Help:Creating an article

So you want to add a new article to Marspedia? Great — here is how, start to finish. For general editing help see Help:Editing; for the bigger picture see the Marspedia Tutorials.

Before you start

• Check it doesn't already exist. Use the search box — your topic may already have a page you can improve instead.
• Make sure it fits Marspedia. Marspedia is an encyclopedia about the exploration and settlement of Mars. It summarizes topics and references fuller sources elsewhere; it is not a place for complete papers, essays, or personal opinion.
• You need an account. Request one here if you don't have one yet.

Three ways to start a new page

1. From a red link. If another page links to your topic in red, the page doesn't exist yet — click the red link and start writing.
2. From search. Search for the title; if there is no match, the results page offers a link to create it.
3. By URL. Visit https://marspedia.org/YOUR_TITLE and, if the page is empty, click Create.

Write the article

Aim for a clear, encyclopedic summary:

• Open with a sentence that defines the topic (put the title in bold).
• Keep it factual and reference your sources with <ref>...</ref> tags — see Using references.
• Use section headings, links and lists to structure longer articles.

Finish up

• Categorize it. Add one to three categories from the category hierarchy at the bottom: [[Category:Name]].
• Add a summary and save. Describe your change in a few words and click Save.
• Don't worry about perfection. A short, rough start is fine — mark it {{stub}} and others can help expand it.

Prefer to hand off a draft? You can submit content through this form and a volunteer will add it for you.