Not only does the ADA Section 504-refresh highlight the need for audio descriptions in higher education videos, but it’s also an accessibility best practice that has the potential to benefit all students.
Learn the different types of audio descriptions, how they work, and how to create them so your institution stays compliant.
Are audio descriptions like captions?
Sort of. Here’s the difference: captions use text to describe what’s being heard on-screen. Audio descriptions (AD) talk through what’s being seen. Put another way, captions help people who are hard of hearing, while audio descriptions help people who have difficulty seeing.
Audio descriptions are also sometimes called ‘video descriptions’ or ‘descriptive narration tracks.’ They all refer to the same thing – an option that gives you all the information from a video without ever opening your eyes.
You’ve probably watched movies that have embedded audio descriptions, even though you didn’t use them yourself (or even know they were there!). Ever see the AD symbol on a DVD? That means the movie has an audio description track that can be turned on as needed. Many movie theaters offer audio description support, too.
An example – what they sound like Although visuals are a core strength of video’s ability to convey information, it can be difficult for people with sight loss to understand what’s going on based on standard audio alone. Audio descriptions bridge the gap by narrating what occurs on screen so everyone can understand the meaning.
Here’s an example that demonstrates how audio descriptions can describe important on-screen action that makes the video easier to understand for sight-challenged viewers.
In higher education, audio descriptions are important and providing them is legally required. This is good news because it makes crucial on-screen visuals in online and blended courses available to every student.
They can help other students, too. Some people learn better with both audio and visual inputs or are primarily auditory learners. Non-native speakers may like hearing audio descriptions to better understand the language. Students on the autism spectrum can benefit from hearing social/facial cues read aloud.
Some students turn on audio descriptions simply because they prefer to hear the video lesson. Whether they’re jogging, reviewing a video lesson at night with headphones while their roommate sleeps, or watching videos on a jostling bus, there are many reasons why having the option to treat the lecture like a podcast makes sense.
How to add audio descriptions
There are two main ways to add audio descriptions:
Embedded voice descriptions – In this method, audio descriptions are their own separate digital “track,” behind the scenes. They can be turned on as needed. This is the most advanced and versatile method because all students have the same version of the video, and only listen to audio descriptions if they need them.
The best of today’s accessible video platforms now offer features that make it easy to add audio description tracks to videos. In TechSmith Knowmia, formerly TechSmith Relay, you simply log in, go to your video, click on the ‘Accessibility’ tab, and then ‘Manage Audio Description.’
Then, upload your audio description track, which can be an Mp3 or M4A file type. Once your video has an audio description track, students can easily turn it on by clicking the AD Track button on the video player.
Separate video – Usually only used when embedded tracks are not available, this involves creating a duplicate video with audio descriptions permanently part of the audio, or “burned in.” There’s no option to turn on or off the audio description narration with this method. While this is great for students who always use the narration, having two copies of every video can be confusing and double bandwidth and storage costs.
Create audio descriptions yourself, or outsource
The easiest way to create audio descriptions is to outsource it to a company who does this as a service. Many of the same vendors who create captions can also create audio descriptions and usually charge about $15-$30 per minute.
Another option is to create audio descriptions in-house. It’s more affordable, and you retain complete control of the wording and phrasing.
Before you begin, learn from those who have done this before and can share best practices. There are a number of preferred ways to explain what’s happening on-screen. It’s helpful and will save you time when you understand common practices. One great resource is the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP), which has a handy description key and other resources with tips and techniques that will make your audio descriptions easier to create and understand.
When you record your audio descriptions, keep in mind that they don’t need to synch perfectly with the visuals. As long as they are approximately nearby the on-screen action, they will be effective.
Another tip is to time your narration so that it doesn’t interfere with on-screen dialogue or other audio in the original video. Record audio descriptions in the empty spaces in between the existing audio. You don’t need to verbally explain every single thing that happens on the screen, as long as you describe the gist of what’s happening.
Alternatives to audio descriptions
An annotated transcript is an alternative to audio descriptions. Instead of narrating what’s happening visually, you write it out and provide it separate from the video.
For example, if a complicated chart is shown in a health sciences video, an annotated transcript would include an extra section that describes what the chart looks like, in detail.
Create automatic transcripts with Audiate
Audiate automatically transcribes your audio into text.
One benefit of this method is that deaf and blind students can use assistive devices to ‘read’ these transcripts, whereas audio descriptions are only helpful to those who can hear. Extended transcripts may also help other types of students who want to review material through written words, or struggle to process visual information for other reasons. Cons include extra time creating the transcript and maintaining another resource.
A final alternative to audio descriptions is simply to verbally describe all visuals within your original video. This takes the concept of providing an AD track and makes it part of the video itself. This method works particularly well for educational videos and demonstrations where descriptions of on-screen action are a natural addition.
For example, if you’re making a video lesson with a chart, verbally explain the main points. If you’re hand-writing a calculus proof, talk through it as you go. Demonstrating a chemistry experiment? Describe what you’re doing along the way, so students have the audio and visuals.
There’s a lot to understand about audio descriptions. This topic will continue to grow as more video platforms offer this functionality, and more colleges and universities begin including audio descriptions alongside video captions as standard accessibility accommodations.
It can be difficult to onboard users to new and complex interfaces and workflows. Too much information can easily overwhelm the user and make it difficult to keep the focus on the essential feature or functionality.
Additionally, software updates tend to be frequent. These regular updates, coupled with localization processes, can make documentation work in the software industry quite demanding for technical content creators. How can we face these challenges without having to constantly update supporting content?
What if we designed our visual content in a way that is easy to follow, and is able to withstand future UI tweaks?
Let us introduce a design technique used by TechSmith’s User Assistance team and others – it’s called simplified user interface.
Simplified User Interface: What is it?
A simplified user interface (SUI) is a visual representation of a software interface that removes unimportant elements and reduces them to simpler shapes.
An example of SUI (pronounced “sue-ee” by the TechSmith User Assistance team).
The elements that are fundamental to the instructions or for the user to understand are purposefully kept visible and the SUI graphics serves as a visual aid to support the instructional content given, via the sub- or figure text.
SUI graphics allow for easy-to-follow instructions which enable the reader to get to the point quickly and avoid distractions.
Keep it simple, Stupid!
SUI graphics leverage the famous K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple, Stupid!) principle: systems perform better if they are kept simple and when unnecessary complexities are avoided. By reducing the graphics to a simpler state and by removing distractions, we can allow the user to focus on only the essential information, which creates a better experience.
Josh Cavalier,an eLearning expert, describes cognitive load as the “amount of information being processed by the brain”. When you reduce the amount of distractions for your audience, they are better able to focus their attention on what is important.
In this example, only a single menu item is shown so as direct user attention to something specific.
In a recent blog post from The Interaction Design Foundation, it’s explained that a user is focused solely on how useful something will be for them. This is true for both the product design itself but also for the how-to documentation and instructions. If it’s hard to understand how to use a product, the value that it has to offer, or how a product can solve a particular problem, then users will struggle.
SUI graphics build upon these principles: using a simplified user interface in help documentation can aid in user success by giving them only the information they must have in order to be successful, increasing their success and satisfaction with a product.
Keeping content up to date
Keep your content current, longer. A quick survey with attendees at STC Technical Communication Summit revealed that keeping content up to date is one of the biggest challenges faced by technical communicators today. And that makes sense, if we look to software as an example: release cycles are shortening and new features and functionality are being added frequently. And with each feature addition and related tweaks to the user interface, the instructions that the technical documentation team laboriously put together are at risk of becoming quickly out of date, even if only slightly. So what is a technical communicator to do?
Again, simplified user interface graphics can play a strategic role in one’s content strategy. The removal of a button or addition of a feature will easily confuse the user if this change is not reflected in a precise screenshot. However, a simplified user interface graphic can often sustain multiple software versions and updates before needing further updates. The simplified design is more forgiving to minor interface changes and additions as it is already an abstract representation of the interface. Technical content creators can use this technique to extend the shelf-life of their visual content or even for repurposing content in similar scenarios.
Faster content localization
Any content creator who has been through the localization process knows that it can be time-consuming and expensive to create screenshots and graphics for each locale. Yet, the localization of onboarding materials and other graphics can be trivial for any organization that wants to be successful internationally. As Day Translations points out, we should all “scrap the idea that English is the language of business”. It’s important to cater to different customer bases by providing them with content that speaks to them…in their native language.
Most technical communicators know the effort it takes to create and manage unique screenshots for each language. In order to simplify this task, one can design the content to use SUI images instead of language-specific screenshots. The same graphic can often be repurposed across multiple languages with little to no adjustment. Additional information or instructions can be conveyed through the sub- or figure text.
In this example, the same SUI graphic is used in the software preference dialog for all languages.
Again, this is another area that helps to reduce creation and maintenance efforts while still providing the user with clear instructions.
How to create a Simplified User Interface Graphic
Creating a simplified user interface (SUI) graphic is easier than you think. The best way to get started is to begin with a screenshot and then transform it. To do this, you need screen capture and image editing software. At TechSmith, our tool of choice for creating SUI images is Snagit because it provides both of these functions, though there are other capable image editors.
Annotate and edit screenshots with Snagit
Professional mark-up tools and powerful features make it easy to create helpful images.
Using Snagit, capture a screenshot of the user interface you want to turn into a SUI graphic and open it in the Snagit Editor. Crop the screenshot to the dimensions of your desired output.
Step 2: Simplify the screenshot
Simplifying an image is a process that involves covering up and removing visual noise like unrelated text, menus, buttons, or tool tips to reduce an image’s complexity and focus attention on the important parts. Snagit provides two ways to help make this an easy process with the Simplify tool available in Snagit.
The first option is to simplify a screenshot manually by selecting the Simplify tool, and using the graphic elements to hide unimportant details in your image and direct attention to the ones that matter. After choosing the Simplify tool, Snagit automatically detects the colors in your screenshot, creates a color palette, and provides a set of tools that match and are ideal for simplifying images.
The second way option is to automate the process. Snagit’s Auto Simplify feature recognizes shapes and text and then automatically covers them with the themed elements. Remove, add, and change the color of any of the elements Snagit adds to achieve the look you want.
Watch the tutorial below to see the Simplify tool in action!
Annotate and edit screenshots with Snagit
Professional mark-up tools and powerful features make it easy to create helpful images.
When you are done, save your file as a .png or .jpg file to be used in your documentation. We highly recommend also saving your final image as a .snag file. This is the Snagit project file type and it allows you to reopen the project to edit and adjust the image later on. This makes updating your image easy so you won’t need to recreate your SUI graphic every time.
Bonus Tip: Use a tag to easily access this file any time in the Snagit library.
Key takeaways
The benefits of using Simplified User Interface graphics in your technical documentation are twofold: First, these graphics visually enhance your instructions and improve the onboarding experience for your users. Second, the graphics make technical communicators’ jobs easier, as they reduce the need for screenshot updates and help with localization.
Integrating SUI graphics into part of one’s content strategy is therefore a smart business decision that all content creators should consider, regardless if your favorite aspect is the improved user experience, having evergreen content, or faster localization. Even just a few simplified user interface graphics can make a big difference!
Allison Boatman is a member of the Marketing Team at TechSmith.
Follow her on Twitter @allisonboats
She can often be found aimlessly wandering around local craft stores.
Personal motto: "Work hard, stay humble."
Favorites: Alaskan Malamutes, Iceland, and 90's pop culture.
Creating video content can be tricky. Beyond filming your video footage or capturing your screen recording, there are seemingly millions of details like audio and lights that need to be perfected before you hit record. Plus, prep work and post-production editing can add even more complications.
It may seem like a lot, so that’s why we’ve compiled a list of 50 tips that will help your video process be smoother, look more polished, and sound better!
Before you hit record
There are a lot of steps you can take before you hit the record button. Mise-en-scene, details, and planning workflows are imperative to a successful video shoot.
1. Plan your video
Any project requires some level of planning, and that includes filming a video. Take the time to develop a clear plan, and we promise you’ll save time, money, and prevent a myriad of issues. Even a short outline can be a life saver.
“Every minute that we spend in pre-production saves us four minutes in post-production and in our production. So planning your video well, having a process that you go through every time to do so, including defining that audience, the objectives for the video, and understanding the channel that your video is going to be distributed through.”
2. Find the right workflow
What works for you? Everyone’s experience is different, so write down whatever it is you need as a checklist. It’ll help you stay on track. However, don’t be afraid to break up your workflow if you’re in a rut. After all, experimenting with new ideas and workflows could help you uncover new processes that work for you.
3. Know your intent
What is the purpose of the video you are creating? Are you entertaining, informing, instructing, etc? Whether your goal is to increase brand awareness, educate viewers about services, or share who you are as an organization, plan your content accordingly.
“It’s about knowing what to spend your time on… It’s in the work that you do before you hit record. The biggest difference between success and non-success isn’t in the things that happen after you hit record. It’s in the work that you do before you hit record.”
4. Get to know your audience
That includes their wants, needs, and expectations of you. Are you sharing your video externally or internally? Contemplate all facets of your audience before you start to plan anything. Consider the platform you’ll deliver the video on as that can make a difference to how it is received.
“It’s about what does the viewer or the audience want. And you have to really think about their basic emotional desires because sometimes, or more often than not, they don’t know what they actually need.”
5. Platforms make a difference
Internal videos in your company LMS tend to be 1920 x 1080 and long-form, while social media videos on Instagram or TikTok are 1080 x 1920 and short-form. It’s important not only to factor in your audience, but the platform on which you’ll be delivering your video content.
6. Write a script
Winging it may seem like a good idea, especially when you’re in a hurry, but sometimes getting the wording down trial-and-error ends up taking more time than writing a script would have. The act of writing your video idea down encourages your mind to think about the specific structure of your video. Plus, you may even think of details you would’ve forgotten about otherwise. Finally, a script helps you stay on track and on topic when you record. Once you try a rough script, you might be surprised by how much clarity and consistency you get out of the process.
7. Leverage AI for scriptwriting
Speaking of scripts, it’s time to work smarter, not harder. Leverage AI for script writing or an outline to help you get started with your video production process. AI script generation tools like Camtasia Audiate make it easy. Simply write down your idea, and a script will be written for you! You may not use the whole script word-for-word (or maybe you will), but it is a great outline to use while developing your video.
8. Make a storyboard
Paired with a script, a storyboard helps you plan the visual aspects of your video, instead of guessing which types of shots you need at the moment of shooting. Just sketch out your vision ahead of time. Look for angles and which people or props should be in each shot. Think of it as visual scriptwriting that will save you countless hours of recording and editing time.
“It’s all about storyboards, and that’s if you’re an instructional designer, if you spend any time in that world, everything is about the storyboard very much like it is for video. You know, you’re setting out your scenes ahead of time, that type of thing.”
9. Gather your assets before you film
There is nothing more annoying and time-consuming than digging through folders for a logo image while you’re in the editing zone. Your editing process will be much easier if you collect assets now.
Or, create custom assets using Camtasia’s Asset library. Use an AI Generator to create the perfect image for your video.
Clean, crisp audio recordings
Audio is just as important as video. Clean, crisp audio is a must-have for a professional-sounding video.
10. Use your voice (or don’t)
If the idea of hearing your voice is just too awful or you want to get creative, there are AI alternatives for you. Audiate’s AI voice generation lets you input a script and a personalized voice will read it out loud for you. Choose the voices, pitches, tones, and even languages.
“The last two or three years, [AI Voices] are finally genuinely as human, if not more human than human narration. It’s exceptionally cheap, exceptionally powerful in the LND space, creating courses like me. You have your script, you choose the right voice, you hit go all of your audio files generated for you.”
11. Drink water
Yes, hydration is important and we care about your health, but drinking water also gets rid of those pesky mouth noises. You know the ones. So drink your water between takes!
12. Pause, then clap twice after mistakes
This one is silly, but it will save you hours of editing time! Instead of JKLing your way through a video in the hopes of picking up on every mistake, you’ll be able to find error spots in your videos by audio only. See those spikes? That’s where you clapped!
13. Get a good microphone
And by that, we don’t mean one of those expensive, fancy ones (unless that’s what you want). Good mics come in any price range and ensure that your audio gets picked up at high quality.
Shotgun mics work well when you can stay still since they pick up a very narrow-focused area and nothing from the sides. Headsets are also a great choice as are wireless lapels. There is no one-size-fits-all answer here, just choose which mic works best for you.
14. Eliminate that pop
Eliminate the popping noises with a pop filter or edit it out post-production. The choice is yours. Pop filters are cheap and easy to DIY if needed, but sometimes we simply can’t be bothered. Edit out the pop noises post-production using an audio editor. Camtasia Audiate’s pop removal feature would be a great choice for this issue.
15. Check the mic & test audio input levels
After the check, make sure to adjust them in your system properties. Ensure your audio doesn’t “peak out,” which clips off the top of your sound and waveform. This makes your audio sound distorted and warped and can be impossibleto fix after recording. If levels are too low, then the audio will be hard to hear. So fix it before you get far into recording, and you’ll thank yourself later.
“Having a good mic, doing a test, nothing’s more frustrating than reading through a full script or recording and then playing it back and finding out that there’s some sort of noise or interference or you didn’t turn on to record with the correct microphone all those things that can happen. So, yeah, it’s definitely important to get that test run and make sure your audio sounds good.”
16. Record a short clip and test playback
It should sound consistent across all devices. Does it sound distorted through headphones? What about your desktop speakers? Know your audience and how they will typically listen to your video and optimize for that experience. It’s crucial that your audio sounds at least understandable and enjoyable on all platforms though. Audio quality is the video characteristic people feel is most important, according to a TechSmith study.
A perfect recording
Okay, it’s finally time to record. Let’s ensure this goes smoothly.
17. Remove the shine from faces
We all get oily sometimes, especially in a hot studio. So blot your forehead, cheeks, and any place on your face that is reflecting light. Not only does it look better, but it makes it easier to adjust lighting to be just perfect.
18. Hide wires and microphones under your clothes
Mise-en-scene is important and loose wires and exposed mics take production value away from the final product. This applies to lighting wires too. The less cluttered your shot looks, the more polished your video will turn out.
19. Use good video lights
Good lights will bring out the best in your talent. And yes, that means no old-school fluorescents allowed (unless you really want to!) Three-point soft lighting is usually the most flattering. Lighting is one of those video details that can completely change the mood or feeling of the short, so set the tone with lighting that fits your story best.
20. Invest in and get to know the gear that works best for you
At first, it may make sense to rent gear and learn which cameras, brands, lenses, and other equipment are right for you. Once you know, you should become a pro at handling your gear to optimize its performance. After all, new gear isn’t cheap, and learning the ins and outs of your equipment will always pay off.
21. The best camera for the job is the one you have
However, investing in gear isn’t always feasible, so don’t let that hold you back. And, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sacrifice quality. Most modern mobile phones shoot video at 4K, which should be more than enough for your video. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, great. If you’ve got an iPhone or Android, perfect. Don’t wait until you have a top-of-the-line setup to get started, just get started.
“First, start with the phone you already have, because you already have it. Punch perfectionism in the face and press record.”
22. Use the rule of thirds
Imagine a three-section, vertical grid on your frame and position subjects in the outer third of your shot. Don’t just place them in the center. It looks more aesthetically pleasing to have your subjects in the outer thirds, or at least to have a variety of placements within your video. Mix it up a little!
23. Use B-roll
Yes, you will need it. It’s easy to overlook, but extra B-roll footage goes a long way toward telling your story. Get some shots that help set the scene, and use screen recording tools to show off demos when needed. Screen recordings are an easy way to show off step-by-step tutorials, quick demos, and examples of whatever your video may be about. Plus, it’s super easy to do yourself.
However, a b-roll does not mean shooting hours of extra footage. Instead of wasting time, use an asset library, like Camtasia’s to grab some extra scenes. When you need unique images, Camtasia’s AI Generator will generate them for you. Keep those images on hand to use in your videos later.
24. Get your camera closer than you think
Focus on your talent’s face for a more visually interesting interview, or move in on other elements in your shot. It may feel uncomfortably close at first, but in the end you’ll be glad to have a variety of shots to choose from that capture your subject matter.
25. Avoid the digital zoom
It looks pixelated, and the results won’t be as clear as the rest of your footage. Just get closer (see 24).
“One of the pet peeves that I have is if you’re recording your screen of some type of software, typically the user interface is very small. It’s like very difficult to read. And so when you record your screen that way and you create a video, it can make it very challenging for somebody to actually learn from it because they can’t see what each piece of it says. So something really simple that we try to do is just zoom in. If it’s like a browser-based tool, just zoom in on your browser to 150% or something like that before you even record any of your screens.”
26. Keep clips short
You won’t want to scroll through a 45-minute-long clip, we promise.
The one exception to this rule is interviews. You never know when your interviewee will say that amazing quip, so keep the cameras rolling.
“One tip for video creators. I would say make it short. A lot of people, because of YouTube algorithms and other purposes, they feel like they have a lot to say. I would say keep it short and sweet. Attention spans are really dwindling, especially in 2024. So I would say keep it short. Keep whatever you’re doing short.”
27. Mix things up
Shoot a variety of different angles and scenes, close and far shots, and b-roll so that you can tell your story. Videos need to be visually interesting and changing elements are a crucial part of it.
28. Picture-in-picture is a useful medium
Especially when it comes to instructional or otherwise informational videos, think of a lecture or presentation during which seeing the speaker adds value to the video.
This tool is especially useful for videos in which you want to convey emotion since seeing the speaker of the presentation adds a level of intimacy a blank screen lacks. So show your face when you want to build that connection in your screen recordings and hide it away when it isn’t needed.
When I do turn my webcam on in the intro, I feel like people connect with me a little bit better and I get better feedback from viewers. So I do think it is a nice element to add, especially like, hey, today we’re going to learn x, y, and z.”
29. Color correct before you start filming
This way, you’re not stuck in an endless color-correction editing loop. Unless you’re shooting a sci-fi movie, you’ll probably want your footage to look as natural as possible. For example, white balancing can help offset a yellow light while recording.
30. Use color intentionally
Play with different background colors, clothing, fonts, and props to help convey your brand and tell your story.
31. Record at the right size
Where is your video hosted? What size and aspect ratio will it be when it’s viewed? Check the dimensions of platform requirements ahead of time and optimize for that size. Try to stay away from padding on the edges of your video – you know those black bars that turn a horizontal video into vertical one. It looks clunky and unpolished.
Try to record at the recommended dimension or larger, so you record high-quality, professional content.
32. Start with “Hey Mom”
It may sound silly, but addressing your video to someone familiar can take away the robotic edge to your speaking cadence. Usually, you don’t want to sound like you’re giving a speech to a large audience, but rather a tip to a person close to you. You won’t include it in the final video, but it’ll help ensure a more conversational tone.
33. Smile!
Yes, even if you’re filming a voiceover. You can tell the difference between a monotone voice and a bright cheery voice even if you can’t see the speaker’s face. So smile every time you shoot a video.
“Just trying to just find a little bit of joy in what you’re saying actually makes it come across a little bit more engaging and helps to communicate that information even more clearly.”
34. Record in 4k
Not only will that allow for a high-quality recording, but it will give you space to scale your video down without losing quality. It is always better to record big and then scale down than record small and try to scale it up. Scaling up a smaller file can lead to blurry footage in your final product, and that is never ideal. And if you’re using screen recordings, Camtasia records at 4k and 60 frames per second to ensure that your content is always high-quality.
35. Create a clean desktop profile for polished screen recordings
Using your everyday laptop to screen record a process means you have to clean up your desktop from distracting background images, browser tabs, and unfiled icons. Rather than spending time rearranging your whole desktop, make a new desktop profile that’s only used for recording, without personal information. You’ll save time, especially for last-minute ad-hoc recordings.
36. Hide the junk
If you are disregarding the above tip (sigh), try to hide toolbars, unnecessary browser tabs, bookmarks, & other clutter for screen recordings. This goes for anything within your recording window.
37. Only show necessary programs
Even if an extra browser tab won’t be distracting to your audience, try to truly rid your desktop of everything besides what is relevant to your content. Slip-ups are easy to make and you never want sensitive information to be accidentally leaked in your screen recordings. Privacy is above everything.
38. Turn off notifications before recording
As we mentioned above, privacy is incredibly important. Notifications, at worst, are a privacy issue, and at best, are an annoying distraction. Nothing ruins a screen recording quicker than an alert interrupting your flow.
39. Plug in your laptop
It may die, and you don’t want it to die mid-presentation. Unless you’re desperately looking for a way out, then leave that charger in the other room.
The final steps & edits
You’re almost there! Small edits and final touches make a huge difference in your final product.
40. Caption your videos!
Captions are crucial for Search Engine Optimization (SEO), since search engines like Google rely on the searchable text associated with videos. Not only do captions help your video get found by potential viewers, but they also improve accessibility so people of all hearing abilities can access your video.
Don’t forget that people enjoy watching videos without sound. With the rise of social media short-form videos, it’s become increasingly common for people to enjoy video content on mute, so captions are crucial to give them the most your video has to offer.
41. Add annotations and text on the screen
These will provide important context or draw attention to details. But stay away when text is superfluous and distracting from your shots. Viewers can only process so many streams of information at once and trying to read text while listening to separate audio can be tricky.
42. Use simple transitions
Like cut, dissolve, and fade to black. Most other transitions usually end up looking a little tacky. If you do use stand-out transitions, make sure they serve a clear visual purpose so they don’t detract from your story.
43. Speed up or slow down clips
Match your clips to the pace of your story by slowing them down or speeding them up. This technique can be used to exaggerate time, bring clarity, or to show long processes quickly. Used wisely, clip speeds can dramatically change the dynamic of your video.
44. Make your cursor stand out
Screen recordings are easy to follow unless your viewers lose track of your cursor and lose the thread of your video. Video editors like Camtasia can be defaulted to start your cursor at 225% larger than normal and it can be scaled even higher.
If that doesn’t make your cursor stand out enough, then highlight your cursor with a glowing aura or a click effect. Camtasia will scale your cursor down and up every time you click to indicate the path your cursor took during your recording. With these tools, your cursor will never be lost again!
45. Backgrounds need to add value
If it is distracting (or ugly), consider removing it in favor of a better-suited image. However, if you’re removing your background, don’t just leave it blank. You don’t want your subject to be a floating body in front of a blank screen.
Dynamic backgrounds are easier to work with than looping 10-second backgrounds because dynamic backgrounds can be stretched endlessly to fit your timeline. Say goodbye to copy-and-pasting your backgrounds over and over again, and stretch them out instead.
46. Create a compelling thumbnail
Thumbnails are the first look your viewers will have of your content on most platforms. Think of YouTube videos. You scroll through an endless sea of options and click on the video maybe because of the title or maybe because of the thumbnail.
Your thumbnail must stand out against the rest to draw in extra viewership. In short, keep the image bright, attractive, and free of overbearing lines of text. Stick to a few words that explain the content of your video. Remember that your thumbnail is usually displayed next to the title so think of the thumbnail as the pretty accessory to your title.
“The idea of your thumbnail is to grab the attention of the people that you’re trying to reach and help them identify that that content might be something that they’re interested in. So you can do that with just one photograph with no words or arrows or circles or anything like that on the screen. You can do that with one photograph. Sometimes you can illustrate that graphically. Sometimes you can have a photo with some text supporting it or whatever.”
47. Remove mouth noises and deep breaths between lines
People tend to take a deep breath before they start recording. It’s natural, but it can be distracting to constantly hear deep breathing before a line.
As you edit, watch out for loud mouth noises and deep breathing that can detract from your video’s message. Cut them out!
48. Delete hesitations (ummm what?)
As hard as we try um’s and ah’s will always sneak their way into our audio. Luckily, it’s possible to delete hesitations with your video editor of choice. Just listen carefully through your audio and cut them out.
For an easier experience, Camtasia Audiate’s text-based editing feature comes in handy. Audiate automatically translates your audio to text and highlights hesitations so you can get rid of them with a simple click. It’ll automatically sync your text-based edits with your video so you don’t have to listen to your audio all the way through just to find those hesitations.
Pro tip: Using a script can help eliminate hesitations before they happen see tip 6).
49. Ask your peers for feedback
We know, feedback is daunting and scary but it is also a vital part of the video creation process. A pair of fresh eyes can do wonders for your videos especially when they come from someone who is critical and constructive about your video. Maybe you forgot to edit out one of those mouth noises we were JUST telling you about.
It’s important to get feedback on your work before, during, and after. Remember that feedback, when coming from the right person, is meant to empower you and your videos, not tear them down.
“When you publish a video, you have people in the comment sections that are letting you know maybe something that you missed or letting you know another idea that they would like you to make or letting you know a very specific problem that they have. And using that type of information and putting it aside ahead of time is very valuable.”
50. Have fun!
Videos are an expressive, creative medium that can be used for anything from entertainment, tutorials, onboarding, and more! Although all of these tips will help your video production be more professional and stand out, the personality you infuse in your shots is just as important. Show your audience who you are.
“If you are making learning content, making videos, the one thing to remember is that this is supposed to be fun. We are helping people improve their lives, improve their careers, and that’s just like, an inspiring thing. And so I get that there’s lots of ways that you can worry that it can go wrong, or there’s so many things to think about of how do we edit this? How do we make it better quality? At the end of the day, have a good time. Realize that we’re working to change people’s lives. We have this massive privilege in what we do. And I always just try to remember that and remember to inject a little bit more fun into it.”
And here we are, we hope these 50 video editing tips will help you successfully shoot your next video. Video editing software Camtasia is a perfect tool to execute better, engaging videos. Easily edit footage, screen record, and spruce up your videos with annotations and assets.
Create your perfect video with Camtasia
Record your screen, edit footage, and share your video with Camtasia today!
Matt Pierce is a Learning & Video Ambassador at TechSmith. In this role speaks and teaches about video creation and visual communication. A graduate of Indiana University he has ten years of experience working in learning and development with a focus on visual instruction. He has directly managed the training, user assistance, video, and other teams for TechSmith. Teach him something @piercemr
Video gaming has evolved way beyond personal enjoyment these days. Now, it’s a social and creative experience for more than just one person to enjoy. Video gamers have morphed into content creators, sharing thrilling gameplay highlights, crafting in-depth tutorials, and participating in the vibrant video game livestreaming ecosystem. Today, recording and sharing your gaming experiences has become almost essential for any modern gamer venturing into the content creator space.
As a prominent leader in the video game screen recording space, we’re here to help you succeed! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to record, edit, and share your gameplay like a pro. We’ll also discuss the top video editors on the market and the best methods for boosting your visibility and enhancing your gaming experience.
Camtasia Makes Video Game Recording Simple!
Download Camtasia to seamlessly record, edit, and upload your gameplay videos. Start with our free version to see if it’s right for you.
The foundation of any solid recording setup begins with the equipment you choose. From camera to microphone to console, here are our recommendations.
High-quality cameras
For vlog-style, face-cam integration videos, investing in a good-quality webcam or DSLR is crucial. It ensures human reactions and interactions don’t detract from your full-screen game. Camera models from brands like Logitech, Razer, and Elgato can offer superior video resolution and frame rates for your videos, ensuring the clarity of your expressions and reactions. Don’t have the ability to purchase a standalone camera just yet? Your iPhone or Android will work wonders in a pinch.
Microphones
Sound quality is often neglected in video game recording but is equally essential to the viewing experience. Whether narrating the game, interacting with an audience, or simply capturing in-game audio, a solid microphone can make a huge difference in how your content is received and heard.
Condenser microphones are great for capturing a wide range of frequencies and making your voice sound richer and more full-bodied. However, they can be sensitive to background noise. Dynamic microphones are more rugged and less sensitive to noise, which means they’re ideal for environments that aren’t fully soundproofed.
The industry’s most recommended products (like Blue Yeti and Audio-Technica microphones) are known for their exceptional quality in capturing voice and other audio effects. Check them out if you’re in the market for a new mic!
Capture cards
If you play on consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, you need an excellent capture card to record video game footage correctly. A capture card is a device that plugs into your console and computer, allowing you to record gameplay directly from the source without compromising video quality or computer performance.
When choosing a capture card, first consider the resolution and frame rate it supports. If you’re aiming for 4K UHD resolution at 60 frames per second (FPS), your chosen capture card needs to be able to handle this output. Next, consider its compatibility with your console’s central processing unit (CPU) and whether the video capture card offers additional features, such as pass-through capabilities (allowing the video stream to display on a monitor) or built-in streaming functions.
Industry-recommended brands like Elgato and AVerMedia provide robust options that capture gameplay in near-perfect quality and then seamlessly transfer that data to your recording device. Do your research to find the best fit for your situation.
Setting up video game recording software
Once your hardware is sorted, it’s time to focus on the software you’ll use to screen record, edit, and upload. Here are some popular game capture software tools of the trade, along with their pros and cons.
Camtasia
An industry leader, and for a good reason, Camtasia allows you to record gameplay and then adjust your recordings with a suite of powerful video editing tools. Its user interface (UI) is straightforward, and its extensive features make it a top choice for beginners and seasoned content creators searching for a one-stop-shop screen recording software solution.
Camtasia Makes Video Game Recording Simple!
Download Camtasia to seamlessly record, edit, and upload your gameplay videos. Start with our free version to see if it’s right for you.
If you’re familiar with the video game streaming and recording space, you have ultimately heard of OBS. This open-source software offers a range of features, including live streaming, video recording, and more. It is highly configurable and an excellent choice for a versatile, free game recording solution. On the flip side, OBS can be pretty challenging to master and extremely time-consuming to use. Unlike other recording software, OBS does not have built-in video editing tools.
EaseUS RecExperts
EaseUS RecExperts is a newcomer to the screen recording software space. Its user-friendly interface is great for gamers looking for high-quality recordings without the overwhelming features of some other apps in the market. While EaseUS RecExperts is excellent for general use, professionals might find it lacking in advanced features compared to other software. Users with older or less powerful PCs might also experience performance issues when recording high-quality 60FPS video games due to the software’s system resource demands.
Xbox Game Bar
For an integrated Windows 10 gameplay recording experience, the Xbox Game Bar has various widgets for capturing gameplay, monitoring system performance, and even social features. To activate the Xbox Game Bar, press the Windows key + G on your keyboard while in your game. While convenient, it doesn’t offer the depth of functionality of dedicated screen recording and editing software.
Optimizing settings
It’s important to configure your settings correctly—it can mean the difference between a professional-looking video and a grainy, pixelated mess.
Resolution and frame rate
Resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on the screen, which influences the clarity and detail of your video. Common resolutions include 1080p (Full HD), 1440p (Quad HD), and 2160p (4K). Higher settings can lead to better-looking videos but require more from your computer.
Frame rate, measured in FPS, indicates how smoothly your game plays and is captured in your screen recordings. A higher frame rate (such as 60 fps or more) provides a more fluid motion, vital for fast-paced games where precision and clarity are everything. But, the balance between frame rate and game performance must be carefully managed, especially on less powerful systems.
You also need to consider the final output medium. Streaming platforms like Twitch have specific recommendations for stream quality, while YouTube favors videos with higher resolutions.
Encoding options
Choosing the right encoding options can reduce your video files without sacrificing video quality. It’s all about finding the right balance between file size and video clarity. Encoding is the process of compressing video files, making them easier to store, stream, and share.
Modern encoding standards, such as H.264 (AVC) and H.265 (HEVC), offer advanced compression techniques that maintain high video quality at lower bitrates.
H.264 is widely supported and delivers excellent quality at small file sizes.
H.265 offers even more efficient compression, reducing file sizes further without losing video quality, but it demands more from your hardware during encoding.
YouTube can handle high-resolution videos well and even recommends higher bitrates for uploading while streaming platforms like Twitch might have limitations on bitrate and resolution to ensure smooth live streams for viewers across different internet speeds. Luckily, recording software tools can help automate this balance! Look for features like “dynamic bitrate” that adjust the bitrate based on the complexity of the scene being recorded to optimize file size and quality. Some software also offer presets for recording scenarios (e.g., “High Quality, Small File”).
Whether you’re recording cinematic gameplay, narrated walkthroughs, or raw live streams, the technique behind the recording plays a pivotal role. We’ve got some expert advice on recording techniques that will change the game—literally.
Gameplay capture
When you’re capturing gameplay footage with your recording software, think strategically. You need to plan your recordings, consider the narrative of your video, and ensure your content is meaningful and engaging. To help in the process, use Camtasia’s real-time recording, which allows you to pause and resume the video gameplay as needed, ensuring you record only the top-tier moments. Some video game recording software also allows you to take high-quality screenshots with the click of a hotkey, which can be necessary for thumbnails, gifs, and adding something extra to slow points in your video.
Voice overs
You might need to add a few moments of off-screen narration or character voices to your video game footage. Our advice? Practice your scripts, adjust the tone of your voice to match the gameplay elements, and use Audiatе, an excellent audio recording and editing tool from TechSmith, to fine-tune the audio and eliminate any background noise.
Facecam integration
Facecam is a live recording of your face, or multiple faces, that can be added to a corner of your online video. It adds a personal touch to your videos, hopefully enhancing your viewer’s connection with the content. Camtasia and many recording software platforms can easily integrate Facecam footage into your gameplay recordings, aligning your off-screen reactions with the on-screen action.
Editing and enhancements
Editing can turn a good video into a great one. Here are a few easy ways to enhance your recordings.
Adding overlays and effects
Brand your content! Include an overlay or watermark of your logo to add a professional touch to your gameplay videos, making your channel unique. But make sure to use these effects sparingly to avoid overwhelming your viewers with visual noise. Camtasia’s wide range of built-in assets, as well as stock photos and custom assets available for purchase, can help you create an impactful visual narrative to complement your recorded footage.
Transitions
Clean, well-timed transitions make your video flow seamlessly from one segment to another. With Camtasia, you can choose from various transitions to build anticipation, soften scene changes, or signify the passage of time within your video.
Sound design
No video is complete without audio. Incorporate music, sound effects, and a balanced audio mix to hit the right emotional notes with your audience. Audiate’s sound design capabilities can help you create an audio experience that enhances the story of your video, and Camtasia’s library of royalty-free music and sound effects makes it a comprehensive solution for gamers.
SEO for video game content
You’ve recorded and edited. Now, it’s time to get noticed. If you want your content to be seen online, people will need to find it. Increase the visibility of your content with the search engine optimization (SEO) tactics below.
Tagging your videos
All video platforms have a categorization function, mostly called “tags.” Think about which tags are relevant to your video and use them wisely. Consistently using the same tag in the videos you publish can significantly boost the visibility of your recordings as you continue to create and upload content in your specific lane. For video gaming, a few popular tags could be “let’s play,” “tutorial,” or “PC gaming.”
Metadata matters
Video metadata is the collection of information that describes a video’s content, quality, format, and other attributes. Think of it as the “who, what, when, where, and how” of a video. Metadata includes your video descriptions and titles, which you can optimize with relevant keywords and a compelling call to action to increase your rankings and click-through rates. For assistance, use Camtasia’s search-engine-friendly metadata presets.
Sharing and distribution
The world needs to see your content! Here are some tips on where and how to promote your new video creation.
Uploading to platforms
Many platforms, such as YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Gaming, now cater to the gaming community. When you upload videos, use hashtags, join relevant communities for your niche, and engage with your audience to foster a loyal following. Even better, Camtasia has direct sharing functions that simplify uploading to platforms like YouTube straight from the software.
Social media
Don’t just upload your video and expect it to go viral. Use social media to engage with your audience, create a community, and promote your content strategically. Share video clips on TikTok and Instagram, create YouTube Shorts to promote your content to a new audience and hype your next video on Twitter (X).
Live streaming
Live streaming your gameplay can be an exciting way to interact with your audience in real-time. Tools like OBS Studio and Twitch’s built-in broadcasting feature make it easy to go live and share your gaming adventures as they happen. But don’t forget to record! With a little bit of editing magic, you can turn excellent livestream content into a completely new video.
FAQs
Video game recording involves many intricacies that can make your head spin. Here are a few frequently asked questions and answers from our team of experts.
How do I record gameplay on my PC with audio?
Using software like Camtasia, set the desired recording area to capture your game window. Ensure the audio input is configured to record from the correct device (e.g., headset or desktop speakers) and the microphone if needed. Test the audio levels and start recording your gameplay. Camtasia’s intuitive interface and real-time adjustments make the recording process straightforward.
Can I record high-quality gameplay on my PC?
Absolutely! With high-quality hardware such as a solid-state drive (SSD), a strong graphics card (GPU)—we recommend the AMD Radeon, Intel, and NVIDIA GeForce graphic cards—and sufficient RAM, you can record PC games in exceptional quality. Combine this hardware with software like Camtasia, and you’ll be able to capture your gaming moments in impressive detail.
Can I record high-quality gameplay on my Mac?
Yes, you can record high-quality gameplay on your Mac using various software options. Recording tools like QuickTime Player, pre-installed on macOS, allow for straightforward screen recording, including audio. For more advanced options, applications such as OBS Studio and ScreenFlow offer settings that can be tweaked for higher-quality recordings, including adjusting the FPS and resolution. To achieve the best results, ensure your Mac is updated to the latest OS version, and consider upgrading your hardware, like the RAM and SSD, for optimal performance during game recording sessions.
What apps do gamers use to record?
Numerous apps are available for gamers to record their gameplay. Popular choices include Camtasia, OBS Studio, Bandicam, and ShadowPlay, all offering unique features tailored to gamers’ recording and live-streaming needs. These platforms allow you to capture videos in MP4 and AVI formats.
Hopefully, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to feel comfortable and confident enough to start recording, editing, and sharing gameplay. Optimize your recording toolkit for the most successful gaming endeavors, and remember that fantastic game recording software (like Camtasia!) can give you a serious edge. Try it out to discover how effective and fun it is to level up your content creation and gaming experience!
Camtasia Makes Video Game Recording Simple!
Download Camtasia to seamlessly record, edit, and upload your gameplay videos. Start with our free version to see if it’s right for you.
Ryan Knott is a Marketing Content Strategist at TechSmith, where he creates content about easy, effective, and efficient video creation, editing, and tips and tricks, as well as audio editing for creators of all kinds. He/him.
There comes a time when you will need to take a screenshot on Mac for one reason or another.
You can use screenshots to demonstrate a process at work and share feedback with your team members. And who doesn’t like to send funny memes and gossip about the latest celebrity feuds?
Screenshots have become an essential part of our daily lives.
Computers have built-in screenshotting functions that make it super easy to take a basic capture of your screen. However, third-party applications take more advanced captures that you can edit and share quickly.
There’s something out there for everyone’s screenshot needs. Now, let’s dive into how to screenshot on Mac.
What is a screenshot?
A screenshot, also called a screen capture or screengrab, is a still image that displays the exact contents of a computer display. They can be edited and are usually shared with others or stored away for future reference.
With a screenshot, you can capture exactly what you see on your screen. That makes it super convenient to share an error message with IT, showcase a mockup of your latest project, or even send funny memes to your coworkers.
They are helpful in many situations, which makes them an essential part of people’s workdays. Above all, screenshots are an easy way to show something that would be incredibly difficult to put into words.
Different methods to screenshot on Mac:
Basic screen capture tools are usually built into mobile and desktop operating systems. However, there are downloadable software that are designed for advanced screen capture.
Upgrade your screen captures
Don’t let clumsy built-in tools hold you back. Take and edit screenshots with Snagit!
With a third-party tool like Snagit, you’ll quickly forget your basic, bland screenshots and create visual masterpieces instead. In three easy steps, you can create a capture, edit it to fit your needs, and share it with anyone.
Whether you’re planning on using your built-in tool or downloading a third-party app, we’re here to help you take a perfect screenshot on Mac.
Screenshot on Mac with keyboard shortcuts
Shift Command 3 is the most straightforward option. This keyboard shortcut captures a screenshot of your entire screen and automatically saves it. This is a go-to choice for anyone wondering how to take a screenshot on a Mac without much effort.
Shift Command 4 turns your cursor into a crosshair. From there, you can either:
Press and release the spacebar. This will turn your mouse from a crosshair to a camera icon. Release the mouse button or trackpad on the window you’d like to capture. This option also lets you capture specific windows.
Click and drag the crosshairs to the desired dimensions. Once you release your mouse button or trackpad, your Mac will instantly capture the selected area.
Once captured, your screenshot will be saved to your desktop, and multiple screenshots will be stored in a folder.
How to take a screenshot on mac with the Screenshot app
Macs have a built-in screenshot app that allows you to take more precise and curated captures than the keyboard shortcuts above.
Shift Command 5 will pop up a small screen-capture window. This is the screenshot app. After that, three screenshot buttons will let you carry out these options:
Pick whichever fits your needs best and get to screenshotting! Again, your captures will be saved to your desktop for easy retrieval. It’s important to note that they will not be copied to your clipboard at that time.
Expert tip: By pressing the Control (Ctrl) button at the same time as your keyboard shortcuts (for example: Shift Command 3 Control), your screenshot will be copied to your clipboard. However, it will not be saved to your desktop.
Using third-party applications
Do you use screenshots more than just a few times per year? If so, you would benefit from trying out an advanced screen capture and screen recording tool.
Although built-in screenshotting functions can be useful, they are restricting.
That is why third-party applications have become a much-needed tool for many professionals. An application like Snagit provides countless editing and sharing options. That makes it an essential tool for anyone who relies on screenshots to share information because the functionality can save you so much time.
Annotate and edit screenshots with Snagit
Professional mark-up tools and powerful features make it easy to create helpful images.
Snagit provides users with advanced features that are easy to use, like scrolling capture. For example, it allows users to take a screenshot of a full, scrolling web page without the hassle of stitching together multiple screenshots.
You can also create videos from images to explain processes quickly and easily. Record your screen, camera, and microphone audio to create quick, informative videos.
These, and countless other features, make Snagit an indispensable tool for visual communication
Snagit brings more flexibility and creativity to your screenshots compared to built-in snipping tools.
How to edit and save screenshots on Mac
Add context and clarity to your screenshot by editing it. Incorporating text, marking up your screen, and cropping out what you don’t need all make your screenshots easier to understand.
Once you take a screenshot on your Mac, a preview will pop up in the bottom right corner of your screen. Click on the icon to open Apple Preview with your screenshot inside. This is where you will be able to edit your capture.
The expandable toolbar allows you to edit the screenshot. In the editor, you can add shapes, change color composition, incorporate text, draw on the screen, and more. When you’re done, save your screenshot by clicking “Save as” and filing it in the appropriate folder.
Or, you can edit your screenshots in Apple’s presentation tool Keynote. This app has different features, like adding shadows and effects.
However, for the best results, you may need to edit screenshots with a third-party app.
Choose a third-party tool for more editing functionality
If you regularly need to edit screenshots, a tool like Snagit will save you time and get you more professional results.
For instance, it’s full of helpful features like the Simplify tool that lets you block out unwanted text to keep information secure and your screenshots less cluttered.
You can even move elements of your screenshots around with the Smart Move tool. It makes rearranging information, showing potential edits, and altering workflows easy.
Organizing and managing screenshots on Mac
The first step in keeping your captures organized is to name them appropriately. Your Mac screenshots are saved with the name “ScreenShot” with the date and time attached by default. To make retrieval quicker, use file names you can easily remember!
All desktops have a file library. File your screenshots in a designated folder and rename it. Additionally, you can tag your screenshots by color. This will remind you what files belong together and where to find them.
Your Mac device includes all of these management tools. But third-party apps are your best bet if you don’t want to do all that work.
Keep your screenshots magically organized with Snagit
Snagit’s library organizes screenshots like your Mac but also uses an advanced filing system. Your captures will automatically be managed by application, website, and month.
This neat feature lets you find your screenshots in multiple places. Without any work on your part, your screenshots are organized and ready for you to refer to easily.
And there you have it! Using Mac keyboard shortcuts and the Screenshot app, it’s easy to create basic screenshots and screen recordings.
We advise you to look into third-party applications for more advanced screen capture. They can take your screenshots to the next level.
Upgrade your screen captures
Don’t let clumsy built-in tools hold you back. Take and edit screenshots with Snagit!
Snagit is a great tool and a leading screen capture and screen recording software. For example, it allows you to look good, feel good, and communicate with clear intent. Its revolutionary capture powers, advanced editing features, and easy sharing options make it our go-to screenshotting software.
There you have it! Now you know how to take a screenshot on Mac using different built-in shortcuts and the best third-party app for your needs.
So, get on to screenshotting and have fun looking better and working smarter!
Explore our blog and subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter to learn more about screenshot tips and tricks.
FAQ
What is the default keyboard shortcut for taking a screenshot on a Mac?
The default keyboard shortcut on Mac is Shift Command 3, which captures the entire screen.
How can I screenshot a specific area or region on my Mac?
To screenshot a specific area or region, use the keyboard shortcut Shift Command 4 and create a selection area with your crosshair cursor.
What is the difference between capturing the entire screen, a selected area, and a specific window?
Capturing the entire screen screenshots everything you see on your display, while capturing a selected area lets you choose a portion of the screen.
Capturing a specific window captures just the content of the currently active window. Snagit allows you to specify your capture window down to the pixel, so you get the exact screenshot you need every time.
Can I change the default location where my Mac saves screenshots?
Yes, you can change the default save location for your screenshots. Snagit’s library offers different options for an organized filing system, such as application type, website, and tags.
Are there any third-party apps for taking screenshots that you recommend?
Snagit is a screen capture and screen recording software that is full of advanced but easy-to-use features for anyone looking to improve their screen capture tools.
How can I annotate or edit a screenshot on my Mac?
You can use the built-in Preview app to annotate and edit your screenshots. Snagit also includes original stamps, a blurring tool, a step tool, and much more for a finer editing process.
What should I do if I’m encountering issues with taking screenshots on my Mac?
If you’re facing issues, you can troubleshoot by checking your keyboard shortcuts, available storage space, and any third-party software that may interfere with screenshot functions.
Can I capture a screenshot of a dropdown menu or context menu on my Mac?
Yes, you can capture a screenshot of a dropdown or context menu by using keyboard shortcuts or the Screenshot app. Ensure the menu is open before taking the screenshot.
How can I share my screenshots with others or post them online?
You can share your screenshots by copying and pasting them into documents, emails, or image editing software.
In addition, you can use Screencast by TechSmith to share your screenshots with a link to anyone.
Do you need to copy text, but it’s in an image? Whether it’s a scanned document, a PDF, or a photo, manually transcribing the text in an image is tedious work. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to copy text from any image so you can edit it as needed.
Why extract text from an image?
Here are a few scenarios where extracting the text from images can save you a lot of time and effort:
Data entry: Skip the hassle of typing and quickly convert printed notes into digital text.
Error correction: Easily correct typos.
Content repurposing: Reuse text from images or PDFs for other documents or presentations.
Upgrade your screen captures
Don’t let clumsy built-in tools hold you back. Take and edit screenshots with Snagit!
If you don’t know already, Snagit is a tool that captures and records your screen to make your work easier. From capturing screenshots to creating tutorials and step-by-step instructions, Snagit helps you communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. And yes, it can also extract text from images! To get started, you’ll need to install Snagit on your device and set it up according to your preferences.
Using Snagit to extract text from images is as straightforward as it gets. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Capture your image
Use Snagit to capture the part of your screen that contains the text you need. This could be anything from a portion of a webpage to a scanned document. It’s ok if all of the information doesn’t fit within your screen; Snagit can take scrolling screenshots, too!
Pro Tip: If you already have an image file, simply open it in the Snagit Editor instead of taking a screenshot. Snagit supports multiple file formats, including .jpg, .png, and .webp.
Step 2: Grab the text
Snagit’s OCR (Optical Character Recognition) feature processes the image and extracts the text, making it available for you to edit and use as needed. This feature works by analyzing the shapes and patterns of the characters in the image and converting them into editable text.
Just right-click on the image and select “Grab Text” from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Edit and share
Once the text is extracted, you can edit it directly in Snagit or copy the extracted text to paste it into another document or application.
Tips for optimal text extraction
Use high-quality images: If the image is too blurry, it may result in less accurate text extraction.
Ensure consistent lighting: If you’re capturing printed text using your camera, make sure the lighting is even to avoid shadows and reflections that can interfere with text recognition.
Proofread the extracted text: Always double-check for errors, especially if the original text includes special characters or formatting.
How to edit text within an image
Sometimes, you find a typo or want to mock up changes on a website or presentation. With Snagit, you can also edit the text within an image. Here’s how!
Step 1: Capture or upload your image
Just like when you’re grabbing text, you can take a screenshot of the image you need or upload it directly to the Snagit editor.
Step 2: Select the text you want to edit
Once your image is in the Snagit editor, use the selection tool to select the area you want to edit. Then right-click and select “edit text.”
Step 3: Edit your text
Snagit will work its magic and turn the words within your screen capture into text you can edit. Adjust the font and sizing as needed, make your edits, and share your image anywhere.
And there you have it! You now know how to easily grab text from any image using Snagit. Why not give it a try and see how it can simplify your work?
Snagit is more than an image-to-text extractor. It’s about enhancing your productivity and communication. With features like annotations, video recording, and various sharing options, Snagit will make your life easier. Its text extraction feature is just one of the many ways it can help you work more efficiently.
Annotate and edit screenshots with Snagit
Professional mark-up tools and powerful features make it easy to create helpful images.
First, use Snagit to take a screenshot of your image or upload it into the Snagit Editor. Snagit can use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to detect and extract text from an image on your Windows computers.
How can I extract text from a scanned PDF?
First, open the PDF file and take a screenshot of it using Snagit. Then, in the Snagit Editor, right-click on the image, and select Grab Text. The text from your scanned PDF can then be copied and pasted into other programs and applications.
How can I copy text from an image?
To start, open Snagit’s image capture window. Then, in the selection dropdown, choose Grab Text. Once you’ve taken your screenshot, a box will pop up with all the text from your screenshot, ready to be copied and pasted elsewhere.
Danielle Ezell is a Marketing Content Strategist at TechSmith, where she writes about effective workplace communication, offering tips and strategies for using images and videos to collaborate more effectively in hybrid and remote environments.
Taking a screenshot is a handy skill for everyone, whether for work or personal use, but how do you use the Print Screen key on your machine?
In this guide, we’ll cover how to screenshot on Windows, the Mac equivalent, and alternatives to take your screenshots further!
Understanding Print Screen functionality
This key is a quick way to capture what’s currently displayed on your screen.
This Windows function is controlled by the built-in “Print Screen” keyboard shortcut. Depending on your keyboard layout, it might be labeled as “PrtScn”, “PrntScrn”, “Print Scr”, or something similar.
Once you press this key your computer takes a capture of the entire screen, including any active window. This screenshot is then stored in your clipboard, ready to be pasted and used as needed.
How to print screen on Windows
There are a few ways to screenshot on your Windows machine.
Using the keyboard
Depending on your computer, your key may look different. Look for an abbreviation of Print Screen, like the PrtSc button, somewhere near your space bar.
Then, press the key and you’ll capture your full screen. Your screenshot will be automatically copied to your clipboard, which you can then paste anywhere you need.
Window’s built-in Snipping tool
To open Snipping Tool, look it up in your search bar. This will bypass the need to press the print screen button. Then, press the Windows logo key + Shift + S to screen snip.
From there, you can take a snapshot of your screen or screen record. Under the camera option, choose between a Rectangle, Window, Full screen, or Freeform option.
To take a screenshot of your entire screen on Mac, press COMMAND SHIFT 3.
To take a screenshot of part of your screen, press COMMAND SHIFT 4, then drag your cursor from the corner of your screen to capture a specific area.
Lastly, the key combination COMMAND SHIFT 5 opens the Screenshot menu, which will allow you to capture a screenshot or screen record.
Automatically, it will save your screenshot on your desktop. To make retrieval less confusing, we recommend you set up a screenshots folder that you can store them all in.
Take better screenshots with Snagit
Although the built-in screenshot options on Windows and Mac provide the basics, you can easily elevate your screenshots with Snagit. Snagit is a powerful screenshot and screen recording tool that lets you edit and share captures easily.
Upgrade your screen captures
Don’t let clumsy built-in tools hold you back. Take and edit screenshots with Snagit!
With Snagit, you can capture more than just a region or your full screen.
For example, capture beyond what’s on your screen with scrolling capture. Screenshot entire web pages and comment threads in one. Simply press capture and start scrolling until you’ve captured everything you need.
With Snagit on Windows, you can also capture multiple areas of your screen in one snapshot. Want to avoid a specific part of your screen? Just draw around it and Snagit will automatically turn the unwanted area into a transparent background. It’s super convenient to keep unwanted distractions hidden!
Quick and easy professional edits
Now that you’ve captured a better screen capture, it’s time to edit it. Snagit makes it easy to edit screenshots while keeping up a polished, professional look.
No more worrying about downloading images to your computer, with Snagit you can upload your capture to Screencast with just one click. Click on the Share Link button, watch as your link is copied directly to your clipboard, and paste anywhere.
You can share your screenshot with anyone, even if they don’t use Snagit!
Upgrade your screen captures
Don’t let clumsy built-in tools hold you back. Take and edit screenshots with Snagit!
Even the best YouTube video is unfinished without a quality outro.
A YouTube video outro increases watch time on your channel and can even help you get more more subscribers, extend your reach, or drive more traffic to your website.
If you’ve never made an outro for your videos, it can be hard to know where to start. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to create effective YouTube video outros that will keep viewers engaged with your content and coming back for more!
A YouTube outro — sometimes called the end screen or end card — is the last part of your video after the main content is done.
It’s the perfect spot for a call to action. Whether you want to point viewers to similar videos from your channel, prompt them to like the video or subscribe to your channel, post a link to your website, or all of the above, an outro gives you one last chance to engage your audience and drive action that can help grow your channel.
You make videos, so obviously you want people to see them. That’s the first step. But make your secondary goal to leverage a YouTube outro to tell your viewers what to do next.
Creating a YouTube outro or end card designed to leverage YouTube’s end screen capabilities lets viewers easily click through to a strategic, relevant next destination of your choice.
There are four types of content you can use in your end screens on YouTube, called elements. They are:
Video or playlist: Link to a different individual video or a YouTube playlist of multiple videos.
Subscribe: Link to your own channel where a viewer can click to subscribe.
Channel: Link to a different YouTube channel.
Link to approved website: Link to a website outside of YouTube.
Note: for that last one, your site must be part of the YouTube partner program and can’t contain any content that might be considered offensive or dangerous, such as pornography or malware.
Examples of YouTube outros
There are a number of ways to leverage and combine the available elements for YouTube end screens. Below are some examples.
In this example, YouTube marketing expert Sunny Lenarduzzi uses two different video elements in her outro to point viewers to related content, and also a subscribe element. Like the first example, she also shares her handle for Instagram and Twitter in her outro, though that box is not clickable. Watch this outro on her YouTube channel.
Easily Create Your Own YouTube Video Outros
Camtasia makes it fast and easy to create custom YouTube outros — no pro skills required! Download a free trial and get started today!
We covered the different types of elements available on YouTube, but what are the rules and requirements for YouTube end screens?
First, your video must be at least 25 seconds long to add elements to an end screen.
As for the length of your outro, you can have your end screen elements visible for five to 20 seconds. Remember, the longer they’re visible, the more time your audience has to react and actually take the action you want them to. This is especially true if you’re using more than one kind of element.
As you think through creating your own custom outro, be mindful of the sizes of the different elements as well. Below you can view the sizing, measured in pixels. This is assuming you use a 1920 x 1080 canvas.
Refer to these sizes as you build your outro to your video so that everything comes together smoothly when you overlay these elements within YouTube.
Best practices for YouTube outros
Don’t be afraid to be creative with your YouTube outro! It should reflect your brand, style, and tone of voice. But, as with anything, there are still a few best practices you should follow to ensure your end screen is as effective as possible..
1. Have a goal in mind
You should create an end screen that is relevant not only to the video, but also supports a specific goal — whether that’s a goal for the particular video, a series of videos, or your channel as a whole.
Goals may include increasing watch time for your channel, getting more subscribers, or driving traffic to an external site. Whatever your goal, make sure there’s a “why” behind your approach.
2. Keep it clean and simple
Don’t throw so many elements at your viewers that they can’t focus! Keep your end screen clean and simple to prevent unnecessary distractions and to make it easy for your viewers to focus on what’s important.
3. Use consistency to help build your brand
This is true not only for your YouTube outros, but for all of your YouTube content. Use consistent colors, logos, editing styles, etc. to help your audience recognize your brand and build trust.
4. Consider your channel holistically
Even if you’re just getting started on YouTube, you can begin thinking about what kind of channel you want to build. What do you want to be known for? What story are you trying to tell?
Think about your channel holistically rather than focusing solely on individual videos to strengthen your message and your brand.
You’ll also have more relevant, related content to point your viewer to after they’ve watched your video.
How to create a YouTube outro
Now you know what outros are, the essential elements, and the rules, and best practices — let’s get you creating your own!
You don’t need a fancy animating software or professional video skills to create outro templates. TechSmith Camtasia makes it incredibly easy to create all kinds of videos and video elements, and it’s the perfect solution for creating YouTube outros.
Follow these steps to create a 20-second video that you can save as a template for your YouTube outros. The steps will also work to create any length outro — simply adjust as necessary.
Step 1: Create a new video project and select your background
First, open Camtasia and select New Project. The default size of your new project will be 1920 x 1080. If you wish to add this outro to a video that’s a different size, so be sure to resize your new project as appropriate.
Then, you can select a color for your background. If you’d prefer a motion backdrop to a static, solid colored backdrop, go to Library>Motion Backgrounds. There are additional options available through a subscription to TechSmith Assets for Camtasia as well.
Step 2: Add placeholder shapes and annotations to your template
Now that the backdrop is in place, simply add a few element placeholders. This will allow you to perfect the placement now, which will save time on YouTube and keep your outros consistent. I mocked mine up in Snagit, then dragged them onto the canvas.
Note that when a viewer hovers over the subscribe element, there is a rectangle that will pop out. Keep that in mind if it will bother you when something near your subscribe button gets covered up, even momentarily.
See an example below.
Step 3: Save it as a template
Once you’ve created your outro template, produce your YouTube outro as its own MP4 video and be sure to save it. Now, you can reuse it time and again by simply importing it into Camtasia and dragging it to the end of your current video project.
Step 4: Upload your video to YouTube and add the end screen elements
Now that you have your outro built out and added to the end of one of your videos, upload it to YouTube and add your end screen elements in just a few simple steps.
Step 5: Publish your YouTube video and analyze the results
Publish your video! Be sure to schedule regular check-ins to monitor your video and channel analytics. Then, make any necessary tweaks to your strategy based on your data, and continue to watch the views roll in.
A YouTube outro — sometimes called the end screen or end card — is the last part of your video after the main content is done. It’s the perfect spot for a call to action. Whether you want to point viewers to similar videos from your channel, prompt them to like the video or subscribe to your channel, post a link to your website, or all of the above, an outro gives you one last chance to engage your audience and drive action that can help grow your channel.
Why should I use a YouTube outro on my video?
A YouTube outro (or end screen) allows you to better engage viewers by adding a call to action. You can point them to other videos you’ve made, prompt them to subscribe to your channel, drive traffic to your website, and more.
Is it hard to make a YouTube end screen?
Nope! You can start creating YouTube outros or end cards right now with Camtasia.
What are the requirements for a YouTube outro?
Your video must be at least 25 seconds long to add a YouTube outro. You can have your outro elements visible for up to 20 seconds.
What types of things can I add to my YouTube outro?
There are four element types you can add. They are: 1. Video or playlist: Link to a different individual video or a YouTube playlist of multiple videos. 2. Subscribe: Link to your own channel where a viewer can click to subscribe. 3. Channel: Link to a different YouTube channel. 4. Link to approved website: Link to a website outside of YouTube.
What are the best practices for YouTube end screens?
1. Have a goal. 2. Keep it clean and simple. 3. Use consistency to help your brand. 4. Consider your channel hollistically.
Ryan Knott is a Marketing Content Strategist at TechSmith, where he creates content about easy, effective, and efficient video creation, editing, and tips and tricks, as well as audio editing for creators of all kinds. He/him.
When working with visuals, you often need to make text, a shape, or another graphic perfectly match a specific color.
If, for example, you’re creating imagery for a marketing campaign, an important presentation, or user documentation, you’ll probably need to follow brand guidelines that include a particular set of brand colors.
Of course, you can memorize the color values for all of your brand’s colors and enter them every time you need to pick a color, but that can be a bit difficult. Instead, you’re better off using a color picker.
How to match colors with a color picker
A color picker is a feature of virtually all software or online image and text editing tools. It allows you to choose the colors of visual elements like text or shapes in a document or graphic.
In this image, you can see the HEX color picker with the exact value in the field.
Color pickers in most image and video editing software include a feature that will identify a color in an image based on its RGB or hexadecimal (HEX) values.
When you are using a HEX or RGB color picker, you can click a space that contains a color in question and the color picker will display it. After identifying the color, you can apply it to shapes, text, or other elements on the canvas.
This allows you to perfectly match brand guidelines or maintain a consistent theme without the hassle of memorizing.
The color matching feature in most color pickers is indicated by an eyedropper icon. We’ll use Snagit’s color picker for this example. Snagit is the perfect tool for taking screenshots and recording your screen. The wide array of features allows users to edit their captures to fit their needs perfectly.
Annotate and edit screenshots with Snagit
Professional mark-up tools and powerful features make it easy to create helpful images.
Step 1: Open the image with the color you need to match
For this example, I want the callouts to match the graph colors for easy comprehension.
Step 2: Select the shape, text, callout, or another element to be colored
Now, I’ll select the callouts one at a time to choose the specific colors.
Step 3: Select the eyedropper tool and click the desired color
To match the selected items to a particular color in the image, I’ll open the color picker and click the eyedropper icon.
The cursor changes to an eyedropper. As I drag it across the image, the eyedropper displays the color it is currently hovering above, along with the associated hexadecimal (HEX) color value.
Once the desired color is displayed, I click, and the selected objects change to that color.
With those three quick steps you can identify and match any color in any image at any time. Your graphics will now look cleaner and more put together than ever before.
It’s happened to all of us: you recorded the perfect video after hours of work, but your audio sounds like TV static.
A bummer.
Beyond seeming unprofessional, poor audio quality makes it difficult for your viewers to understand the video. Your voice and the information end up lost in the staticky audio. Quality narration and audio keep people watching your videos.
Well, there’s no need to worry. In this guide, we’ll dive into the tools you need to soundproof your room and tips that’ll take your audio even further. It’s never been easier to get crisp audio from anywhere.
Why should you soundproof a room?
Soundproofing a room is essential for clean and crisp audio recordings. But why?
Sound moves in waves. When those waves hit something (like a wall), they bounce back. If you’re in a room with more than one wall (what room doesn’t), the sound wave will bounce back and forth. Over and over again.
As you might imagine, sound bouncing back and forth across a room doesn’t make for the highest quality audio. In fact, it starts to muddy up your audio very fast.
To fix this problem, we have two options: absorb the reflected waves or diffuse them.
Absorbing sound waves reduces the strength of the reflection. Absorbing all the errant sound waves may seem like a good idea, but if you absorb too much, your recording will feel unnatural or lifeless. The key is to find a balance that works well for you.
Diffusion is another word for scattering; sending reflected waves in different directions. Although this may seem like disorganized bouncing, it actually creates a smoothing effect. To get the best overall audio, you should use absorption and diffusion together.
Now, technically this process is called acoustics. But most people consider it soundproofing, so we’ll lump it all together to make it easier.
By definition, soundproofing blocks external sound from entering the room. When loud noises occur outside of the room, they can turn into those soundwaves that bounce all around.
So now that we have the basics covered, let’s go over soundproofing methods that’ll clean up your recordings every time.
What should you soundproof?
Soundproof floors, soundproof windows, and soundproof walls. The more you soundproof, the higher the chance those sound vibrations turn into high-quality audio.
Soundproofing materials include anything from professional materials to objects you probably already have in your house! So don’t worry, there are budget-friendly ways to soundproof a room.
Let’s look at some options you can try, whether you’re at home or in a recording studio.
Perfect your audio with Audiate!
Audiate makes it easy to remove noise from your audio.
Professional soundproofing materials are designed to dampen noise. For example, acoustic window inserts, wool insulation, and mats all work to close off the room from outside noise.
Ideally, you want to soundproof big surfaces. We recommend using a window insert in every window in the room. Better yet, choose a room with no windows!
Next, you want to dampen the noise on the walls. Use sound-absorbing acoustical foam panels to do this easily. There are many options online in a wide range of fashion and prices.
Lastly, soundproof your flooring with specialized mats. Again, there are many different options for this. Don’t forget to wedge some material under the door! Options like door draft stoppers and door sweeps are great solutions.
Now that every surface is covered with the correct material, it’s time to add in some finishing touches. Acoustic caulk, for example, will seal off extra noise coming from outside the room. After these few steps, you should notice a drastic difference in your audio quality.
DIY soundproofing
There is no need for fancy home improvement measures! We’ve got you covered if you don’t have the time, money, or patience to soundproof a room from all-new materials.
Instead of wall paneling and flooring, try to hang thick blankets over your walls, and cover the floor with large area rugs (or a bunch of little rugs put together). Bookshelves and wall dividers work well at breaking up large spaces and creating a room divider with existing walls.
Instead of a door wedge, you can stick a towel or other soft material between the cracks to block sounds.
Plus, soft furniture like couches and blackout curtains work well to absorb some sound. This is the perfect time to get creative! Noise reduction does not have to be expensive. If all else fails, record in a closet or throw a blanket over your head. It may seem odd, but it can be just as effective as going in an actual booth.
Now it’s very important to keep in mind that too much soundproofing is just as bad as too little. You don’t want your audio to sound like you recorded it in a muffled cave. Remember to keep a balance and test out your recordings as you go until you find the perfect sound for your needs.
More tips and tricks
For a truly masterful voice-over, you’ll want to control for everything we’ve covered above: blocking outside noise, absorbing stray sound waves, and diffusing the rest. You’ll also want to use a professional microphone to pick up the best audio possible.
Block noise from outside
To block noise from entering a room, you need thick walls made out of a dense material. Think plaster instead of drywall. Since full-on construction isn’t exactly inexpensive, let’s focus on picking the best room you already have access to.
Choose a perfect location
Choose somewhere remote, preferably without windows. The best spaces can seem unconventional: don’t count out closets, storage rooms, or even your car. Most cars built these days have built-in soundproofing to minimize road noise. Use this to your advantage! No one will know if you record your voiceovers from the passenger seat.
Recording in a busy office can be a challenge, but if you can’t find somewhere quiet, you can always send a polite email reminder to your coworkers when you need to record something or let them know in person. This also works for other people living in your home.
Fine-tune the details
Next, assess how much extra noise you’re still hearing. The easiest way to do this is to plug headphones into your mic and listen closely for anything it’s picking up. Is a dog barking? Do you hear construction noise? Maybe the fan in your desktop is whirring? Any little noise can affect your recordings.
You’ll want to dampen any extra noise you hear: the goal is complete silence. You could buy acoustic foam and plaster it up in the room you’re using, but that’s not always necessary. Remember, any soft material can deaden noise.
Like we mentioned above, hanging heavy curtains or carpeting on the walls of your room is another option.
Small spaces tend not to need as much diffusion as larger spaces, but if your audio plays back sounding dull, throw some corners into your room. Again, acoustic panels work well, but anything with some angles on it will do.
Fix any remaining audio with Camtasia Audiate
So you’ve soundproofed your home as much as possible, but your audio is still not perfect? No need to panic! Camtasia Audiate is the perfect tool to add those final touches.
Remove noise from your audio today!
Audiate is the perfect tool to remove any noise remaining in your audio.
With countless editing options, Camtasia Audiate makes it easy to silence room noises and other imperfections. Improve your audio files with professional, yet easy-to-use editing tools.
For example, the DeNoise option lets you control the background noise of your video clips so you can drown out any annoying hums in your recordings.
Plus, you can easily remove um’s and ah’s with the text-based editing feature. Just delete the instances from the text, and watch as your video magically syncs up with the updated text. It’s easy to use and takes any video back up a notch.
Now, you should have all of the tools to successfully soundproof your recording room and edit your audio recordings!
Visual arts don’t follow any rules. They are groundbreaking and wild…right? While creativity is certainly valued, there are certain photographic composition techniques videographers follow to ensure an image is pleasing to the eye, and one of them is the rule of thirds.
In this post, we’ll show you how to use the rule of thirds when editing a video to create a better viewing experience (and when to break it.)
What is the rule of thirds
When looking at your video screen, imagine it’s overlayed with a grid with nine squares, complete with horizontal lines and vertical lines. When applying the rule, place the most important visual elements of the image along the lines or at the points where the lines intersect. The goal is to draw the viewer’s eye to a focal point that is more interesting than dead center.
History of the rule of thirds
This rule of thirds grid isn’t anything new. In fact, it’s steeped in history.
The technique with negative space and intersection points was used by 18th century painters, and John Thomas Smith is credited for the term in his 1979 book ‘Remarks on Rural Scenery.’ In it, he writes how artists should divide their canvas into thirds vertically and horizontally to create balance and interest in compositional elements.
The rule became even more popular due to its effectiveness in drawing the viewer’s eye naturally through the image. Painters, then photographers, and later filmmakers saw how the rule creates visual breathing room and emphasizes the important elements.
How to use the rule of thirds in video creation
First, decide what you are trying to emphasize with your video clip. Are you looking to point out a key detail where you want to draw the viewer’s eye?
The element that’s the most interesting should get more space. For example, if the person is more interesting, then place the surroundings on the bottom third of the grid. If the foreground is more interesting, position the horizon in the top third.
· Picture the grid – Most cameras and video editors offer this option.
· Place key elements – Position the most important subject on the lines and intersections of the grid.
· Balance and use leading lines – Draw the eyes of the audience to different parts of the screen.
· Maintain proportions – Position the horizon line of your shots either in the top third or the bottom third of the frame. When filming people, keep their eyeline in the top third of the frame, leaving open space in the direction they’re looking.
· Experiment – Edit in multiple ways to see how to make your film the most interesting.
All of this is made easy with Camtasia, the all-in-one screen recorder and video editing tool. You can capture everything happening on your screen with just a few clicks, then transform your footage into polished videos.
Make stand-out videos with Camtasia
Record your screen, edit, and share your best videos with Camtasia
With Camtasia, you don’t even have to imagine the grid lines. They’re ready and visible.
While editing, choose View > Show Canvas Ruler.
Now you’ll see rulers above and to the left of the canvas. To create guides for the rule of thirds, you’ll want to divide the width and height of your video by three to determine where to place your rulers.
Let’s say your video is 1920px by 1080px. In Camtasia, you’ll see a 0 on each ruler in the middle of the Canvas. So, to figure out where to place your canvas rulers, take the width and height of your video and divide it by two, then divide that amount by three.
For the horizontal lines: 1080 ÷ 2 = 540, then 540 ÷ 3 = 180
For the vertical lines: 1920 ÷ 2 = 960, then 960 ÷ 3 = 320
Click on the top ruler, and you can drag the line onto the screen.
Drag the first horizontal line to 180. Repeat the action and drag the second line to -180 You now have two horizontal lines across the screen, separating your video into three columns.
On the left-hand side of the screen, you can do this again to create vertical lines. Click on the ruler and drag one line to -320 and one to 320. Now you have two vertical lines, dividing your video into three rows.
There – you’ve made it! A box of nine squares, perfect for this frame filling technique.
For Camtasia, this is particularly helpful as you can also snap media on the canvas to rulers, to make it easy to comply to the measurements. For interviewing subject matter experts and creating training videos, the rule of three is an easy and effective way to draw the viewer’s attention where it’s needed.
Examples of the rule of thirds
This type of composition has been used successfully in many popular films.
The opening scene of the classic movie ‘The Godfather’ uses the rule of thirds in its composition. Don Corleone, as the central figure, is seated in the middle third of the frame. Meanwhile, his family surrounds him on either side. The viewer is drawn to his character and the entire scene is visually balanced.
How can you use it within Camtasia? Easy. In Video Editing Basics – Composition, learn how to get better video composition, from the rule of thirds to headroom, talkspace to foreground/background, and more. (Rule of thirds discussion at 14:11!)
Block quote: “Your eyes should basically be in those places where the lines meet. It just doesn’t look right, having me dead center. It’s not just the face, it’s the eyes. The eyes are where we’re looking.” – Andy Owen, Video Producer, TechSmith -Andy Owen from Visual Lounge
When to break the rule of thirds
Just like all rules, they can be broken. Sometimes, video editors may want to direct the audience’s attention in a different way, increase the dramatic effect, or change up the imagery with a different shot. Then, it’s time for breaking the rule.
For instance, director Wes Anderson breaks the rule of thirds so much, it’s considered his trademark. His technique of photographic composition using symmetry within the frame has even inspired playful TikToks copying his style.
Of course, it’s fine to center if you want to center. YouTube videos are often center-framing, because it is the current style. If you’re not doing news, or using a lot of the space for fly-ins or graphics, center-framing is a common way to format.
For a video use that might feel even more familiar, this TechSmith tutorial uses the rule of thirds to demonstrate the AI-assisted workflow in Camtasia. In this snippet, you can see how the editor uses an image of the screen and his own image to draw attention to different parts of the video.
Impact of the rule of thirds
By placing elements – the subject, horizon line, or leading lines – at the grid lines or intersection points, you elevate their importance. A character gazing from an intersection point draws the viewer into their emotional state, while a landscape with the horizon on the lower third emphasizes feelings of serenity.
Psychological studies support the idea that off-center placements can invoke stronger emotional responses. In the study Peripheral vision and preferential emotion processing, researchers explore how our peripheral vision plays a role in detecting emotionally charged stimuli. This is a potential reason why off-center placements – which might first enter our peripheral vision – could create more intensity when our focus shifts.
Likewise, in this 2022 study, psychologists explored the connection between the Golden Ratio (the mathematical principle related to the rule of thirds) and perceived pleasantness in landscape images, as placement influences positive emotions.
Applying the rule of thirds to screen recordings
The rule of thirds doesn’t just apply to feature films and psychological studies. When people use Camtasia to create screen-recorded content, it is an effective way to engage viewers and show them where to focus.
You can strategically place the focus on the specific tool or menu you’re demonstrating. During recording, you can place a menu along vertical grid lines, keeping it visually distinct from the other images, so viewers can follow instructions without visual clutter.
When adjusting sliders or using selective tools, position the cursor or adjustment bar along the horizontal grid lines to emphasize the specific changes you’re making.
Time to experiment
The rule of thirds is just a guideline for a scientifically-proven way to help engage people in your videos. With Camtasia’s built-in composition guides and resources, you can easily learn and master this technique – and then start bending the rules for yourself.
Make your best videos today with Camtasia
Camtasia’s built-in guides and resources make it easy to create stand-out videos.
At some point, we’ve all had to share knowledge to a coworker or new hire. So, if you’re a process owner, creating and maintaining process documentation is helpful for a variety of reasons.
Not only can documenting a process save time, but it also helps ensure that tasks get done correctly by outlining a consistent set of directions. It can also help prevent bottlenecks in day-to-day operations by spreading knowledge throughout a team instead of funneling all tasks through one person.
With the rise of remote work, documenting processes has never been more important. According to a study, 75% of companies have not adopted best practices for how they work across distances.
It’s time to nudge that process along with helpful documentation that can be used across an organization.
In this post, we’ll cover the basics of process documentation, provide some best practices, and share a step-by-step guide that will help you document a process in just a few clicks!
What is process documentation?
Process documentation is the ongoing, internal, real-time act of ensuring all steps within any given process are written and made available for others to reference.
Process documents are the outcome of process documentation and serve to keep tasks flowing as smoothly as possible by providing clear and accurate instructions on how a process should be completed.
Business process documentation maximizes effectiveness and efficiency in their day-to-day operations.
Process documents can come in many forms, including process maps, checklists, policies, tutorials, screenshots, and forms. Process documentation frequently included links as well, sometimes to another program necessary for the process to be completed and sometimes to an excellent reference video or other such resources.
Create process documentation easily
With all the benefits of process documentation you’ve just learned, you may be wondering, “but how exactly do I document a process?” If that’s you, keep reading – we have broken it down into easy steps so you can create effective process documentation with no trouble.
For an easy process, use Snagit’s process documentation templates. Instead of spending time creating a new document, templates will make the process smoother.
Step 1: Create a brief description of the process
The best process document starting point includes a brief thorough description of the broader sense of the process.
When done well, this can help the end user understand the scope and impact of the work they are about to do, and where it falls against other tasks they hold responsibility for from the perspective of priority.
Your description should include details like the goals and timeline for process completion, as well as a method of determining priority level.
These components will let the user know how the process completion will impact and dovetail with their other work. Share the relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the process, and what other stakeholders might be involved with the process completion.
Step 2: Define specific process boundaries
Once you have the description complete, the next step is to lay down the boundaries. This will let your process documentation provide clear instructions to your team members.
It’s not uncommon for multiple departments to hold a piece of the process, so the documentation clearly explaining who makes what decisions and who performs which tasks can save an incredible amount of time on back-and-forth clarifying conversations.
Step 3: Determine inputs and outputs
Next, you will need to determine and document what resources will be required to complete the process (inputs) and what the objectives are that you want to see achieved on process completion (outputs).
When determining outputs, make sure to revisit the goals you documented in your process document’s description to make sure your outputs will see those goals achieved.
You will use these inputs and outputs to help break everything down into smaller steps in the next stage of creating your process documentation.
Step 4: Decide process steps
This step in creating your process documentation is one where you may find it beneficial to bring in some other individuals for a brainstorming session to make sure that you think of all the details.
Whether working with a group or solo, you’ll want to start by defining the start and end points of the process. With those identified, you can start filling in the steps required to get from point A to point B.
Try to be as thorough as you can here, to avoid any confusion or the need for employees to guess how to bridge the gap between one step and the next. Be mindful of multiplying steps, for example, if one of the steps is a meeting, you will need to add steps to reflect booking the meeting, drafting an agenda, and sending the minutes or a follow-up email to the attendees.
It can also be quite impactful to incorporate screenshots or screen recordings (if your process documentation will be exclusively digital) at various points as you document the steps in a process. These additions can add an exceptional amount of clarity to your documentation and help the team feel confident that they are on the right track.
For extra clarity, Snagit has easy-to-understand markup tools like the Step Tool and Arrow Tool that can transform your process documentation!
Step 5: Communicate with your team
When you are creating a new piece of process documentation, once you have the description, boundaries, and steps laid out it is a good idea to bring in some perspectives outside your own.
Gather individuals from the teams or departments that will be involved in completing the process you are documenting to make sure what you have created is clear to them.
Multiple perspectives can be quite beneficial in uncovering inconsistencies and ensuring your process documentation is clear and easy to follow.
Step 6: Prepare a process flowchart
Our research shows that adding visuals to your communication is a great way to ensure its effectiveness and retention.
Some of your staff and colleagues may also just be visual learners, so adding a highly visual process flow document or flowchart to your process documentation is a step worth taking.
To do this, simply pull your inputs, tasks, and outputs from the process document and organize them into a flowchart. It is a good idea to pass this visual representation of the workflow by your team or direct reports to make sure it is as clear to them as it is to you.
Stop repeat questions
Create clear videos and guides with Snagit so you only have to explain tasks once.
Like anything else, a process won’t look the same every time it gets completed. Some steps may only be necessary for certain situations, and irrelevant in others.
For example, your project documentation might indicate meetings at 3 points throughout the process, but with less complex versions of the desired outcome you may only actually need 2 meetings.
These exceptions should be clearly noted in your process documents so that there is no question or misperception about when exemptions apply and when the process must be completed exactly as documented.
Step 8: Test your process
Now that you have spent the time and energy to create thorough and accurate process documents, you need to take them for a spin.
Things tend to work much differently in practice than they do in theory, so you will need to allow space for your team to test out the documentation and provide feedback. This is an iterative process, after all, and your outcomes can only be as good as the processes in place to reach them. Your process documents should be tested and refined as many times as needed to achieve optimal results.
Tips for effective process documentation
Make it visual
Visual communication is the future. According to a study, 70% of workers use video messaging sometimes or often. That’s right, process documentation can be a video too!
One easy way to create visual documentation is to make a quick screen recording of the process, which you can then share with your team members.
Including screenshots in your documentation is one of the fastest, most effective ways to show colleagues how to do something.
Snagit allows you to easily capture screenshots and add text callouts, numbered steps, and other customizable annotations to draw attention to a particular area to convey information. Plus, Snagit is a screen recorder too!
Annotate and edit screenshots with Snagit
Professional mark-up tools and powerful features make it easy to create helpful images.
Be mindful of your audience’s cognitive load – eliminate unnecessary distractions from your content so that your audience can focus on what is important. Your guiding principle should be to boil down the communication to the essentials.
This image shows an example of a screenshot of the PowerPoint interface that has been updated to a simplified user interface graphic, showing where to click to insert a picture.
Aim for evergreen
As you plan and work through documenting a process, try to avoid examples and text that will quickly become outdated.
For example, try not to use version numbers in software, dates, or references that could quickly become irrelevant. Being mindful of your approach can help you keep your content up-to-date longer.
Simplified User Interface graphics are great for this application as well. They allow you to avoid frequent updates to your content, such as cases when buttons move around in software applications.
Routine maintenance of process improvements
While we want our content to be evergreen, even the best content will eventually require updates.
When this happens, try to edit your existing screenshots instead of a total re-do. Snagit’s library keeps a handy record of past screenshots, which means you can open and edit them as necessary.
Don’t have your original files? Just take a screenshot of your screenshot! Snagit has some great options for editing screenshots, such as Smart Move and Replace Text, that will save valuable time.
Schedule regular check-ins, even if they are only once a year. This will ensure that your content stays up-to-date and has all the necessary steps, even as systems and other variables change. Be sure to get feedback from relevant people in your organization. Others may have valuable insights to share.
Why is process documentation so important for businesses?
Eliminate errors
Process documentation is an excellent way to reduce errors in the ongoing tasks completed within a business.
Without process documentation, it can be quite easy to miss a step within a process.
Sometimes this won’t have a significant impact but at other times it could completely change the outcome. Having process documents available helps ensure that a process will happen exactly the same way every time, regardless of who is completing the process and how great their memory is.
Having process documents available and in use also helps to negate the all too common errors caused by miscommunication or altogether lack of communication.
Not all managers will communicate the purpose of or steps in a process the same way, and process documentation is an effective workaround for this.
Regardless of who is assigning a task and how well they explain it, having access to a process document means that the person carrying out the task has a reference for how exactly to make it happen.
Improve efficiency
Unnecessary meetings, duplicated work, and revisions are all inefficiencies that can be reduced by documenting processes.
With the details documented, there is no need for a meeting (or meetings!) to review what needs to happen during a process.
Duplicate work is reduced because, if everyone is following a well-crafted suite of documentation, redundancies should have been eliminated and revisions become less frequent as a result of clearly laid out steps and a well-articulated outcome.
Upgrade your screen captures
Don’t let clumsy built-in tools hold you back. Take and edit screenshots with Snagit!
Almost any time we see improvements to efficiency we can find cost reduction as well.
Less time spent in meetings and fewer iterations of a task reduces the human cost of the process while laying out exactly what resources should be in use for each step allows a business to see whether there are systems, platforms, or programs that have become redundant and can be eliminated, thereby reducing the costs associated with them.
Decrease resources associated with tasks
As mentioned above, process documentation allows for evaluation and potential reduction of the resources a business makes available.
When the process documents clearly assign specific resources to particular points in the process the common traps of trial and error and “I wasn’t sure what to use” are removed from the equation and only what is meant to be used is used.
Improve work quality
With nothing left up to assumption, guessing, or personal preference, process documentation can take the quality level up a notch or two for your deliverables.
By following a well-documented process, your team will achieve a level of consistency that speaks to quality and know-how.
The nature of product documentation is that of an evolving creation, so whenever efficiencies or improvements are found they can easily be integrated and operationalized.
Increase customer satisfaction
Whether the process documents in question outline the development of a particular deliverable or the established manner in which customer service is provided, using them well will help boost customer satisfaction.
People like quality and they like to know what to expect. Product documents help your team deliver the consistent quality service that your customers desire and deserve.
Increase employee satisfaction
No one likes to fumble their way through a process. This is especially true of employees who value their work and strive for great results – not to mention the fact that they will typically receive feedback on their efficiency and effectiveness and likely prefer that feedback be positive.
By providing high-quality process documentation, you can remove any uncertainty about how a task should be executed.
This helps give employees confidence and lets them know you are setting them up for success. That is an excellent combination for increasing employee satisfaction.
You’ve probably heard the term “watermark” or “watermarking” before. In their simplest form, image authors add watermarks to photos to identify their creative work.
They appear in a variety of styles and mediums, but this post talks specifically about digital watermarks on images, and a few tips on how you can add your own with different editing tools!
What is a watermark?
Watermarks are commonly used by photographers to mark copyright, or on samples of work to encourage someone to purchase an image rather than using it without permission. Think of the company logos you see running through an image online.
Watermarks serve several key functions:
They assert copyright ownership.
They deter unauthorized use or reproduction.
They help track and monitor the use of the content.
They can serve as a branding tool.
To remove watermarks, one must purchase the work from the original author.
Types of watermarks: visible vs. invisible
Two main types of watermarks exist. Visible watermarks are the ones you see, like the one pictured above. They’re often company logos or text placed over an image or document.
Invisible watermarks, on the other hand, are hidden. They’re embedded into the data of the image or document.
Both types have their uses. Visible watermarks deter theft by making it clear the work is protected. Invisible watermarks can protect ownership if the work is stolen. For this guide, we’ll stick to visible watermarks for different file formats.
How to watermark an image
Creating a watermarked image is quite simple, and mainly, it’s just adding a mark or a second image on top of your main image. Online resources are available to do this for you, or if you have an image editing program you can easily create one.
Annotate and edit screenshots with Snagit
Professional mark-up tools and powerful features make it easy to create helpful images.
To add a watermark to an image using Snagit, upload the logo you want on top. To remove the logo’s background, Snagit can do that for you too!
Once your logo is uploaded to Snagit, it’ll be saved in your library. Then, repeat the process with the image you want watermarked and drag and drop the logo over it. Adjust the opacity to make the watermark semi-transparent over the image. It’s that simple!
Another method is to use the Text Tool and write over the images. Write your watermark as text and turn down the opacity a little so your image can still shine through.
If you have a group of images you want to add a watermark to, you can use the batch convert feature in Snagit to add one to each.
How to add a watermark to a PDF
Open your PDF document in your chosen tool, like Adobe Acrobat. Unfortunately, this is a paid option and needs an upgraded subscription to Adobe Acrobat Pro or Premiere.
Look for a “Watermark” option in the menu under “Tools”, then “Edit PDF”, then “Watermark.”
You’ll have options to customize your watermark. You can choose text or an image, adjust the size and transparency, and more.
Once you’re happy with your watermark, apply it to your PDF files.
How to add a watermark in Word
Adding a watermark in Word is simple and can be done in just a few easy steps.
First, open the document you want to watermark. Then, go to the “Design” tab.
Click on “Watermark” in the “Page Background” group. A dropdown menu will appear.
From here, you can choose to create a watermark or create your own. To do so, click on “Custom Watermark.”
Remember, a good watermark is effective, but not distracting. It should protect your work without detracting from it. Keep the watermarks semi-transparent.
Most basic screen capture tools allow you to capture all or part of your screen, but what if you need to capture more than what’s visible on your screen at any time? If you’ve ever needed to screenshot an entire web page, you probably know how annoying it is to take multiple screenshots and stitch them together.
But it doesn’t have to be that way!
The scrolling capture tool on TechSmith’s Snagit allows you to take screenshots of content that doesn’t fit within the dimensions of your screen. They’re great for capturing:
Long website pages and documents
Spreadsheets with lots of rows or columns
Lengthy email, chat, and social media threads
In this post, we’ll show how to take a scrolling screenshot in the best and easiest way, using Snagit.
Upgrade your screen captures
Don’t let clumsy built-in tools hold you back. Take and edit screenshots with Snagit!
Put simply, a scrolling capture (formerly panoramic capture) is a screenshot that allows you to scroll to capture content that may not be visible on your screen. You can scroll vertically to capture things like web pages or documents or horizontally for spreadsheets and large graphics.
How to take a scrolling capture (Windows or Mac)
There are many ways to take screenshots on Windows or Mac, but the built-in screen capture tools on both operating systems lack a scrolling screenshot feature. This means they can only capture the visible areas of your screen.
Unless you want to spend lots of time piecing multiple screen grabs together, you’ll need advanced screen capture software to take a scrolling screenshot.
We’ll use Snagit to show you how to take a scrolling screenshot on Mac and Windows. Unlike browser extensions, which limit your captures to web pages, Snagit can capture anything on your screen.
If you don’t already have Snagit, then don’t worry you can try it for free without needing a credit card.
Capture a scrolling area with a scrolling capture
With Snagit, there are two screenshot options to take a scrolling capture: manually and automatically.
While the automatic scrolling makes it super quick and easy to take a long screenshot, doing it manually gives you greater control of the area you want to capture. For example, if you’ve got an Excel spreadsheet with lots of rows and columns, you might want to scroll both vertically and horizontally, which is easier to do manually.
How to take an automatic scrolling capture
Here’s how to take a full-page screenshot automatically using Snagit’s Automatic Scrolling capture tool:
Select the all-in-one tab within Snagit’s capture window and click Capture.
When the orange crosshairs appear, click the window you want to capture, and Snagit will snap to that window.
Next, click on one of the orange side buttons to select the direction you want your screenshot to scroll.
(Don’t worry if you can’t see all the arrows. If the web page or program you’re using can only scroll in one direction, then only one arrow will appear.)
Once you’ve clicked an arrow, Snagit will take the scrolling capture and open it up in the Snagit Editor when it’s ready.
How to manually take a scrolling capture
If you’re looking for more control over the area that your scrolling capture actually captures, then you’ll need to take your Scrolling Capture manually. Here’s how:
Select the all-in-one tab within Snagit’s capture window and click capture.
When the orange crosshairs appear, you can either click on the window you wish to capture or drag a custom area across your screen.
Next, click on the icon with the camera and arrows. This will start the scrolling capture process.
Next, scroll through the content you want to capture, then click Done. We’d suggest you scroll slowly to get the best results.
Once you’ve captured your screenshot, it will automatically open in the Snagit Editor, where you can preview, edit, add markup or callouts, and quickly share it. It’s that easy!
Three ways to make your full-page screenshots even better
Screenshots on their own are useful, but when you add a little context, they can be downright magical in helping explain ideas and convey information. There are different ways to use the Snagit Editor and bring the magic out in your screenshots and Scrolling Captures.
1. Crop your screenshot
Did you capture too much? No worries, just crop your screenshot so you only include the information you want.
2. Annotate your screenshot
Don’t let important information go unnoticed. Use arrows and callouts to highlight specific areas of your screenshot or add more context. Choose from different color themes, or create your own to keep your images on-brand.
3. Rearrange objects within your screenshot
Snagit automatically makes the objects in your screen capture movable, which means you can rearrange buttons, delete text, and edit other elements in your screenshots.
So, if your cursor blocking something, delete it! If you’d prefer that button was on the right and not the left, move it! With Snagit, it is that easy. You can even magically mock up websites with screenshots.
4. Edit the text in your screenshot
Snagit recognizes the text in your screenshots for quick editing, which means you can change the text’s color, font, and size — as well as the actual words —without redesigning the entire image.
With Snagit, you can even extract text from an image, which is something that no built-in screenshot tool on the planet can do!
Once you’re done with your edits, save the screenshot to your computer and share it with you team using Screencast! Screencast is the best way to share your Snagit captures.
The best way to capture scrolling screenshots
Scrolling captures is a lifesaver when you need to screenshot an entire webpage, extensive spreadsheet, or long chat thread. And as you can’t take scrolling screenshots with native apps like Snip & Sketch, investing in a more powerful screenshotting tool is well worth it.
As well as being the best tool for taking full-page screenshots, Snagit lets you quickly capture your screen, add additional context, and share images, GIFS, and videos to your favorite apps in just a few clicks.
Record your screen effortlessly
Share quick updates, record presentations, and create how-to videos with Snagit!
You’re in a crunch and your boss needs crucial information from you. Cool. I’ll just screenshot. Wait… How do you do that again?
We’ve all been there. Luckily, you are in the right spot. In this article, you will learn how to efficiently and effectively open and use the Snipping Tool shortcut to take a screenshot. We will also cover a better way to to take and edit screenshots.
Upgrade your screen captures
Don’t let clumsy built-in tools hold you back. Take and edit screenshots with Snagit!
The most common keyboard shortcuts are copy and paste. Let’s assume these keyboard shortcuts are part of your everyday workflow.
Now imagine you have to revert back to the days when you didn’t know shortcuts. Ah yes… the old right click and scroll method. How many extra seconds did that add? Multiply that by the amount of times you copy and paste a day, multiply by 365 and you’ll see the numbers add up year over year.
Our time is priceless, and those seconds add up.
The primary benefit of keyboard shortcuts is saving time, so why not invest the time to learn them? Since you are reading this article, you are on the right track.
Fun Fact: The first screenshot ever taken was back in 1960, over 60 years ago! Us humans have always sought ways to share visual information.
Open the Snipping Tool with Shortcut
To open the Windows Snipping Tool, you will need to use one of the many keyboard shortcuts. Press the Windows + Shift + S keys to open. The full screen will dim. From there, you have 4 different snipping opinions that can be located at the top of your screen:
Rectangular Snip
With this option, you can screen snip rectangular shapes. This is generally used for most captures.
Freeform Snip
This option gives you the ability to capture screenshots in any shape your free hand can make. This tool is used out of preference over the rectangular snip.
Window Snip
If you want to capture the full screen of your browser, use this option. This can be helpful for when you need to provide a POV of your screen for a coworker.
Full Screen Snip
This option will capture all of your monitors simultaneously. If the information is across multiple screens, this is an effective way to capture all of it.
The Windows Snip & Sketch window will pop up. Click on this to retrieve your screenshot. You can also find this on the bottom of the screen next to the start menu.
Capture your screen faster with Snagit
The Snipping Tool has a bit of a clunky shortcut key. What if you want an easy-to-remember shortcut key that makes sense to you? Snagit, the leading screen capture tool, gives you the opportunity to create shortcut keys that are unique to you! If you haven’t already, give Snagit a try here. Open up Snagit Capture. Under the big red “Capture” button click the phrase below. Here you can change your shortcut to whatever you like!
You might find that the Snipping Tool is limited in the editor department. Instead of dragging a screenshot from platform to platform to edit, you can do everything in Snagit. Once you capture your screenshot, it will go straight to Snagit’s Editor where you can add arrows, call outs, annotations and more! You can share your finished product by clicking “Screencast” in the upper right corner. You will receive a unique link to your video that you can share with anyone. If you are interested in enhancing your screenshot editing abilities, give this blog a read.
Snagit vs Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a great built in tool for quick screen grabs, but you may want a tool that goes beyond just a simple screenshot. Snagit, for example, has a variety of features that can spruce up a simple screenshot into a concise informational piece.
What tool is right for me?
If you take an occasional screenshot, the Snipping Tool is fine, but if you rely on screen capture every day, it’s worth the investment to get Snagit.
You can change the key to the print screen shortcut. Go into settings (W + I) Click on “Ease of Access” On the left hand side of the screen, scroll down to “Keyboard” and click Scroll down and you will see “Print Screen Shortcut” slide this on
Can I edit in the Snipping Tool?
Yes, the Snipping Tool has some editing options. You can use the highlighter, pencil, or pen tool.
Is there a better Snipping Tool?
If you are looking for more advanced capturing and editing options then it is worth giving Snagit a try.
As the norm for workplaces continues to shift, teams oriented around one shared space have become less standard. Workplaces have significantly shifted to hybrid models. According to a TechSmith study, 58% of people work hybrid, 31% are always in-office, and 7% are always remote.
The office has evolved from a common space between four walls with easy access to all employees simultaneously, to an uncontained global space spanning multiple timezones.
Having a team distributed in this way can make it difficult to arrange meetings and opportunities for collaboration, but it also holds the benefits of extended operating hours and daily coverage.
For effective communication and collaboration with a distributed team, leaders will need to weigh various communication options and consider both synchronous and asynchronous communication methods.
So, if you’ve ever asked yourself: “What does asynchronous mean,” we’re here to help. And much more.
What is synchronous communication?
Synchronous definition: Synchronous communication is the exchange of information between two or more people in real-time. It certainly must not be in person.
In some situations, real-time communication will be your best choice. For example:
Discussions of sensitive projects or issues
Providing critical feedback
Brainstorming or decision-making meetings
Project kickoffs or other instances where everyone needs to be quickly brought up to speed or a lot of dynamic variables need to be shared
Rapport needs to be built
A crisis has happened and immediate attention is required
Synchronous communication can be valuable. A recent study found that 70% of respondents find it valuable to have decision-making meetings in real-time.
Synchronous communication occurs in different ways. For example, face-to-face meetings, phone or video calls, instant messaging, and even coffee break conversations are all synchronous communication methods.
Synchronous communication advantages and disadvantages
Synchronous communication is a natural way of communicating for humans. Because of this, it can have some significant benefits and advantages in the workplace and has been the default form of communication historically.
Activities like brainstorming and solving in-depth problems collaboratively benefit from the ability to speak together, read body language, and give and receive real-time feedback. Similarly, project production time can be maximized.
Although it does feel easier to talk in real time most often, it can be quite disruptive to your focus. When someone pops by your desk the task you were in the middle of can suffer. Unwanted interruptions cost large companies $1 million yearly in lost productivity.
Depending on how spread out your team is, synchronous communication can cause problems with work-life balance and result in burnout because of timezone differences.
The key is for your team to find a balance between synchronous and asynchronous communication. So let’s explore the facets of async communication.
What is asynchronous communication?
Asynchronous definition: Asynchronous communication refers to any kind of communication where there is a delay between when a message is sent and when the person on the other end receives and interprets it. It is usually not an in-person type of communication and is rarely scheduled.
Asynchronous communication works best when:
An immediate answer isn’t necessary
Collaboration needs to happen with teammates across different time zones
You want to offer context before or after a real-time event
A complex concept or task needs to be explained and documented for later reference
Communication flexibility is beneficial or important to your teammates
Message’s need to be stored for future reference
Examples of asynchronous communication include emails, project management systems, messaging platforms, and video recordings.
Video messages can come in handy for meetings. Screen recorders like Snagit is a great option for creating quick, effective videos that share an idea or demonstrate a process.
Video messaging is the communication method of the future! According to a TechSmith study, nearly seven in ten respondents use video messaging sometimes or often. Another 22% are open to trying it.
The future of work is async
Survey shows more than half of workers would rather watch a video update than attend a meeting.
Asynchronous communication advantages and disadvantages
Similar to synchronous communication, there are benefits of asynchronous communication methods.
One key advantage of asynchronous communication is the flexibility it offers. The reduction in pressure to respond immediately often results in better responses and happier, less stressed team members.
Asynchronous communication works well for remote teams that cross various time zones. Messages can be delivered and received at the ideal times for each individual involved.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16.4% of companies have employees working remotely at least some of the time. That means asynchronous communication is a must!
On the flip side, since there is not an immediate response, it’s not an ideal communication method for quick feedback or if your work is blocked until you get a response. Because of the lag in response times, there can be delays in progress and inefficient use of time.
Asynchronous communication versus synchronous communication, which one is right for your business?
No simple, all-encompassing answer can solve this question. A carefully curated combination of asynchronous communication and synchronous communication will best serve a business. Few workplaces can rely solely on one or the other of these approaches to communication.
Leaders in your workforce need to understand how to weigh both options and select the optimal method for communication in any given situation. It isn’t as black and white as some people believe it to be, and rules like “asynchronous communication is for remote work” and “synchronous communication is for on-site work” leave an awful lot to be desired in their attempts at guidance.
Putting policies and processes in place can be effective in guiding the decision-making process and creating a higher-quality, cohesive work environment.
Who are you communicating with?
Well, like all communication efforts, one of the most important details to consider is who you are communicating with. For this component, considering factors like what generations your team belongs to, the concentration of introverts vs extroverts, and the size of the audience can help you make a great decision.
Gen X team members might prefer a synchronous meeting whereas Millennial and Gen Z staff might respond more positively to a recorded video message. A heavily introverted staff might be more effectively engaged in a brainstorm session completed using asynchronous communication, while an extrovert-leaning group likely prefers the energy involved with synchronous brainstorming sessions.
How urgent is your communication?
Another important consideration in the synchronous vs asynchronous communication debate is related to timing. As the primary difference between the two approaches is in the time between message delivery and response, this could easily be the variable that tips the scales in one direction or the other.
Conversely, having a document passed back and forth with edits via email, a classic asynchronous approach, may be less desirable when you’re on a tight deadline than using a live document, like a Google doc, to edit and revise in real time with your collaborators.
Is complexity a factor?
One more important variable to consider is the complexity of the communication required and both your ability to effectively pass along the nuances and complexities and the receiver’s ability to pick them up using one form or the other, synchronous or asynchronous communication.
For these instances, and many others, there are many excellent tools available to support asynchronous communication.
Video communication is groundbreaking. A recent TechSmith study found that 98% of respondents who use video at work believe it improves the effectiveness of their message.
Tools like Snagit make it simple and streamlined to communicate layers of complex information effectively using visual methods.
Video messages > meetings
Record your screen and camera with Snagit for quick updates and feedback.
All in all, each of these areas and likely other situation-specific factors need to be carefully considered when deciding on synchronous or asynchronous communication in the workplace. No one answer will always be right, and there may be some trial and error involved while you learn to navigate this.
Having a strong understanding of the individuals your team is comprised of, and an excellent handle on the details of each project you are working on together, will help you make the best choices for your team’s communication.
If you’re here, it means you’re going on an adventure (we hope), and you need to set a perfect automatic out-of-office message for your email.
Although simple in principle, auto reply messages can be tricky to deliver. You don’t want to sound too harsh, too relaxed, or too removed from the receiver.
Plus, different reasons call for different types of messages.
It’s a fine line.
Luckily, we created this guide so you can set the perfect out-of-office message, no matter the occasion.
Understanding out-of-office messages
An out-of-office message is an automatic email response that will be sent out to anyone who attempts to contact you while you are unavailable. Of course, you can set up a specific start and end time of that email so you can return emails once you are back in the office.
It can be set up in any inbox. In this guide we will cover how to set up automatic response emails in Outlook and Gmail. The process is quite similar for other email services as well.
Instead of leaving the sender in the dark, automatic email responses allow you to communicate the fact that you will not be accessible at the moment.
As you prepare to leave for vacation, it’s important to delegate any tasks to someone else on your team. Making sure your team is prepared with easy-to-follow how-to’s will allow you to enjoy your well-deserved time off.
Stop repeat questions
Create clear videos and guides with Snagit so you only have to explain tasks once.
Part of that process is to appoint someone to be next in line to you for important email communication. With permission, include that person’s email and phone number.
The key to effective communication is keeping it professional and informative at once. Some automatic messages are curt and can seem abrasive to the sender. You wouldn’t want a poorly written email to reflect negatively on you while you’re relaxing at the beach!
Including information on your absence and providing your sender with options to pursue their inquiry is impotant. Sometimes customizing your email message with little details and funny comments is even more impactful.
How to set up your message
Let’s go through the step-by-step instructions on how to turn on automatic replies.
Out-of-office message in Outlook
Open Outlook
Go to “Settings”, then “Automatic Replies”
Turn on the toggle
Set the duration of your absence
Write out your personalized message (more on that later)
Save and done!
Pro tip: you can choose to send replies only to people within your organization, or customize another message for others!
Out-of-office message in Gmail
Open Gmail
Go to “Settings”, then “See All Settings”
Click on “Advanced”
Enable the Template option
Access templates through the “More options” menu
Write out your message (more on that later)
Save!
Writing a professional out-of-office email
As with writing anything, there are a few guidelines you should follow to keep your message to a high standard.
Keep it clear and concise
Don’t waste the sender’s time while they dredge through a long, awkward message. Just keep it simple and informative!
Include essential information
You received an email most likely because someone needs something, so make sure you can help them as much as possible! Include some resources that others usually reach out to you for, or add in someone else’s email address who they can reach out to instead.
Proofread your email
We all know this one, and we swear we proofread, but typos sneak through anyway. Take your time and make sure the message is well-crafted. After all, it might be sent to a lot of people during your absence!
OOO message examples
We’ve gone over the basics, but let’s see how it’s done.
Vacation, holidays, or short-term no contact
[Greeting]
Thank you for reaching out! I am currently on vacation and enjoying the sunshine until [End Date]. I will not be reachable until then.
I will reach back out to you as soon as I can! For urgent matters please feel free to contact [Colleague’s name, email address]. Thank you.
Kind Regards,
[Your Name]
Business travel, or short-term moderate contact
[Greeting]
Thank you for your email. I am currently traveling for business and will be out of touch with my inbox.
I will try to get back to you after a few days, and I apologize for any inconvenience. For immediate inquiries please reach out to [Colleague’s name, email address]. I appreciate your patience while I travel.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Leave of absence, or long-term no contact
[Greeting]
Thank you for your message. I am currently out of office because of [reason for absence]. For assistance please contact by manager [Name, email address] until further notice. I appreciate your understanding.
I look forward upon connecting after my return.
Kind Regards,
[Your Name]
Unexpected changes, or long-term moderate contact
[Greeting]
Thank you for reaching out. I am currently [explain situation] and will be checking in on my email periodically. I appreciate your patience and understanding for any delays in communication.
King regards,
[Your Name]
Wall of text? Next!
Snagit makes it easy to communicate more effectively with visuals.
Out-of-office messages are pretty simple, but feel free to have fun with them! Adding some humor and personality in your messages is always a nice way to bring a smile to someone’s face.
So make it your own and good luck crafting the perfect out-of-office message!
