diff --git a/docs/userguide/index.rst b/docs/userguide/index.rst
index abee331a2f..18679c5486 100644
--- a/docs/userguide/index.rst
+++ b/docs/userguide/index.rst
@@ -10,6 +10,15 @@ packages.
 Packages built and distributed using ``setuptools`` look to the user like
 ordinary Python packages based on the ``distutils``.
 
+Transition to PEP517
+====================
+
+Since setuptools no longer serves as the default build tool, one must explicitly
+opt in (by providing a :file:`pyproject.toml` file) to use this library. The user
+facing part is provided by tools such as pip and
+backend interface is described :doc:`in this document <../build_meta>`. The
+quickstart provides an overview of the new workflow.
+
 .. toctree::
     :maxdepth: 1