Open Source Contributor Onboarding: 10 Tips

Want to boost your open source project’s success? Here’s how to onboard new contributors effectively:

Write clear, complete documentation
Set up a Code of Conduct
Create contributor guidelines
Mark easy tasks for beginners
Start a mentoring program
Make setup easy
Offer different ways to help
Use quick-response communication tools
Thank and highlight contributors
Ask for and use feedback

Key stats:

Projects with contribution guidelines are 17% more productive
Marking 25% of issues as “Good First Issues” boosts contributors by 13%
Mentorship increases productivity by 46%

Quick Comparison:

Tip	Impact	Difficulty
Clear docs	High	Medium
Code of Conduct	Medium	Low
Contributor guidelines	High	Medium
Beginner tasks	High	Low
Mentoring	High	High
Easy setup	High	Medium
Diverse contributions	Medium	Low
Quick communication	Medium	Low
Recognition	Medium	Low
Feedback loop	High	Medium

Remember: Open source is about building a welcoming community, not just code. Focus on people first, and contributions will follow.

1. Write Clear, Complete Documentation

Good docs are the backbone of any open source project. They’re often the first thing new contributors see, and can make or break their decision to join in. Here’s how to create docs that welcome and guide new contributors:

1. Cover everything

Your docs should include:

How to install
How to set things up
API details
Code examples
Troubleshooting tips

2. Keep it simple

Don’t use fancy words if you don’t have to. If you must use tech terms, explain them clearly.

3. Show real examples

Give examples of how to use features or fix common problems. Make sure all code examples actually work before you share them.

4. Make it easy to read

Use headers, sections, and bullet points. For long docs, add a table of contents.

5. Keep it fresh

Update your docs often. Make sure they match the latest changes and new features.

6. Make it easy to find

People should be able to search and navigate your docs easily.

7. Be direct

Write instructions clearly. Say “Click ‘yes’ to delete your data” instead of “Data will be deleted if ‘yes’ is clicked.”

8. Use pictures

Add charts, graphs, and images to help explain things.

Good docs can make a big difference:

What We’re Looking At	Bad Docs	Good Docs
New Contributor Experience	Slow and frustrating	Quick and easy
Understanding the Project	Confusing	Clear
Community Growth	Not much	Steady increase
Solving Problems	Takes forever	Quick and efficient

Remember, docs are always a work in progress. Ask users and contributors for feedback to keep making them better.

“Good documentation is key to open source success.” – Every Smart Developer Ever

2. Set Up a Code of Conduct

A Code of Conduct is crucial for open source projects. It’s your community’s rulebook. Here’s how to nail it:

1. Start early

Set the tone from day one. Launch your project with a Code of Conduct in place.

2. Use a template

Don’t start from scratch. The Contributor Covenant is a popular choice used by thousands of projects.

3. Make it visible

Put your CODE_OF_CONDUCT file in the root directory. Link to it from README and CONTRIBUTING files.

4. Be specific

Your code should clearly state:

Where it applies (GitHub, mailing lists, etc.)
Who it covers (contributors, maintainers, users)
Consequences for breaking rules
How to report violations

5. Provide reporting options

Offer a private way to report issues. For example, the khmer project uses an email for reporting, with an alternate contact for sensitive situations.

6. Enforce it

Take reports seriously. Follow through on stated consequences.

7. Review regularly

As your project evolves, so should your Code of Conduct.

Here’s how projects stack up with and without a Code of Conduct:

Aspect	Without Code of Conduct	With Code of Conduct
Community vibe	Unpredictable	Welcoming
Conflict handling	Inconsistent	Clear process
New contributor experience	Uncertain	Clear expectations
Project image	Potentially risky	Professional

A Code of Conduct isn’t just a document – it’s a commitment to a healthy, inclusive community.

3. Create Contributor Guidelines

Clear contributor guidelines help new open source contributors join your project smoothly. They’re like a roadmap for newcomers.

Here’s how to make them:

1. Make them easy to find

Put your CONTRIBUTING file in an obvious spot – the root, docs, or .github folder.

2. Start with a friendly welcome

Thank people for their interest. Show you appreciate their effort.

3. Explain how to contribute

Give step-by-step instructions:

Fork the repo
Clone it locally
Create a new branch
Make changes
Submit a pull request

4. Set clear expectations

Tell contributors what you want:

Word count for docs
Code style rules
Testing requirements

5. Show where to talk

List places to discuss the project (mailing lists, chat rooms, forums).

6. Link to key resources

Include links to:

Project roadmap
Issue tracker
Code of Conduct

7. Explain how you review contributions

This helps set realistic expectations.

8. Mark beginner-friendly issues

Help newcomers find a good starting point.

9. Offer learning resources

List tutorials or books about your project’s tech stack.

10. Keep it current

Update your guidelines as your project changes.

Your guidelines should be detailed but easy to read. As Josh Slone from LeadFuze says:

“When I started off with the contributor guidelines, I thought about everything we wanted to see in a good contributor, but also the things we would never want to see again.”

4. Mark Easy Tasks for Beginners

Want to attract new contributors? Mark tasks for beginners. It’s a simple way to help newcomers get started and build confidence.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Use clear labels

Slap on labels like “good first issue” or “beginner-friendly”. These help newbies find tasks they can handle.

2. Pick the right tasks

Choose tasks that are:

Small
Well-documented
Don’t need much project knowledge
Have clear goals

Think: fixing typos, updating docs, adding small features, or minor bug fixes.

3. Give details

When creating a beginner issue, include:

What needs to be done
How to reproduce bugs
Suggested approach
Links to helpful docs

4. Offer help

Add contact info for newcomers who might need a hand. Show them you’ve got their back.

5. Use beginner-friendly platforms

Some platforms list beginner tasks from various projects:

Platform	What it does
Up For Grabs	Lists projects with newbie-friendly tasks
Codetribute	Matches contributors to projects
Good First Issue	Curates “good first issue” tasks

6. Show it matters

Let newbies know their work counts. As the First Timers Only initiative puts it:

“I’m willing to hold your hand so you can make your first PR. This issue is a bit easier than normal. And anyone who’s already contributed to open source isn’t allowed to touch this one!”

5. Start a Mentoring Program

Want to supercharge your open source project’s growth? Pair experienced contributors with newcomers. Here’s how:

1. Set clear goals

What do you want? More contributors? Better code? Set targets you can measure.

2. Choose a format

Short-term or ongoing? The Open Infrastructure Foundation pairs students with OpenStack mentors for extended periods.

3. Find great mentors

Look for patient experts who communicate well. As Karsten Wade from Red Hat says:

“Part of starting, or growing, a successful open source community is designing the community to be sustainable.”

4. Make good matches

Consider skills, interests, and time zones. The Linux Kernel Mentorship Program uses applications to ensure good fits.

5. Set expectations

Create guidelines for both sides:

Mentors	Mentees
Time commitment	Learning goals
Communication frequency	Expected participation
Areas of guidance	Deliverables

6. Support your mentors

Offer training and documentation on common newbie issues.

7. Keep communication flowing

Set up dedicated channels for mentor-mentee pairs.

8. Track progress

Use regular check-ins. The Debian Mentoring Program requires monthly updates.

9. Get feedback

Keep improving. The LFX Mentorship found that 99% of graduates found it helpful, with 47% saying it helped them land a job.

Mentoring isn’t just about code. Kendall from the Open Infrastructure Foundation puts it well:

“Mentorship in open source is a win-win scenario. For students, it provides practical experience, enhances their resumes, and expands their professional networks.”

6. Make Setup Easy

A smooth setup process can turn a potential contributor into an active team member. Here’s how to make your project’s setup a breeze:

Create a Killer README

Your README is your project’s first impression. Make it count:

Step-by-step installation guide
List of dependencies and how to get them
Commands to run the project locally

Automate Everything You Can

Use tools to cut down manual steps:

At Anyfin, a new engineer set up multiple backend services in just 5 hours using Docker. That’s FAST.

Give Options

People like choices. Offer different setup methods:

Method	Good	Not So Good
Docker	Consistent, quick start	Needs Docker know-how
Local install	Full control	Potential environment issues
Dev containers	IDE-friendly	Requires specific IDEs

Use Virtual Environments

Keep your project’s dependencies isolated:

Python: venv or virtualenv
Node.js: nvm for managing versions

One-Click Setup

Create a single command to handle most of the setup:

./setup.sh

This can install dependencies, set up databases, and configure environment variables.

Test It Yourself

Regularly go through your own setup process. Better yet, ask someone new to try it out.

Offer Help

Some folks might still need a hand:

Set up a chat channel for setup questions
Create an FAQ for common issues
Assign mentors to guide new contributors

7. Offer Different Ways to Help

Open source projects need more than just coders. Here’s how to welcome all kinds of helpers:

Beyond Code

Not everyone writes code, but everyone can pitch in:

Contribution	What It Is	Why It Matters
Documentation	Writing guides, fixing typos	Makes the project easier to use
Testing	Finding bugs, suggesting tweaks	Improves the software
Design	Creating logos, improving UI	Makes the project look better
Support	Answering questions, mentoring	Builds a stronger community

Real Impact

In 2011, Mozilla saw Firefox usage jump after translating it to Spanish. That’s the power of non-coding help.

Easy Start Guide

Create a guide that shows:

Where to find tasks
How to submit work
Where to ask questions

Credit Everyone

Give a shout-out to all helpers. GitHub’s All Contributors bot can do this automatically.

Match Skills to Tasks

Ask newbies what they’re good at. Then point them to the right jobs:

Writers → Documentation
Artists → Design
Organizers → Event planning

Fast, clear communication is key for open source projects. The right tools can speed up how your team responds to new contributors.

Here’s what to consider:

1. Instant messaging

Slack and Discord are great for quick chats. They offer:

Real-time problem-solving
Easy file sharing
Topic-specific channels

The Mozilla Firefox team uses Matrix, an open-source Slack alternative, for daily chats.

2. Video calls

For complex talks, try video. Zoom and Jitsi (open-source) work well.

3. Issue trackers

GitHub or GitLab Issues help contributors report bugs or suggest features. They’re perfect for:

Organizing tasks
Tracking progress
Focused discussions

4. Mailing lists

For detailed talks, mailing lists still work. Many use Google Groups or Mailman.

Here’s a quick tool comparison:

Tool	Type	Best for	Open Source?
Slack	Chat	Quick talks	No
Matrix	Chat	Secure, decentralized chat	Yes
Zoom	Video	Big meetings	No
Jitsi	Video	Small to medium calls	Yes
GitHub Issues	Task tracking	Bugs, feature requests	No
GitLab Issues	Task tracking	Self-hosted option	Yes

The goal? Make it easy for new contributors to get help fast. Pick tools that are:

Simple to set up and use
Easy for your contributors to access
In line with your project’s values (like open-source options)

9. Thank and Highlight Contributors

Building a strong open source community? Don’t forget to show some love to your contributors. Here’s how:

Create a contributors page

Set up a dedicated space on your project site or README to showcase community efforts. React Native does this well, listing Committers, Active Contributors, and Inactive Contributors.

Use recognition tools

Try the all-contributors specification to acknowledge various contribution types in your README. It’s not just about code – think docs, support, and community engagement too.

Host community events

Bring people together with contributor summits, meetups, or coding sprints. It’s a great way to strengthen bonds and celebrate contributions face-to-face.

Public recognition

Many projects use widgets to display contributor data. For example:

Say “thanks” directly

A simple “thank you” goes a long way. Reach out via DM, email, or in person at conferences.

Highlight diverse contributions

Don’t forget non-code contributions. Projects like p5.js and Snipe-IT use All Contributors to recognize various types of help.

Consider financial support

If possible, set up options like GitHub Sponsors. It allows others to show appreciation financially.

10. Ask for and Use Feedback

Getting input from contributors is crucial for your open source project. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Set up feedback channels

Create spaces for feedback:

2. Ask specific questions

Don’t be vague. Ask things like:

“What was your biggest setup challenge?”
“How can we improve our docs for newbies?”

3. Use surveys smartly

Send short, focused surveys for quick data. Keep ’em brief to boost responses.

4. Track and organize input

Use a shared spreadsheet to log feedback. It helps prioritize and keeps things on track.

The Open Organization project sorted feedback into seven categories, from typos to new ideas.

5. Act on feedback

Make changes based on input. Show contributors their voice matters.

6. Be open to criticism

Not all feedback is praise. Use critiques to grow.

7. Thank contributors

Always acknowledge feedback, even if you can’t use it. A simple “thanks” goes far.

When giving feedback:

Focus on the work, not the person
Give clear, actionable tips
Link to relevant docs
Be patient with newbies

“Open source is way more about people than it’ll ever be about code.” – Shubheksha, Author

Remember: Feedback is a two-way street. Listen and respond thoughtfully to build a strong community.

Conclusion

Open source projects live and die by their communities. Good onboarding is the secret sauce that keeps these ecosystems thriving.

Want to boost your project’s productivity? Here’s what works:

Clear docs
A code of conduct
Contributor guidelines

The numbers don’t lie:

Projects with contribution guidelines? 17% more productive.
Ones with a README file? A whopping 55% boost.

But it’s not just paperwork. Tag about 25% of your issues as “Good First Issues” and watch new contributors jump by 13%.

Communication is key. Quick responses and a big “thank you” go a long way. As Paul Copplestone from Supabase puts it:

“Fun and learning fuel newcomers’ initial attraction to open source communities.”

Onboarding isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing process. Keep asking for feedback and tweaking your approach.

Remember: Open source isn’t just about code. It’s about building a community that welcomes everyone. Jan Lehnardt, an Open Source Advocate, nails it:

“Care about the people first and their contributions second.”

So, take these tips and run with them. Your project (and your contributors) will thank you.

FAQs

How to be a contributor in open source projects?

Contributing to open source is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to start:

1. Pick a project: Choose one that matches your skills and interests.

2. Read the docs: Check out the README and contribution guidelines.

3. Start small: Look for “good-first-issue” or “beginner-friendly” tags.

4. Contribute: You can:

Fix bugs or add features
Test and report issues
Improve documentation
Help with design or community management

Remember, it’s not just about code. As Jan Lehnardt puts it: