diff --git a/en/console-commands/commands.rst b/en/console-commands/commands.rst
index 9493a24b5c..a19ace8f23 100644
--- a/en/console-commands/commands.rst
+++ b/en/console-commands/commands.rst
@@ -139,9 +139,14 @@ Creating Output
 ===============
 
 Commands are provided a ``ConsoleIo`` instance when executed. This object allows
-you to interact with ``stdout``, ``stderr`` and create files.  See the
+you to interact with :php:meth:`~Cake\\Console\\ConsoleIo::out()` and
+:php:meth:`~Cake\\Console\\ConsoleIo::err()` to emit on ``stdout``, and
+``stderr``. Files can be created with overwrite confirmation with
+:php:meth:`~Cake\\Console\\ConsoleIo::createFile()``.  :ref:`command-helpers`
+provide 'macros' for output generation.  See the
 :doc:`/console-commands/input-output` section for more information.
 
+
 Using Models in Commands
 ========================
 
diff --git a/en/console-commands/input-output.rst b/en/console-commands/input-output.rst
index 3d03c3cd03..72a6b1d544 100644
--- a/en/console-commands/input-output.rst
+++ b/en/console-commands/input-output.rst
@@ -12,7 +12,10 @@ interactively read user input and output information to the user.
 Command Helpers
 ===============
 
-Command Helpers can be accessed and used from any command::
+Formatting console output can be tedious and lead to maintenance issues. To
+enable better re-use and testability of console formatting code, CakePHP command
+helpers provide 'macros' for console formatting logic. Command Helpers can be
+accessed and used from any command::
 
     // Output some data as a table.
     $io->helper('Table')->output($data);
@@ -20,7 +23,8 @@ Command Helpers can be accessed and used from any command::
     // Get a helper from a plugin.
     $io->helper('Plugin.HelperName')->output($data);
 
-You can also get instances of helpers and call any public methods on them::
+You can also get instances of helpers and call any public methods, to manipulate
+state and generate updated output::
 
     // Get and use the Progress Helper.
     $progress = $io->helper('Progress');