Designed to assist evaluators in selecting the appropriate software for the generation of various data collection instruments, this guide discusses such key program characteristics as text entry, item storage and manipulation, item retrieval, and printing. Some characteristics of a good instrument generation program are discussed; these include easy text entry and editing for item creation and modification, convenient and safe data storage, simple item retrieval, and flexible printing options. In addition, four types of item modification are identified: insertion or deletion of material, reformatting, adding options, and changing the item's descriptors. Four instrument generation programs are briefly described, including the producer, cost, and hardware required. Suggestions are provided for selecting the right software, including comments on hardware requirements, operating systems, versatility, and price. It is noted that selection should be based on a consideration of the combination of features most desired for the types of tasks to be performed using the program. A list of seven suggestions for making a sound choice of software and a five-item bibliography complete the document. (JB)