HowTo Schema Markup
HowTo schema helps search engines display step-by-step instructions in rich results. Ideal for tutorials, guides, DIY instructions, and recipes with clear sequential steps.
What is HowTo schema markup?
HowTo schema markup is structured data in JSON-LD format that helps search engines understand your page content. It requires properties like name, step and enables rich results in Google Search. HowTo schema helps search engines display step-by-step instructions in rich results. Ideal for tutorials, guides, DIY instructions, and recipes with clear sequential steps.
Required Properties
| Property | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| name | Text | The title of the how-to guide. |
| step | HowToStep[] | An array of steps, each with a name and text describing the step. |
Recommended Optional Properties
| Property | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| description | Text | A description of the how-to guide. |
| image | ImageObject or URL | An image of the completed how-to. |
| totalTime | Duration | Total time to complete in ISO 8601 duration format. |
| estimatedCost | MonetaryAmount | The estimated cost to complete the how-to. |
| supply | HowToSupply[] | Materials or supplies needed. |
| tool | HowToTool[] | Tools required to complete the how-to. |
Example JSON-LD Code
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "HowTo",
"name": "How to Add Structured Data to Your Website",
"description": "Learn how to add JSON-LD structured data to improve SEO.",
"totalTime": "PT15M",
"step": [
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 1,
"name": "Choose the schema type",
"text": "Determine which schema type is most relevant for your page content."
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 2,
"name": "Generate the JSON-LD",
"text": "Use a schema generator tool to create the JSON-LD code with your content details."
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 3,
"name": "Add to your HTML",
"text": "Paste the JSON-LD code into a script tag in the head section of your page."
}
]
}
Place this inside a <script type="application/ld+json"> tag in your page's <head>.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗ Not including a position property in HowToStep items
- ✗ Making steps too vague — each step should be a clear, actionable instruction
- ✗ Using HowTo for content that is not actually step-by-step instructions
- ✗ Omitting totalTime when the duration is known
- ✗ Using HowTo for advertising content disguised as instructions
Generate HowTo Schema Markup
Use our free schema generator to create valid HowTo JSON-LD code in seconds.
Open Schema Generator