several types of enhanced search result:
Step Carousel
An expandable carousel showing each step with images. Users can preview your instructions directly in search results without clicking through.
High visibility, significant CTR increase
Summary View
A compact view showing total time, number of steps, and a brief overview. Helps users quickly determine if your guide meets their needs.
Good for complex, multi-step guides
Google Assistant Integration
Voice assistants can read your steps aloud, making your content accessible through smart speakers and voice search.
Growing voice search opportunity
Image Thumbnails
Step images can appear as thumbnails in search results, making your listing more visually appealing and clickable.
Images increase engagement
Required & Optional Properties
| Property | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| name | Required | Title of the HowTo guide |
| step | Required | Array of HowToStep objects |
| description | Recommended | Overview of what the HowTo accomplishes |
| image | Recommended | Main image for the HowTo (min 1200px) |
| totalTime | Recommended | Total time in ISO 8601 duration format |
| estimatedCost | Optional | Estimated cost to complete |
| supply | Optional | Materials or supplies needed |
| tool | Optional | Tools required to complete |
HowToStep Properties
| Property | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| name | Required | Brief title for the step |
| text | Required | Full description of the step (or use itemListElement) |
| image | Recommended | Image for this specific step |
| url | Optional | Direct link to this step (for anchor links) |
Structuring Steps Properly
Each step in your HowTo should be clear, actionable, and self-contained. Here's how to structure steps effectively:
✓ Good Step Structure
Step 3: Sand the Surface Smooth
Using 120-grit sandpaper, sand the entire surface in the direction of the wood grain. Apply even pressure and work in long, smooth strokes. Continue until all rough spots are removed and the surface feels uniformly smooth to the touch.
✗ Poor Step Structure
Step 3: Sanding
Sand it.
Step Writing Tips
- • Start each step name with an action verb (Sand, Mix, Connect, Install)
- • Keep step names concise (5-8 words maximum)
- • Include specific details in the text (measurements, times, techniques)
- • Add images showing the action or result for each step
- • Make each step independent—users should understand it without reading previous steps
Complete Implementation Examples
Basic HowTo Schema
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "HowTo",
"name": "How to Change a Car Tire",
"description": "Step-by-step guide to safely change a flat tire on the side of the road.",
"image": "https://example.com/images/tire-change.jpg",
"totalTime": "PT30M",
"estimatedCost": {
"@type": "MonetaryAmount",
"currency": "USD",
"value": "0"
},
"step": [
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"name": "Pull Over Safely",
"text": "As soon as you notice a flat tire, slow down and find a safe, flat location to pull over. Turn on your hazard lights and apply the parking brake.",
"image": "https://example.com/images/step1-pullover.jpg",
"url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step-1"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"name": "Gather Your Tools",
"text": "Locate your spare tire, jack, and lug wrench in your vehicle's trunk. Also grab the vehicle owner's manual for reference.",
"image": "https://example.com/images/step2-tools.jpg",
"url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step-2"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"name": "Loosen the Lug Nuts",
"text": "Using the lug wrench, turn each lug nut counterclockwise to loosen them. Don't remove them completely yet—just break the resistance while the tire is still on the ground.",
"image": "https://example.com/images/step3-loosen.jpg",
"url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step-3"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"name": "Position and Raise the Jack",
"text": "Place the jack under the vehicle's frame near the flat tire. Consult your owner's manual for the exact jack point. Raise the jack until the tire is about 6 inches off the ground.",
"image": "https://example.com/images/step4-jack.jpg",
"url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step-4"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"name": "Remove and Replace the Tire",
"text": "Remove the lug nuts completely and pull off the flat tire. Mount the spare tire, hand-tighten the lug nuts, and lower the vehicle. Finish tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern.",
"image": "https://example.com/images/step5-replace.jpg",
"url": "https://example.com/change-tire#step-5"
}
]
}
</script>HowTo with Tools and Supplies
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "HowTo",
"name": "How to Build a Wooden Planter Box",
"description": "Build a beautiful wooden planter box for your garden in under 2 hours.",
"image": "https://example.com/images/planter-box.jpg",
"totalTime": "PT2H",
"estimatedCost": {
"@type": "MonetaryAmount",
"currency": "USD",
"value": "45"
},
"tool": [
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "Circular Saw"
},
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "Drill/Driver"
},
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "Tape Measure"
},
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "Safety Glasses"
}
],
"supply": [
{
"@type": "HowToSupply",
"name": "Cedar boards (1x6, 8ft)",
"requiredQuantity": 4
},
{
"@type": "HowToSupply",
"name": "Wood screws (2-inch)",
"requiredQuantity": 24
},
{
"@type": "HowToSupply",
"name": "Exterior wood stain"
},
{
"@type": "HowToSupply",
"name": "Landscape fabric"
}
],
"step": [
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"name": "Cut the Cedar Boards",
"text": "Using your circular saw, cut two boards to 24 inches for the short sides and two boards to 36 inches for the long sides. Cut four corner posts at 12 inches each.",
"image": "https://example.com/images/planter-step1.jpg"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"name": "Assemble the Frame",
"text": "Pre-drill holes to prevent splitting. Attach the corner posts to the short side boards using two screws per connection. Then attach the long side boards to create the rectangular frame.",
"image": "https://example.com/images/planter-step2.jpg"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"name": "Add the Bottom Boards",
"text": "Cut remaining cedar to fit the bottom of the frame, leaving 1/4 inch gaps between boards for drainage. Secure with screws.",
"image": "https://example.com/images/planter-step3.jpg"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"name": "Apply Finish and Line",
"text": "Apply exterior wood stain following manufacturer's directions. Once dry, line the interior with landscape fabric to retain soil while allowing drainage.",
"image": "https://example.com/images/planter-step4.jpg"
}
]
}
</script>Adding Tools & Supplies
Including tools and supplies helps users prepare before starting. This information can also appear in rich results.
HowToTool
Equipment that isn't consumed during the process—can be used again.
{
"@type": "HowToTool",
"name": "Phillips Screwdriver"
} HowToSupply
Materials that are consumed or become part of the final result.
{
"@type": "HowToSupply",
"name": "Wood Screws",
"requiredQuantity": 12
} Integrating Video Content
Adding video to your HowTo schema can significantly improve rich result appearance and user engagement. Here's how to include video at both the HowTo and step level:
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "HowTo",
"name": "How to Tie a Windsor Knot",
"description": "Learn the classic Windsor knot for a professional look.",
"video": {
"@type": "VideoObject",
"name": "Windsor Knot Tutorial",
"description": "Full video tutorial on tying a Windsor knot.",
"thumbnailUrl": "https://example.com/images/windsor-thumb.jpg",
"contentUrl": "https://example.com/videos/windsor-knot.mp4",
"uploadDate": "2024-01-15",
"duration": "PT3M45S"
},
"step": [
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"name": "Start with the Wide End",
"text": "Drape the tie around your neck with the wide end on your right side, extending about 12 inches below the narrow end.",
"image": "https://example.com/images/windsor-step1.jpg",
"video": {
"@type": "VideoObject",
"name": "Starting Position",
"contentUrl": "https://example.com/videos/windsor-step1.mp4",
"startOffset": 0,
"endOffset": 15
}
}
]
}
</script>Video Best Practices
- ✓ Host videos on a reliable CDN or YouTube
- ✓ Include accurate duration in ISO 8601 format
- ✓ Add high-quality thumbnails (min 1280x720)
- ✓ Use startOffset/endOffset for step-specific clips
- ✓ Ensure videos match the written instructions
Best Practices for Success
1. Match Schema to Visible Content
Every step in your schema must correspond to visible content on the page. Don't include hidden steps or information not visible to users. Google verifies this match.
2. Include High-Quality Images
Add images for every step when possible. Images should be at least 1200 pixels wide, clearly show the action being performed, and be hosted on a fast, reliable server.
3. Be Specific About Time and Cost
Accurate time estimates help users plan. Use ISO 8601 duration format (PT1H30M for 1 hour 30 minutes). Include cost estimates with currency to set proper expectations.
4. Use Anchor Links for Steps
Include url properties pointing to anchor links (#step-1, #step-2) on your page. This helps users jump directly to specific steps from search results.
5. Keep Steps Actionable
Each step should describe one clear action. If a step requires multiple actions, consider breaking it into separate steps. Users should be able to follow along easily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using HowTo for Recipes
Food and cooking content should use Recipe schema, not HowTo. Recipe schema includes nutritional information, cooking times, and other food-specific properties.
❌ Steps That Don't Match Page Content
Google checks that schema markup matches visible content. If your schema has 10 steps but the page only shows 5, you'll have problems.
❌ Vague or Generic Steps
Steps like "Do the next part" or "Continue with the process" aren't helpful. Each step should be specific and complete enough to follow independently.
❌ Missing or Low-Quality Images
While not required, images significantly improve rich result eligibility and appearance. Low-quality or irrelevant images hurt more than help.
❌ Incorrect Time Formats
Use ISO 8601 duration format: PT30M (30 minutes), PT1H (1 hour), PT1H30M (1.5 hours). Don't use "30 minutes" or other text formats.
Related Schema Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between HowTo schema and Recipe schema?
Recipe schema is specifically for cooking and food preparation, including nutritional information and cooking times. HowTo schema is for all other instructional content - DIY projects, tutorials, repairs, crafts, and any step-by-step process that isn't food-related.
Do I need images for every step in HowTo schema?
Images are optional in the markup, and since HowTo rich results were retired there is no search-appearance reason to add them. Step images still help readers, and multimodal AI assistants can reference them, so include them where they genuinely clarify a step rather than to satisfy a schema requirement.
Can I use HowTo schema for software tutorials?
Yes, HowTo schema is a good structural fit for software tutorials, coding guides, and technical documentation. Include screenshots for each step and specify any software tools required. Note that this will not produce a HowTo rich result — Google retired those in 2023 — so the benefit is machine-readability for AI answer engines rather than search appearance.
How many steps should a HowTo have for schema markup?
There's no strict limit, but Google recommends between 2 and 100 steps. For very complex procedures, consider breaking them into multiple HowTo guides. Each step should be actionable and distinct - don't pad with unnecessary steps.
Does HowTo schema work with voice search?
Not through Google Assistant any more. Assistant's guided HowTo experience was retired along with the rich results, so HowTo markup no longer feeds smart speakers. Structured steps are still easier for AI assistants and LLM-based search tools to parse and cite than the same instructions written as prose.
Test Your HowTo Schema Implementation
Validate your HowTo schema markup to ensure Google can parse it correctly and display rich results.