How to Edit a Page in Wikipedia

Wikipedia relies upon its readers. The online encyclopedia encourages people to edit the information in provides. Join its online community! You might have better or additional information. Follow these steps to open an account and edit a page.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Open an account in Wikipedia

1. Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page. You can also key in "Wikipedia" in search engines like Google or Yahoo.
2. Go to the top right corner of the page. Click on "Sign in/create account." Register yourself by providing a Username and Password. Once you've been added, your Username will appear in red on the top of the page.

Edit a page in Wikipedia

3. Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:List_of_protected_pages#Semi-protection. Remember that some articles cannot be edited. Check which ones you can first.
4. Examine some of the semi-protected articles. Protected articles can be edited only by Wikipedia administrators.
5. Select the semi-protected articles you think need editing. Read the page carefully and identify the information you want to edit.
6. Check with the Wikipedia Manual of Style. Make sure your editing follows their guidelines.
7. Click on "edit this page." A new page, with the existing text will open.
8. Start editing the page. Notify the sources used.
9. See the changes by clicking on "show preview" and save.
10. Write about these changes briefly in the "edit summary" section. Save the page again.
11. Submit the edited page to the Wikipedia editors for approval.

Tips & Warnings

• Initially, use the Sandbox to get acquainted with the Wikipedia markups and styles.
• Anticipate Wikipedia users' reactions to your edits by reading sample talk pages.