Documentation entered for a data element is displayed when you select F1 Help on each screen field that refers to the data element. If there is no documentation for the data element, only the short text of the data element appears for the F1 help. Data elements that are used in screen templates should therefore be documented.

The documentation status specifies whether documentation has already been written for a data element and whether documentation is in fact required. To display the docu status of a data element, choose Extras ® Docu status in the maintenance screen for the data element.

The following status entries are possible:

• Object requires documentation: The standard setting. Documentation either already exists or is to be written.
• Object is not used in any screens: The object is not used in any screen. Documentation does not exist and is not required.
• Object is explained sufficiently by the short text: The short text explains the object adequately. Documentation does not exist and is not required.
• Documentation postponed: This selection might be appropriate, for example, if the use of the data element has not yet been fully clarified. Documentation does not (yet) exist.

You can edit the documentation status with the Transaction Document maintenance (Utilities ® Documentation in the initial screen of the ABAP Workbench).