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title: Writing and editing policies description: Learn how to write, edit and format policy documents in the Policy Center of Tidal Control sidebar_position: 2

Writing and editing policies

Using the Policy Editor

The Policy Editor is our built-in editor that allows you to create and edit professional policy documents. When you choose "Create with policy editor", you'll be taken to the editor.

First steps in the editor

Initially, the editor is loaded with a standard template that gives you a good starting point:

In the editor you see:

• Policy title - Automatically filled in based on your policy
• Document status - Approved or Draft
• Policy version number - For version control
• Document content - Your actual policy text
• Action buttons - For editing, approving, downloading etc.
• Menu button (three horizontal lines) - Opens the sidebar with more information and version history

Editing documents

When you click the "Edit" button, the editor toolbar appears with all editing capabilities:

The editor contains a complete set of word processing functionalities:

• Text formatting - Bold, italic, underlined
• Lists - Numbered and bullet points
• Headings - Different levels for structure
• Tables - For structured information
• Links - To external sources or internal documents
• Images - For visual support

Templates and structure

Standard template

The standard template contains typical sections for policy documents:

• Purpose and scope - Why does this policy exist?
• Responsibilities - Who does what?
• Procedures - How is the policy applied?
• Compliance and monitoring - How is compliance controlled?

Creating your own structure

You are not bound to the standard template. You can:

• Add or remove sections
• Create your own heading structure
• Add specific content that fits your organization

Uploading existing documents

Upload process

When you choose "Upload file from your computer", you get an upload interface:

You can upload files by:

1. Drag & Drop - Drag files directly to the upload box
2. Click - Opens a new File Explorer selection screen
3. Search for a document - Select a document that is already in Tidal

Supported file formats:

• PDF documents
• Microsoft Word documents (.doc, .docx)
• Microsoft Excel documents (.xls, .xlsx)
• ...and many more

Upload management

After upload, you see in the overview that uploaded files are recognizable by the paperclip icon:

Uploading new versions

When you have a new version of your document ready:

1. Go to the "Manage" menu of the policy
2. Click on "Upload other file"
3. Upload your new file

Advantages and limitations

Advantages of uploaded documents:

• Maintain your current workflows and templates
• No retraining of your team needed
• Familiar software and formatting options

Limitations:

• Limited editing capabilities within Tidal
• Manual version management
• No integrated collaboration features

Linking external policies

URL-based management

For organizations that manage their policy documents elsewhere, Tidal offers the possibility to link external URLs:

Setup process

1. Choose "Link to an external location" in the start menu
2. Enter the URL of your external policy document
3. Click "Add link" to save the url

URL management

The URL is stored in a file within Tidal, allowing you to still use:

• Approval workflows
• Review cycles
• Compliance tracking

Best practices for external policies

Documentation:

• Keep track of which URL refers to which version, or;
• Ensure stable URLs that don't change

Accessibility:

• Check that URLs are accessible to all relevant users
• Set proper permissions in your external system
• Test links regularly for validity

Content formatting and styling

Structuring text

Effective heading structure

Use a logical hierarchy of headings:

• H1 - Chapter titles
• H2 - Section titles
• H3 - Paragraph titles

Lists and enumerations

• Bullet points for unordered items
• Numbered lists for procedures and steps
• Nested lists for hierarchical information

Using tables

Tables are ideal for:

• Roles and responsibilities overviews
• Procedure steps with actors
• Compliance requirements with deadlines
• Contact information displayed in structured format

Links and references

Internal links

• Link to other policies within Tidal
• Refer to related controls
• Link to relevant frameworks

External links

• Reference legislation and standards
• Link to external procedures
• Refer to additional documentation

Policy detail page and sidebar

Opening the sidebar

When you are in the Policy Editor, you can find additional information and functions via the sidebar:

1. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) at the top right of the editor
2. The sidebar slides open on the right side of your screen
3. Here you find ownership, version history, frameworks and more details

Assigning owner(s) via the Policy detail page

To assign owners to a specific policy:

1. Go to a specific policy by clicking on the title
2. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) to open the sidebar
3. Find the "Policy ownership" section in the sidebar
4. Click the user icon to add an owner
5. Select users from the available list

Navigating version history

In the policy editor sidebar (three horizontal lines) you find the complete version history:

• Active version is marked in blue
• Click on a version to view it
• Draft versions can still be edited
• Approved versions are read-only

This function is useful to:

• Compare changes between versions
• Go back to an earlier version
• Check which version is currently active

Updating policy information

In the sidebar you can also check:

• Next review date - When the policy needs to be reviewed
• Linked frameworks - Which compliance frameworks are linked
• Change history - Complete audit trail of changes

Editing changelog

For each version in the history you can:

1. Click the pencil icon next to a version
2. Edit the change comment to explain changes
3. Adjust the version number if desired
4. Save the changes

Best practices for policy writing

Structure and flow

1. Start with context - Why does this policy exist?
2. Define scope - Who and what does it apply to?
3. Describe procedures - How is it executed?
4. Specify responsibilities - Who does what?
5. (optional) Explain monitoring - How is compliance controlled? - often not needed because Tidal handles compliance.

Language use

Clear and unambiguous:

• Use active instead of passive sentences
• Avoid jargon and technical terms where possible
• Define important concepts

Actionable content:

• Use verbs that indicate clear actions
• Specify deadlines and frequencies
• Give concrete examples where useful