How to Write Release Notes + Examples
Learn how to write release notes with examples
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Every time your product updates, your users deserve to know what’s changed - and more importantly, why it matters to them. That’s exactly what great release notes do.
Release notes are often the most overlooked part of a product release, but they’re also one of the most valuable tools you have for user communication. A clear, well-written note helps your users understand improvements, discover new features, and trust that your product is evolving in response to their needs.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to write release notes that users will actually read - complete with best practices, structure, and examples inspired by real SaaS brands.
What are Release Notes?
Release notes are short summaries that describe what’s new, improved, or fixed in a software update. They usually appear in changelogs, update emails, help centre posts, or inside the product itself.
Beyond listing features, release notes act as a transparent communication bridge between your product team and your users. They explain not just what has changed, but why those changes improve the user experience.
For example, instead of simply saying “Improved dashboard performance,” a better release note would be:
“We’ve optimized dashboard loading speeds to make navigation smoother, especially for users managing large data sets.”
This transforms a technical update into a value-focused message - which is exactly what great release notes do.
Why Release Notes Matter
For most SaaS products, updates happen frequently. If users don’t understand those updates, they’ll miss new features, get frustrated by interface changes, or feel disconnected from your product’s evolution.
Consistent and user-friendly release notes fix that. They:
- Build transparency and trust: Showing regular improvements gives users confidence that your team listens and iterates.
- Encourage feature adoption: When users know what’s new and why it’s useful, they’re more likely to explore it.
- Reduce support load: Clear notes to prevent repetitive “What changed?” queries.
- Reinforce brand voice: Friendly, clear language makes even technical updates feel approachable.
In short, good release notes turn technical progress into a story of continuous improvement - and that’s powerful for retention and brand perception.
What to Include in Release Notes
While there’s no universal format, most effective release notes follow a logical structure that’s easy for readers to skim.
Here’s a simple and reliable format:
- Version Number and Date
Clearly mention the version and release date to help users track updates chronologically.
- Summary Line
Begin with one concise sentence describing what this release focuses on - whether it’s a new feature, performance improvements, or bug fixes.
- New Features
Highlight the key additions and what problems they solve for users. Keep the tone clear and benefit-oriented.
- Improvements and Enhancements
Mention UI tweaks, performance boosts, or backend changes that improve the experience.
- Bug Fixes
Be transparent about resolved issues, especially if users previously faced them.
- Optional: Call to Action
Invite users to explore the new features or share feedback.
For example:
Version 2.3.1 – December 2025 ✨ New: Added custom tags for ticket filtering ⚡ Improved: Dashboard now loads 35% faster 🐞 Fixed: Issue with email notifications not triggering 👉 Try it now and tell us what you think!
How to Write Effective Release Notes
Writing great release notes is both an art and a process. It’s about striking the right balance between technical accuracy and user-friendly communication.
Let’s break it down step by step:
1. Start With the Audience in Mind
Before writing, identify who will be reading. Developers, end-users, and business customers all need different levels of detail. A developer might want technical insights, while general users only care about how the update improves their workflow.
Tailor the content accordingly - and avoid turning release notes into an internal changelog dump.
2. Explain the Why Behind Each Change
Don’t just say what you changed; explain why it matters.
For example:
“Added keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation”is good, but“You can now use keyboard shortcuts to switch between projects instantly, saving time during busy work sessions.”is better.
This subtle shift connects updates to real-world value.
3. Keep It Simple and Scannable
Users rarely read release notes line-by-line. They skim. Use bullet points, bold headers, and emoji markers (✨⚡🐞) to help them quickly spot relevant changes. Avoid dense paragraphs or technical jargon unless necessary.
Your goal is clarity - not impressing the dev team.
4. Maintain a Consistent Tone
Consistency builds familiarity. Whether your brand tone is professional or casual, keep it uniform across releases. Slack uses humor; Notion keeps it minimal; GitHub stays formal. Pick a tone that matches your brand personality and stick with it.
This consistency makes your release notes part of your product’s recognizable identity.
5. Add Context When Needed
If a change affects workflow, settings, or integrations, explain it clearly. Don’t let users guess what they need to do next.
For example:
“We’ve updated the login flow for enhanced security. You’ll be prompted to reauthenticate once after this update.”
This helps users adjust smoothly while reinforcing trust.
6. Use Visuals for Major Updates
When a big UI or workflow change is introduced, add a screenshot or GIF. A short visual makes comprehension almost instant and reduces confusion. This is especially helpful for onboarding new features or layout redesigns.
7. Close With a Feedback Loop
Encourage engagement by ending with a small call to action:
“Try out the new features and share your feedback with us!”
It makes users feel involved in your product’s evolution - and provides valuable insights for future iterations.
Real-World Examples of Great Release Notes
Real-World Examples of Great Release Notes
Let’s explore how some leading SaaS brands approach release notes - and what you can learn from their writing style, tone, and structure.
Each brand has a slightly different philosophy, but all of them share one goal: helping users clearly understand what’s new and how it makes their experience better.
1. Slack - Conversational, Human, and Approachable
Slack has mastered the art of making technical updates sound friendly and effortless. Their release notes read more like small talk than documentation - yet they clearly communicate important product improvements.
For instance, a typical Slack note might read:
“Don’t mind us – just making a few small adjustments to keep the app in tip-top shape. More to come soon. Cheerio!”
Instead of diving into complex details, Slack uses light, conversational phrasing that reassures users the app is running smoothly. This personable tone makes even minor maintenance updates feel like a friendly chat rather than a technical report.
Why it works:
Slack’s release notes are approachable because they reflect the brand’s personality - casual, human, and witty. The voice builds trust by signaling consistency and care, reminding users that great UX continues beyond the interface into every update they read.
2. Notion - Visual, Minimal, and User-Centric
Notion turns its What’s New page into an engaging, visual storytelling hub. Each update is published as a standalone post with a strong headline, short description, and an embedded demo video that shows the new feature in action.
For example, the update titled “Agent can build forms” includes a video walkthrough of Notion’s AI Agent generating and customizing forms instantly. Instead of long text explanations, the video lets users see the feature’s value in seconds.
Why it works:
Notion’s release notes combine clarity with engagement. The visual-first approach transforms technical updates into easy-to-understand stories, helping users quickly grasp how each feature works. This style also supports diverse audiences - from beginners to power users - who prefer learning through visuals rather than dense text.
3. Figma - Structured, Tag-Based, and Contextual
Figma’s Release Notes page follows a precise, category-driven layout. Each update begins with a clear headline (like “Make in FigGov”), followed by short contextual text explaining the purpose of the release and a series of descriptive tags - AI, Design, Prototyping, Administration - that classify the type of update.
In its Make in FigGov release, for example, Figma describes how it’s bringing its enterprise capabilities into a secure, government-compliant environment - maintaining flexibility while meeting strict federal standards. A call-to-action link, “Explore Figma for Government in this blog post,” leads readers to more detailed context.
Why it works:
Figma’s structured, tag-based release notes make it effortless for readers to scan and filter updates by category. The concise copy and contextual links provide enough depth for those who want it, while keeping the page clean, navigable, and true to Figma’s design-driven brand.
4. Amplitude - Organized, Timeline-Driven, and Transparent
Amplitude’s Product Updates page organizes releases in a chronological timeline that groups updates by month and year - like September 2025, October 2025, and November 2025. Each update appears as a neatly formatted card with a title, release date, and feature tags such as AI, Activation, or Session Replay.
This structure allows users to view an entire year of progress at a glance, showcasing both major launches and smaller enhancements. By tagging each update by function or area, Amplitude makes it easy for users to identify trends and follow product evolution over time.
Why it works:
Amplitude’s timeline layout emphasizes consistency and transparency. Users can immediately see how often updates are shipped and what areas the team focuses on. The design also reinforces credibility - it shows Amplitude’s commitment to continuous improvement without overwhelming readers with excessive text.
5. BunnyDesk - Practical, Transparent, and Action-Oriented
BunnyDesk’s release notes combine technical clarity with real-world impact. Each update is concise yet value-driven, explaining not only what changed but how those changes benefit users directly.
For example:
“Added new ticket tagging options for better workflow organization. Improved dashboard load speed by 40% to enhance response time for support teams. Fixed issue causing notifications to appear twice on mobile.”
Instead of vague terms like “general improvements,” BunnyDesk quantifies performance gains and describes updates in simple, outcome-focused language.
Why it works:
BunnyDesk’s release notes demonstrate a balance between transparency and professionalism. Each line is purposeful - informing users clearly, reinforcing reliability, and showing steady progress. The result is a format that communicates improvement, invites trust, and strengthens user confidence with every update.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even teams with good intentions often fall into common pitfalls. Avoid these to keep your release notes effective and engaging:
- Writing overly technical descriptions that alienate users.
- Being vague with phrases like “bug fixes and performance improvements.”
- Mixing unrelated updates without structure.
- Publishing inconsistently or skipping minor updates altogether.
- Treating release notes as an internal chore instead of a communication tool.
Each release, big or small, is a chance to reinforce your brand’s voice and reliability.
Release Notes Template
Here’s a practical format you can use for any SaaS release:
[Product Name] Release Notes Version [X.X.X] | Date [MM/DD/YYYY] ✨ New - [Feature name] — [Brief benefit-oriented explanation] ⚡ Improvements - [Specific enhancement or workflow improvement] 🐞 Fixes - [What issue was resolved and its user impact] 👉 Try the new version and share your feedback!
You can also include visuals, changelog links, or product walkthroughs to make it even more interactive.
Conclusion
Release notes are much more than documentation - they’re an ongoing dialogue with your users. Every update gives you a moment to remind them that your product is improving, your team is listening, and their feedback matters.
By keeping your notes clear, consistent, and value-driven, you transform a routine technical update into a meaningful user touchpoint. The best release notes don’t just list features - they communicate progress.
Next time your team ships an update, take the time to craft a thoughtful release note. It might seem small, but it’s one of the simplest ways to build credibility and delight your users at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions on Release Notes
- What is the main purpose of release notes?
Release notes inform users about new features, improvements, and fixes in a product update. They help users understand what’s changed and how those updates improve their experience.
- How long should release notes be?
Ideally, release notes should be concise, around 150–250 words per update. They should highlight key changes without overwhelming readers with technical details.
- Who should write release notes in a company?
Typically, release notes are written by product managers, content specialists, or technical writers who work closely with the development team. The goal is to ensure accuracy while keeping the language clear and user-friendly.
- How often should release notes be published?
Release notes should be shared every time your product has a version update or new feature rollout. Consistent updates build transparency and help users stay engaged with ongoing improvements
- What’s the difference between a changelog and release notes?
A changelog is a detailed technical record of all changes made to a product, while release notes are a user-facing summary that focuses on what’s new, improved, or fixed — written in clear, benefit-oriented language.
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