An informational document is a paper or presentation that provides the reader with options or solutions related to a topic or issue. Informational documents are often focused on specific issues or topics, are written for specific types of readers and are solutions oriented.

Focused Topic - Informational documents may be focused on issues or problems that readers are experiencing or attempting to solve. The informational document presents the analysis and solution in a concise structure. Personal banter or humor is often limited or non-existent in white papers.

Audience Profile - Informational documents are typically written for a specific type of audience, such as a technical or business reader, and are tailored for their level of skill. This ensures the appropriate selection of industry terminology and the proper depth of explanation required. White papers may define a specific level of reader and, as such, inexperienced readers may not understand the references contained in the white paper.

Solutions Oriented - Good informational documents provide utility value to the reader. They identify problems or opportunities and ways to solve or take advantage of them. The beginning of the document identifies and expands the key challenge or opportunity. The core of the document explains one or more solutions that may be applied. The end of the document may recommend a solution or refer the reader to a source where a solution may be found.