How to Make Great Training Videos

How to Make Great Training Videos

Video is one of the most popular ways to deliver and consume content. That’s not changing anytime soon. And training videos are one of the best ways to share knowledge or information.

Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube all encourage people to watch and share short, informal videos. And your customers are looking for videos to solve their problems more than ever before.

If fact, according to a Pew Research study, 87% of users said that YouTube is important for helping them figure out how to do things they haven’t done before.

TechSmith’s own research shows that people increasingly turn to video for their own learning needs. In 2018, 55% of people surveyed reported watching two or more informational or instructional videos. That’s up from 45% in 2016 and 28% in 2013.

So, it’s no secret that video is important. And this makes customers particularly receptive to video as they try to learn your product or service. That means trainers, instructional designers, and anyone else tasked with training customers should be creating instructional videos as part of their customer education program.

graph of training video watching frequency

Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:

  • What is a training video?
  • Why make a training video?
  • What makes a great training video?
  • What are the different types of training videos?
  • How to make a training video?
 

What is a training video?

A training video is a type of video content that is used to teach individuals or groups a new skill or expand their understanding of a particular topic. These can be used in the corporate world to facilitate employee training, in the customer service world to educate customers about how to use a specific product, and in countless other scenarios as well.

Make amazing training videos with Camtasia!

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Why make a training video?

Training videos as a delivery system for learning and information sharing carry quite a few benefits.

Learning videos make it easier to retain information

Human beings retain content accompanied by imagery better than they retain audio content alone. This is likely because our brains process imagery 60 000 times faster than they do words.

While not exactly the same as retention, training videos can be recorded with a tool like Snagit and easily rewatched to help with repetition-based retention. That is, of course, not quite as simple as an in-person training experience. 

Learning videos have higher engagement

When asked how they would choose to learn something new, 73% indicated video as their model of choice. When people are presented with information in a way that they enjoy engaging with, it simply stands to reason that they will engage more often and more fully. 

Learning videos keep the training costs down

Especially for those who produce their own, training videos are far less expensive than traditional models of training. Looking at the corporate world specifically, in 2016, US companies spent an estimated $70.65 billion on training alone, while also losing 53.8 productivity hours during their onboarding/acclimation time.

While the benefit and necessity of training are clear, we can all admit – those numbers don’t sound ideal. Given that reducing the amount or quality of training provided carries a significant cost itself, the solution seems to lie in the reduction of employee time spent giving in-person training and maximizing productivity hours on both sides of the equation.

Replacing appropriate segments of face-to-face training with high-quality video training reduces the need for time spent without sacrificing the amount or quality of training that individuals receive – and all of this results in reduced training costs.

Make amazing training videos with Camtasia!

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So much training, so little time

Coordinating schedules for employee training can be an intense and time-consuming activity on its own! Live training can require time to be booked with multiple individuals organization-wide, more or less on demand, and the busy schedules most of us keep make this a very difficult task to manage. 

By creating training videos for your employees you can make the most of each individual’s time throughout the process – your subject matter expert can be recorded at a time that is convenient for them, and narrators or other characters can be filmed based on their own schedules, and the learners, whether new or seasoned employees, can take the training at a time that works well within their schedules.

No more coordinating people across roles, locations, and time zones to all be at the same place at the same time means much more effective time use and buy-in to the training process. 

Slide decks get boring…fast

But they don’t have to! Slide decks are an excellent tool for presenting content-heavy training sessions and when used properly can significantly impact the retention of information. 

Slide decks are meant to incorporate bullet-point summation and visual media but what often happens is that the creator leans hard into the bullet points and gives little thought to how to use visual media to enhance their decks and therefore enhance the benefit to those learning from the deck. 

Creating a training video can help elevate the content that you would have included in a slide deck. The addition of effective images, video clips, and process-based screenshots taking the place of long bulleted lists can result in an engaging slide deck that, with easy-to-use tools like Snagit and Camtasia, can be screen recorded to create a reusable piece of video training. 

What makes a great training video?

All training videos are not created equal! So, how do you create a great training video? You make sure it is easy to understand, that it follows a logical structure, and that it is memorable. And don’t shy away from making updates as needed to maintain its relevancy. 

A great learning video identifies the learning outcomes

When creating a training video, one of the first steps should be to identify the learning outcome you are striving for. What point do you really need to get across? What is the main message?

Once you’ve identified that be sure to maintain focus on that outcome. Be sure that every piece of information presented is supporting the chosen outcome. Adding in too much information or irrelevant contextualization can confuse the message and likely reduce engagement.

A great training video maintains focus and attention on specific learning outcomes and ensures that the entirety of its content supports the goal at hand. 

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A great learning video is tailored to the needs of the audience

Understanding the needs of your audience and accommodating them is a key factor in creating a great training video. 

The first step here is, of course, becoming familiar with your audience. Don’t guess what their needs are – do some investigating and find out for sure. If, for instance, you need to create training videos related to a payroll process you may choose to provide basic details about how the payroll system works so that the learners understand the full context. 

That will likely be effective for learners who are not familiar with finance and HR but it could also create an instance where those in the finance and HR departments disengage with the training video as it won’t feel like it is “for” them. In this particular example, it may be beneficial to distribute a training video with those “basic details” removed to the departments that don’t need them. 

It can be a good idea to consult with your team about how you can best meet the needs of the audience for which your video training is being created. They may have a helpful perspective on the audience and they can also help you tighten up the presentation!

A great learning video is in the right format

When you are creating training videos, it’s not just about what you say but how you say it. The format selected is a crucial factor in making an effective training video. Consider what the content in your training video will include and what the best way to present it is. 

Complex systems can often be presented well with 3D animation, while training on a topic that may require vulnerability may be better served with a “talking head” style video. 

A great learning video is not too short, not too long

Don’t buy into the “less is more” theory that says humanity’s short attention span dictates a need for short videos only. The most important variable in determining the length of your video is the content. Your content should always dictate the length of your training video. Cutting it off just to meet a shorter timeframe will feel disruptive and disengage your learners. Longer videos are very effective as long as they are segmented, and the subject matter is complex enough to warrant the length. 

The range in video length starts around 30 seconds and can increase exponentially but about 15 minutes is a fairly common length for a “long” video. 30 seconds to 1 minute can suffice for a trailer or a recipe tutorial while the training videos running 15 minutes and longer are usually pretty deep dives into some complex subject matter.

Make amazing training videos with Camtasia!

Need to make a training video? Download a free trial of Camtasia and learn to quickly and easily make your own videos.

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What are the different types of training videos?

Training videos do not come in only one shape and size. There are many ways to create training videos and we’ve described them below. But we didn’t stop there! You’ll also find helpful tips about which types work best for what use cases. 

Presenter-Style Training Videos

What it is: Presenter-Style training videos typically feature a speaker on screen and incorporate a variety of other information-sharing techniques, like animation, graphics, etc. Sometimes the focus of the presenter-style video training is a demonstration, like in the case of orienting new staff around the use of a specific piece of equipment. This style of training video humanizes the content, making it more relatable and engaging, by using a person to convey the information. These are also referred to as “live-action” videos. 

Scenarios where it’s relevant: 

  • When your training video needs to facilitate an emotional connection 
  • For interview style training
  • When you are creating training videos that show a product demonstration 

Screencast Training Videos

What it is: Screencast Training Videos are screen recordings with audio narration added in overtop. These training videos can be recorded with a very low budget compared to other types of videos. 

Softwares like Camtasia and Snagit can make creating training videos in screencast style easy and seamless. You can get a free trial of Camtasia here and Snagit here – download them now and try your hand at this type of training video! 

Scenarios where it’s relevant:

  • Getting an employee introduced to a specific software
  • When there is minimal budget available
  • When you want to provide efficient answers to frequently asked process questions

Tutorials

What it is: A tutorial is often filmed with specific instructions and holds teaching something step-by-step as their top priority. These typically follow the main character through the actions they are describing but may also be filmed from the first-person point of view. Tutorials may also incorporate interactive elements like quizzes. 

Scenarios where it’s relevant:

  • When step-by-step instructions are needed
  • For a hands-on video training
  • When the combination of a presenter style and screencast style training videos will best serve your learners

Corporate training videos

What it is: This type of training video is typically used to explain very specific aspects of a workplace, like customer service, shifts and schedules, sexual harassment policies, and other similarly repeatable concepts.

Scenarios where it’s relevant:

  • When you need to familiarize new employees with a policy
  • For situations where an aspect of workplace norms has changed and employees need to be retrained en masse
  • When you want to train employees on office norms, policies and safety

Make amazing training videos with Camtasia!

Need to make a training video? Download a free trial of Camtasia and learn to quickly and easily make your own videos.

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On-site training videos

What it is: Very similar to the presenter style video, this type of training video is used when there is a benefit to having a certain location shown. It incorporates a presenter, a narrator, and recordings from the location in question.

Scenarios where it’s relevant:

  • For virtual visits to factories, warehouses, or plants
  • When you want to show front-of-house staff the inner workings of a kitchen
  • For showing behind-the-scenes work

Motion Graphics Training Video

What it is: Motion Graphics Training videos use computer simulations or animations rather than human actors or presenters. These often come in handy to present scenarios that are too dangerous for real-life demonstration or require too high a budget to replicate realistically.

Scenarios where it’s relevant:

  • When you need to bring a light mood to heavy material
  • For showing hazardous situations in safety training
  • When budget does not allow for real-life replication of a scenario

Stock Footage Montage & Text-Based Training Videos

What it is: This type of training video is made primarily from purchased materials like stock footage, music, and custom graphics. 

Scenarios where it’s relevant:

  • When your budget doesn’t allow for a film crew 
  • For situations where anonymity is important
  • When the content for your training video is relatively generic

Interactive Training Videos 

What it is: Interactive video trainings are the cutting edge of training videos. They offer unique opportunities to create training courses for employees where they get to direct the path of the training video, and the educator can gain information about student progress through the learning exercise. 

This is a highly engaging type of video training where the learner becomes fully immersed and multiple different outcomes can be reached. The interactive components can include yes/no scenarios, or calculations among other things. 

Scenarios where it’s relevant:

  • When you want to incorporate virtual or augmented reality in your training program
  • When you want to be able to track a learner’s progress
  • For situations wherein active learning is favorable to passive learning 

Make amazing training videos with Camtasia!

Need to make a training video? Download a free trial of Camtasia and learn to quickly and easily make your own videos.

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How to make a great training video?

Choose a topic for your training video

When you are looking at how to create a training video, selecting your topic is, of course, pretty high on the list of priority to-dos! What we know about consumer behavior is that genuine interest in the topic at hand is a key component in viewers continuing to watch a video after they have clicked on it. 

We also know that the primary cause of people losing interest and clicking away from a video is that they are not getting the information they thought they would. 

Clearly, choosing the right topic for your audience is an important part of making great training videos but where do you start?

You define and get to know your audience. You have to really understand their needs and what matters most to them. 

This market research should be completed in a way that makes sense for the size and location of the audience you are making the training video for. You could use an interview method if you are serving a small specific group, like your direct reports in a small business, or use a survey if your audience is larger. 

You could also peruse online spaces like Reddit, Quora, or Answer the Public to see what questions people are asking about your area of expertise.

Once you know what it is that your audience is looking for, you will need to choose a very specific piece of the topic to focus on for your online training video. If you can’t narrow it down specifically enough consider creating an online training course with multiple videos instead of one unfocused training video.

Choose a format and type of training video

Not that long ago we talked about types of training videos that you can use to create effective learning opportunities for your audience. This is the stage of the process where you will need to use that information!

Now that you know your topic, you can effectively decide what format will be most helpful in delivering your message.

Perhaps your training video will demonstrate a process step by step, using a seasoned employee as the main character. A tutorial format will best serve this purpose. 

If you have new software to demonstrate to your staff, creating a screencast-style training video could be your best choice. 

For a topic that, for best engagement and understanding, requires a bond to be created between teacher and student you might choose to create an online training video in the presenter format. 

Whichever format you choose, you will need to have the right tools available to you. Camtasia and Snagit are those tools. Each is incredibly powerful in its own right but together – they are a dream team. Snagit performs screen capture as you’ve never seen before. Grab segments of your window or perform a panoramic scrolling capture, then add the appropriate context.

Then you can export your work to Snagit’s amazing big brother Camtasia to perform any video or audio editing required. You can even add B roll footage from your own collection, or the stock selection that lives within the app itself.

If you have been wondering how to create training videos for your employees or maybe how to create a video course, you need to try Snagit and Camtasia and the great news is you can do just that for free! Grab your free trial of Snagit here, and Camtasia now.

Make amazing training videos with Camtasia!

Need to make a training video? Download a free trial of Camtasia and learn to quickly and easily make your own videos.

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Create an outline and a storyboard

You can find more information on this in our post about scripting training videos, but we’ll cover the basics for you here. 

Developing an outline as part of the process of creating your training video will help you to keep your employees’ attention, support engagement, and make sure you cover all of the important points required to provide proper training.

Jumping into filming without having an outline will create an employee training video that is confusing and does not concisely deliver its message. This has a severe negative impact on engagement and should be avoided. 

The outline for your employee training video will define its beginning, middle, and end.

You should map out your introductory details, the primary points you need to make about the topic of your training, and any concluding details, such as any calls to action or a summation of the main points you have made. 

Following the completion of your outline, a storyboard is the next step.

Developing a storyboard will help you incorporate the all-important visual aspects of your training video. You can sketch out the various scenes, or use screenshots of the material you will cover to create the storyboard. There is no need to agonize over the visual quality of the storyboard – it’s not going public!

This combination of an outline and storyboard will give you a good sense of exactly how your training video will look, as well as an idea of the anticipated length.

Film your training video

You’ve done it! You’ve made it through the preparation portion of creating a training video for your employees! 

Unless you are creating an animated training video, this is the time to begin filming your video.

Don’t worry too much about the tools you will use – you can make an excellent training video with just a ring light and your smartphone.

If you are creating a screencast-style video, beginning the recording process is as simple as navigating to the screen you will be sharing and clicking the red “record” button in the Snagit widget or opening up Camtasia. When you are using these tools you can select whether it captures your cursor or not so be sure to double-check that it is set to the option you want for your training video. 

A nice thing about the way Snagit works is that you can select only one portion of your screen for recording so if you want to have your notes, storyboard, or script visible on the same screen, you can do that without worry that it will be displayed to your viewers along with the process you are training them on. If you are recording the audio for your video simultaneously, or want to have your speaker shown in the training video while they present, Camtasia is the program to choose.

Make amazing training videos with Camtasia!

Need to make a training video? Download a free trial of Camtasia and learn to quickly and easily make your own videos.

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Edit your training video

With your recording complete, you can now move your training video into the editing process! While it may seem daunting, Techsmith’s suite of products actually makes the editing process simple and effective for even a complete novice.

Editing using a template can help to speed up your work and create consistency – this is especially helpful if you are creating multiple videos or even making a video course. Templates could include a standard intro and outro, or a lower third template you can use as the base for all of the main content. Using Camtasia for your editing gives you access to a massive library of templates all ready for you to customize and use. 

Adding annotations and text overlays is an effective way to make sure that the most important content in your employee training videos gets highlighted. This is helpful for both engagement and retention of the information you are providing. Using arrows and other shapes to call out items of particular importance or applying text on the screen to really drive home what the speaker is saying are great enhancements you can make through the editing process.

Engagement with training material is one thing that can help employees really get the most out of their training. You can help this along by adding unexpected or interesting components to your training video.

Animating images or text at a few spots in the video can help re-engage an employee who has transitioned to auto-pilot.

Including at least a few opportunities to see the person who is speaking can also help drive connection with the training video’s content and create a sense of familiarity and trust. You can collect footage for this easily by including your webcam in the original recording and then either including it in the duration of your finished product or just at specific times. Again – all of this magic is possible within Camtasia. Get your free trial now!

Any opportunity you have to add in an interactive detail can help you to create an engaging employee training video – it is becoming more and more of an expectation from viewers to have some part to play in their video learning experience. Quizzes, questions, or even simple instructions to move ahead to the next part of the training series can go a long way.

Don’t forget to offer your training video up for feedback at various times within this process as well – having a perspective and knowledge base different from your own can make a huge difference in the quality of your final product. 

Host and distribute your training video

It’s time to get this training video made public! Or at least available to the people who need to access it.

The first step here will simply be producing the video – rendering the files in your editing software into a usable file format like .mp4. This should be your default file type for your training videos unless there is a specific reason to use a different one – for example, if your hosting platform requires a particular file type.

Once you have the file, you will need to upload it to whichever hosting platform you have selected. For free hosting, consider Youtube or Vimeo. Both of these options are easily accessible and offer private or public videos. If, however, there is information contained in the training videos which is sensitive or confidential to your company, your best option might be an internal network, existing company knowledgebase, or a password-protected page on your website.

Make amazing training videos with Camtasia!

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Create a training video FAQ

What is a training video?

An online training video, whether for employee training or customer training, is a video dedicated to educating viewers on a specific topic with the goal of teaching a skill or knowledge.

How do you make effective training videos?

The number one thing to do to create a high-quality training video is to make sure the content is relevant and relatable. Of course, things like visual effects, music, and other enhancements help, but if the video isn’t interesting and informative, your video will fail.

Where can I host a training video?

Hosting is how a video is made available to viewers. YouTube and Vimeo are examples of hosting sites, but there are a number of other ways to host your video content. It’s important to choose the one that works best for you.

Can I use YouTube for training videos?

If you want to make your video public, I would suggest making a YouTube video. YouTube is great for learning content. However, if you want it to be available only to people at your company you can host it on your company’s help desk, knowledge base, or website.

How do you create a training video?

You don’t need a lot of experience or video skills to easily create a training video. You just need a camera or screen recorder, a good microphone, and some video editing software.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Ryan Knott

TechSmith Marketing Content Specialist and manager of the TechSmith Blog. More than 25 years of communications and marketing experience. Geek. Science and sci-fi enthusiast. Guitar player. On a mission to pet all the dogs. He/him. A few things about me: 1) Mildly (or not-so-mildly) obsessed with the movie Alien, 2) two rescue pibbles (Biggie and Reo), and 3) friend of ducks everywhere. Ask me about my seven+ years as a roller derby coach.

How to Edit a Screenshot

Edit a screenshot

Did you know that human beings can make sense of a visual scene in less than one-tenth of a second?! 

You did? Well, in that case, it’ll come as no surprise that including images and screenshots throughout your content will make it easier for your audience to quickly understand the information you’re trying to convey – whether that’s on a slide deck or a Microsoft Word document.

So while some people might say a picture is worth a thousand words, we’d say that when you’re trying to efficiently present information that’s easy to understand, pictures are worth a lot more. (But, with cool tools like scrolling screenshots, you can literally capture 1,000 words in a single image!)

Now, with the world of modern digital technology constantly changing, anyone who uses screenshots regularly will know that they can quickly become outdated. Does that mean you have to discard and retake each one of your screenshots? Well, you could, but we have a better idea. 

Instead of spending lots of time retaking screenshots as and when you need them, you might find it easier and quicker just to update them. In other words, you simply need to know how to edit a screenshot.

In this article, we’ll take you through the basic steps of screenshot editing. So rather than asking yourself “How can I edit a screenshot?” the next time an image becomes outdated, you’ll rest assured that you can edit screenshots quickly and with ease.

Edit your screenshots – fast and easy!

Download a free trial of Snagit to quickly and easily keep your screenshots up to date.

Download Snagit for free now!

How to edit a screenshot? 

You’ll be glad to know that editing screenshots is a wonderfully simple task – it’s certainly easier than retaking them! So now, let’s take a close look at some of the steps of how to edit screenshots.

Choose a screenshot editing tool

First, you’ll need to choose a screenshot editing tool that best suits your needs. 

This might sound like the easiest step of editing screenshots, but the truth is, it could be one of the most difficult. Having to choose between the wide range of basic built-in tools and more advanced third-party software can be overwhelming. 

Whether you’re a technophobe or a tech pro, we’d recommend using a tool like Snagit, which is easy to use for beginners but comes packed with advanced tools for more discerning users. 

For the context of this article, we’re going to explore some of the ways in which you can edit screenshots with Snagit – though it’s worth noting that this is more than just a screenshot editor. 

Don’t worry if you don’t own Snagit yet. A 15-day free trial is available to new users, so you can still download it to follow along with the steps below and play around with its features to decide if it’s right for you.

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Update the UI in your screenshot

Snagit’s smart move tool allows you to move objects around in your screenshot, such as logos, icons, and other visual elements – even the placement of text! This is great for mocking up website redesigns

Alternatively, you can also resize visual aspects or delete them altogether. And don’t worry, this isn’t going to leave some strange blank space in your image, as Snagit will automatically fill in the background for you – because it is just that clever.  

To use the smart move tool, click on the move tool and toggle on Smart Move. Snagit will then analyze your screenshot to detect the objects in your image, including text. 

Now all you have to do is click and drag objects around the screen to move them or tap the delete key to get rid of them entirely. 

If your object doesn’t look completely crisp, you can always undo it with CTRL+ALT+DELETE (that’s CMD+Z on a Mac) and adjust the Detail slider slightly, and try it again.

 

Edit text in your screenshot

As well as being able to move text on a screenshot, with Snagit you can edit it too! In this step, we’re going to teach you how to edit text in a screenshot, which is useful if you have information written out in one language, such as English, but you need to send it to someone in Spanish. 

To make things even more challenging, let’s pretend for a moment that you also don’t have access to the original screenshot, just a JPG or PNG file. 

First, click on the Selection tool, stretch a square over the text you want to edit, right-hand click on the box, and select Edit Text. In just a couple of seconds, Snagit will create one or more editable text boxes that you can use to make changes to the words directly on the screenshot. We told you it was easy! 

Alternatively, if you need help with the translation part, you can use the Grab Text option to copy and paste the text into an email or message to someone who can translate it for you. Once you’ve got the translated text, you simply click the Edit Text button and paste the new version.

Text editing with Snagit

Hide sensitive information

Sometimes, you might need to share some of the information on a screenshot, without sharing all the information. For example, the image you need to send might include personal information about a customer that needs to be kept confidential. This is where the blur tool comes in handy

To use the blur tool in Snagit, simply click on it in the toolbar (you might have to click on More to see it). Then, drag a box over the content that you want to be blurred out. Snagit will even let you choose between different blurring effects. 

Screenshot edited to hide sensitive informations

Change the color of your screenshot

If you find yourself needing to make a particular part of your screenshot stand out, one easy way to add emphasis to an area is to update the background color.

To change the color in your screenshot, select the Fill tool and select one of the preset colors. Alternatively, you can use the eyedropper tool to select a color from anywhere on your screen.

Snagit fill tool to edit screenshot

If you find the fill tool changes too much or too little of your image, try experimenting with the tolerance slider.

How can I edit a screenshot

Why do you need to edit a screenshot? 

There are a whole bunch of reasons why someone might want to edit a screenshot, and too many to list here! 

That said, most reasons revolve around saving time and communicating in a clear and effective manner. For example, editing screenshots saves you from having to retake them when the information becomes out of date, while the visual aspect of a screenshot helps to clarify points certain points and provide additional context.

Edit your screenshots – fast and easy!

Download a free trial of Snagit to quickly and easily keep your screenshots up to date.

Download Snagit for free now!

It saves you time

Perhaps one of the most common reasons to edit a screenshot is the amount of time it can save you, time that might otherwise be wasted trying to capture the perfect screenshot. This is especially useful if you need to capture multiple screenshots for a project or presentation.

Of course, taking a basic screenshot isn’t that much of a hassle and doesn’t even take that much time. However, recreating the right scenario on your screen can be frustrating and time-consuming. This is where having the power to edit screenshots becomes useful, as it allows you to skip the process of setting up your screen. 

Improve the quality of your screenshots

Editing your screenshots can greatly enhance the quality and visual impact of your images. 

By using editing tools to adjust brightness, contrast, and color levels, you can make your screenshots more vibrant and appealing to the eye. Additionally, cropping and resizing your images can help you focus on specific details and eliminate distracting elements from the background.

Another benefit of editing your screenshots is the ability to add annotations and text overlays – also known as Callouts in Snagit. These can be particularly useful when creating tutorials and instructional materials, as they allow you to highlight key areas of the image and provide additional context or instructions. 

Ultimately, by taking the time to edit your screenshots, you can create more professional and effective visual aids that better communicate your message.

Edit your screenshots – fast and easy!

Download a free trial of Snagit to quickly and easily keep your screenshots up to date.

Download Snagit for free now!

Hide sensitive information

Editing your screenshots can be an effective way to keep sensitive or confidential information secure. With Snagit’s redaction tools, you can blur, pixelate, cover, and even remove certain areas of an image to avoid sharing sensitive data. This can be particularly useful in the healthcare, finance, and legal industries where client privacy is of the utmost importance.

However, you don’t have to be a lawyer to benefit from these tools. If you ever find yourself needing to share screenshots, either publically or with your peers, you might prefer to play it safe by protecting potentially sensitive information. Because why take the risk? 

Create document variants

Another awesome advantage of editing screenshots is how easy it is to create variations of the same document. With the ability to copy and edit specific text in a screenshot, you can quickly and easily create multiple versions of a document that contain similar information but are customized to different audiences. 

This is particularly useful in industries such as marketing and advertising, where multiple versions of a document are often needed for different audiences and demographics.

Edit your screenshots – fast and easy!

Download a free trial of Snagit to quickly and easily keep your screenshots up to date.

Download Snagit for free now!

Editing screenshots, the FAQs

How to edit a screenshot on Mac?

To edit a screenshot on a Mac with Snagit, open the image in the Snagit Editor. From there, you can use a variety of editing tools to crop, resize, add text or shapes, and blur out sensitive information. Once you’re done editing, you can save the final image as a file or share it directly with others.

How to edit a screenshot on Windows?

To edit a screenshot on Windows using Snagit, you can use the Snagit Capture window to capture and edit your image. Once you’ve taken a screenshot, it will automatically open in the Snagit Editor, where you can add annotations, text, shapes, effects, and more. Snagit also offers a variety of editing tools, such as blur, crop, and resize, to help you get your screenshot looking exactly how you want it to.

What is the best screenshot editing app?

The best screenshot editor is the one that best suits you and your needs. Tools like Snagit are great for beginners and pros alike, as it’s easy to learn how to use and offers a range of basic and advanced tools to suit every user.

How to Fight Meeting Fatigue [+ Meeting Detox Playbook]

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As we continue to navigate the world of remote work, it’s become clear that one of the biggest challenges businesses and employees face is ‘meeting fatigue’. The number of virtual meetings people are expected to attend on a daily basis is leaving employees feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. 

This is, to some extent, a result of the dramatic shift in the way we work following the pandemic, a change that happened practically overnight. Remote work has risen significantly in recent years, and with it so has the number of virtual meetings. 

While that’s not to say that people didn’t spend a lot of time in meetings before COVID, the medium in which many of those meetings are taking place has changed. Rather than running from one conference room to the next, people are scrambling for the right Zoom links. 

The apparent need for multiple people to come together and collaborate, discuss the progress of projects, and overcome obstacles remains the same. In fact, the number of meetings people attended every day increased as workplaces went completely remote during the peak of the pandemic, a trend that will likely continue as remote work rises. 

According to the “Future Workforce Pulse Report” by Upwork, 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely by 2025 — that’s a 90% increase from pre-pandemic levels and 22% of the entire American workforce.

This creates a new problem that organizations need to address as too many meetings can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, and decreased health and wellness among employees. That’s why it’s important to understand what meeting fatigue is, why it’s harmful, and most importantly, how to combat it. 

In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide to replace meetings and help you fight meeting fatigue so you can be more productive and focused at work.

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What is meeting fatigue?

So what is virtual meeting fatigue’?…

When remote work became more common, many people saw it as a great opportunity to do their job with greater flexibility and find a better balance between their personal lives and work. However, as remote working grew in popularity, it brought with it a new set of challenges, including virtual meeting fatigue. 

With virtual meetings becoming the primary means of communication, many people started experiencing an increase in the number of meetings they were expected to attend every day. Then, COVID-19 hit and remote work became the new normal. 

This sudden shift intensified the issue of meeting fatigue, as people found themselves dealing with a whole new set of challenges, such as increased isolation, distractions at home, and blurred boundaries between work and personal time. As a result, many people started to feel overwhelmed and burned out from the constant stream of virtual meetings.

What meeting fatigue really is

Meeting fatigue — as well as ‘Zoom fatigue’ or ‘virtual fatigue’ — is the feeling of exhaustion and burnout that comes from attending in-person and virtual meetings for extended periods of time. It’s the result of the constant mental and emotional strain that comes from being “on” for hours on end, which can be exacerbated by the physical toll of consistently staring at a screen.

Think about it: when you’re in a virtual meeting, you’re expected to maintain focus, pay attention to what’s being said, and actively participate in the conversation. This can be especially challenging if you’re not in the same room as the other attendees, as it can be harder to read body language and gauge social cues. 

Furthermore, the lack of physical movement during a virtual meeting can make it easy to feel stagnant and restless, which can further contribute to feelings of fatigue. All these factors can take a significant toll on your mental, emotional, and physical health, which naturally impacts productivity and effectiveness in the workplace – even if that’s your kitchen table!  

With all this in mind, it’s important to recognize the signs in order to know how to combat virtual meeting fatigue.

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How do you recognize meeting fatigue?

Recognizing the primary Zoom fatigue symptoms, in both yourself and others, is the first step in taking action before it affects the well-being and productivity of you or your colleagues.

Here are a few common symptoms of meeting fatigue that people can experience:

  1. Exhaustion: Feeling tired and drained after attending virtual meetings, even if they are not particularly long or intense, can be a sign of meeting fatigue. This can also include feeling mentally and emotionally drained, as well as physically fatigued.
  2. Forgetfulness and trouble concentrating: If you find it challenging to focus during virtual meetings, you may be experiencing meeting fatigue. This can manifest as a lack of interest in the topic being discussed or difficulty staying engaged throughout the meeting.
  3. Difficulty maintaining relationships and being present: If you’ve been on calls and in meetings all day, you can be forgiven for wanting some time to yourself. However, if you’re frequently feeling distant from friends and family, it could be a sign of meeting fatigue.
  4. Irritability or restlessness: Meeting fatigue can also make you feel restless and irritable. During virtual meetings, you may find yourself fidgeting or struggling to stay still, and outside of meetings, you could find yourself easily irritated by your co-workers.
  5. A decline in productivity: If you notice a decline in your productivity or the quality of your work after attending virtual meetings, it could be a sign of Zoom fatigue. This can happen if you are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out from attending too many meetings or if the meetings themselves aren’t engaging or productive.
  6. Physical symptoms: With what is one of the more serious symptoms, meeting fatigue can even lead you to suffer actual physical aches and pains such as muscle pain, tension, and insomnia.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to take a break and reevaluate your approach to virtual meetings. By recognizing the signs of meeting fatigue early on, you can take steps to prevent it from impacting your work and overall well-being, and that of your employees.

Why do we schedule so many meetings?

Despite a growing consensus that meetings kill productivity, there’s still an underlying belief that meetings are the best way to communicate and collaborate with colleagues. 

Here are the facts:  Meetings  provide an opportunity to discuss complex issues, share ideas, and receive feedback in real-time, which can be difficult to achieve through email.Such interactions are crucial to supporting collaboration and creativity among teams.

So while there’s no doubt that we need meetings — because the best meetings are actually pretty great — the question is, do we need so many of them? And more importantly, what actually warrants having a meeting? 

We believe that some businesses need to shift their understanding of when meetings do and don’t need to take place. 

For example, if a discussion needs the input of multiple people, such as a brainstorming session, then a meeting is definitely the best way to get results. However, if a meeting is merely going to be a one-way transferral of information (rather than a collaborative effort), then you can often achieve the same result, in less time, with a well-made video. 

By reevaluating when a meeting is and isn’t necessary, businesses could literally save billions of dollars every year. Yes, billions! 

A study on meeting overload by Atlassian, found that 45% of employees feel overwhelmed by the number of meetings in their schedule and 47% say unnecessary meetings are the number one time-waster in the workplace. It’s also important to remember that a one-hour meeting with 10 people, doesn’t cost just one hour – it costs 10 hours of company time. 

Atlassian’s report found that the average employee wastes 31 hours in unproductive meetings each month. Now multiply that by the number of staff in your business (and try not to scream). 

It doesn’t take long for all this time to add up as Atlassian estimates that US businesses waste $37bn every year on unnecessary meetings. It’s high time that businesses found a better and more productive way for staff to use company time. 

So, why are we still scheduling so many meetings? Truth be told, we’re not sure. These days, there are much more efficient ways of communicating and we’ll take a look at some examples in a moment.

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Why is it harmful to the individual and the organization?

While meetings are already costing businesses a fortune, the context of virtual meetings can add additional layers of complexity for both individuals and organizations. 

By their very nature, virtual meetings are unnatural. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing and we’d argue it’s much better to have a virtual meeting with people across the globe than it is for everyone to fly around the world for a meeting. But the technology is relatively new and we, as humans, are still adapting to it. 

While we already know that staring at a computer screen for too long isn’t good for you, when it comes to having meetings online, there are similar factors that can contribute to meeting burnout. 

This goes beyond the technical aspects and the effects of things like blue light, as there’s also a significant difference in how we interact with people online and the mental toll of doing so. 

So let’s take a look at some of the factors unique to virtual meetings that can contribute to meeting fatigue. 

Excessive amounts of close-up eye contact is highly intense

In a normal meeting, you’ll likely switch your attention between the people speaking, the people listening, your notes, and your surroundings. However, on a Zoom call, you’re looking at everyone, everywhere, all at once – and it’s intense! 

This intensity is heightened by the unusually large size of people’s faces, and their eyes, on your screen, which makes them appear to be physically closer than they really are. It’s not often that we get so close to people’s faces, and when we do it’s usually the result of an intimate moment or a confrontation, which are both emotionally intense situations. 

Our brains are hard-wired to know this instinctively, so all that close-up eye contact during a virtual meeting is a lot more intense than we often realize. 

Seeing yourself during video chats constantly in real-time is fatiguing

You’ve got to admit that when you’re not looking at everyone else in a virtual meeting, you’re probably looking at yourself. It’s okay, we all do it, but seeing your digital reflection multiple times in a day is emotionally taxing. 

Studies suggest that you’re more critical of yourself when you can see yourself. It makes sense, but constantly glancing at your real-time selfie only adds to the fatigue of virtual meetings.

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Video chats dramatically reduce our usual mobility

With in-person meetings, you’ll often find yourself moving from one conference room to another – but you are still moving your body. With virtual meetings, you’re much less likely to get up and walk around if all you need to do is click a link. 

While there’s already plenty of research that suggests sitting for prolonged periods of time is bad for your health, there’s growing research to suggest cognitive performance is enhanced when you’re moving about. On the other hand, virtual meetings will likely keep you sitting in the same position for a long time, which could make you feel restless. 

The cognitive load is much higher in video chats

A lot of body language is involved when you’re talking to someone in person, and every small gesture or expression someone makes during a conversation is crucial to how we, as humans, naturally communicate. 

Body language helps us understand each other while ensuring we are being understood. However, these small nonverbal cues and nuances are much harder to detect on a video call, which often leads to us paying more attention than we’re accustomed to in a conversation. 

Even knowing this about ourselves works to increase the fatigue we feel, as we subconsciously put more effort into making our own body language clearer to the people we’re virtually speaking to. 

Having to work harder to send and receive the non-verbal signals that we rely on only adds to the cognitive load of having a virtual meeting, and it’s a unique pressure that doesn’t apply to in-person conversations.

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Step-by-step guide to replace meetings [Meeting Detox Playbook]

Now, with an almost overwhelming amount of evidence that shows the negative impacts of having too many meetings and the cost of meeting fatigue, let’s take a look at some of the ways we can cut down on meetings and relieve the symptoms of meeting burnout. 

In this section, we’re going to give some step-by-step guidance on how tools like Snagit can help achieve the same goals as the meetings blocking out your schedule, a kind of Meeting Detox Playbook, if you will. 

Step 1: Identify the goals/objectives of your meeting and whether you can replace or enhance it

One of the key areas that everyone can work on to reduce the number of meetings they’re expected to attend is to understand when a meeting is actually necessary, because a lot of the time — and we know you’ll agree — they’re not. 

The first and most vital question to ask yourself before calling your team into the conference room, or sending out a virtual calendar invitation, is: What’s the meeting for and do you need people’s input? If not, then you can probably move forward and share your progress via email. 

On the other hand, if you do need to discuss a project before moving on to the next stage, it’s important to consider whether you have enough information that will enable you and your colleagues to make a decision. You also need to anticipate whether there will be a lot of questions or discussion around the issue, if not then maybe the conversation can happen over email. 

There are a few other considerations to take into account when it comes to knowing whether to schedule a meeting or not. To simplify the process, we’ve put together a simple flowchart to help you.

Decide if you should schedule a meeting

When a meeting isn’t necessary, Snagit is great for facilitating quick, easy, and effective internal communications. For example, one-on-one project feedback can be simplified with a screencast made with Snagit. Similarly, informal training sessions can be quickly turned into training videos

Even better, by providing videos rather than scheduling a meeting, you’re giving people the opportunity to act on, or learn, something at a time and pace that best suits them, which can really help enhance distanced learning

With Snagit, you can also enrich proposals, presentations, and brainstorming with the help of visual and video aids. Visual communication is absolutely key when conveying ideas and information between people as it helps provide additional context and makes concepts easier to digest.

In fact, TechSmith found that businesses that include visuals as part of their internal communications can even save money!

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Step 2: Record your video! (in Snagit, of course!)

With Snagit, you don’t have to be Martin Scorsese to make a video. Whether it’s an educational video or simply a desktop recording, Snagit is a simple and intuitive tool that makes it easy for anyone to record and share great video content.

In fact, the kind of videos that Snagit is perfect for can usually be quite informal and done in one take. That said, there are a couple of tips that are worth keeping in mind the next time you make a video with Snagit: 

  • Keep videos short and sweet. Before you record, write down a couple of bullet points of what you want to cover so you don’t forget anything.
  • Include your webcam. Snagit’s picture-in-picture feature lets you record your screen and your webcam at the same time, which will help your audience pick up on the very important non-verbal cues (like facial expressions) that we discussed earlier.
  • Be clear. The screen draw function in Snagit allows you to highlight important information on your screen to help direct your viewer’s gaze and focus. 

With these three simple tips, not only will you be able to quickly and simply get your point across to a number of people, but those people can refer back to your videos if they ever need a reminder. 

Step 3: Share your video wherever the conversation is happening.

As well as being able to easily record a video, it’s important to have tools that make it equally as easy to share with your team. Fortunately, Snagit offers a range of sharing options that make it easy to send your content via several platforms, including Slack and Outlook. 

An image of Snagit with a report in the editor window. The share dialogue is open.

On top of this, Snagit’s Share Link button sends your content to Screencast, allowing viewers to comment and react. This flexibility in sharing options provides a more efficient and streamlined experience for both you and your audience.

As well as having the tools to make sharing easy, there are some best practices that can optimize the viewing and learning experience for your audience. For example, it’s always worth providing the length of a video when sharing, so that the viewer can better manage their time and allocate the necessary amount to engage with your content effectively.

Moreover, setting clear expectations on how and when you expect a response to your video can help ensure that the communication remains productive and focused.

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Tips for running efficient meetings

No matter how much you manage to cut down on the meetings in your schedule, they’re still going to be a necessary part of working, because as we said before, meetings can be great when they’re done properly. But that right there is the key: doing meetings properly. 

So, if you are 100% confident that scheduling a meeting is the best way to move forward with a project or task, be sure to keep these meeting tips in mind: 

Avoid multitasking

As tempting as it might be to send or reply to an email while in a virtual meeting, what you should really be doing is focusing on the task at hand. We understand the desire for wanting to do as much as possible in the least amount of time, but research shows that multitasking, and switching between tasks, can actually cost as much as 40% of your productive time

Next time you’re in a virtual meeting, close any tabs that might distract you and try turning off your email and chat notifications. And if you do see an email, remember that it can probably wait 10-15 minutes.

Keep meetings short

Try to keep the runtime of a meeting as short as possible, and be clear (and strict) in setting and sticking to an agenda. The longer a meeting goes on, the more bored and less invested people will be in the discussion – which ultimately leads to meeting fatigue. 

Meetings usually overrun when new questions come up and conversations veer off-topic. This is where “The Parking Lot Technique” can be useful, which essentially dictates that any new topics or questions raised in a meeting (that weren’t on the agenda) are put in the “parking lot” to be discussed at another time. It’s incredibly simple, but it will do a lot to keep meetings on track.

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Reduce onscreen stimuli

We’ve already talked about how there’s a lot going on in virtual meetings. With multiple faces (including your own) and backgrounds to look at, it’s easy for your brain to become overstimulated, which adds to virtual meeting fatigue. 

Fortunately, preventing this is also pretty easy as you (and your colleagues) can simply reduce what’s on your screen. One of the easiest ways to do this is to try hiding your own camera from your screen, which will really help with reducing the effects of virtual meeting fatigue. 

You could even suggest everyone turns off their webcam when they’re not speaking as this will help keep all attendees focused. 

Encourage attendees to use a simple background 

To take stimuli reduction a step further, try getting everyone in the meeting to blur their backgrounds. It’s a small and simple step that can have a big impact on combating fatigue. 

It will also ensure nobody is tempted to try and figure out the titles on everyone else’s bookshelf! These tiny details all add up when your brain tries to process every visual detail in the meeting room – it’s both distracting and intense! 

Switch to phone calls or email

If you’re feeling a little Zoomed-out, there’s a good chance the people you’re set to meet with are as well – especially if it’s late in the afternoon, towards the end of the week. 

With this in mind, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with suggesting a phone call, especially if you’re only meeting one other person. By sending a polite and friendly email ahead of the meeting asking to have a phone call instead, you could be reducing meeting fatigue for both of you. 

They’ll probably be just as relieved to get your email as you will be when they reply: “Yes, of course!”

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Meeting fatigue FAQs

How many meetings are too many?

There’s no definitive answer to how many meetings are too many, as it can vary depending on each person’s workload and working style. However, if meetings start to feel overwhelming or interfere with productivity, it could be the right time to reassess the frequency of meetings and consider new and more efficient ways of communicating.

How to minimize Zoom fatigue?

To minimize virtual meeting fatigue, it’s important to take breaks between meetings and limit the number of back-to-back virtual meetings as much as possible. Additionally, adjusting the lighting, camera position, and minimizing distractions in your environment can help reduce eye strain, which might help relieve some of the symptoms of meeting fatigue.

How to combat virtual meeting fatigue?

To combat virtual meeting fatigue, it’s important to be intentional about scheduling meetings, making sure they are necessary and productive. Additionally, incorporating breaks, interactive activities, and varying the format of each meeting can help keep attendees engaged and reduce the sense of monotony that can contribute to virtual meeting fatigue.

The Complete Guide to Remote Communication

Remote communication

There’s no denying that remote and hybrid working has become the new normal. While this trend was already growing in popularity before COVID-19, the pandemic forced companies to adopt remote working models and there’s no going back.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as the vast majority of employees are enjoying the new work-life balance that has come as a result of the shift. In fact, in a survey by Flexjobs, 65% of remote workers said they don’t want to return to the office. 

While we’d argue that what’s good for people is good for business, the disruption and uncertainty caused by the rapid and widespread adoption of remote working hasn’t gone unnoticed. One of the biggest challenges of this new reality is being able to effectively communicate remotely with teams.

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Communication is crucial for maintaining high levels of productivity and ensuring remote workers feel a sense of belonging within the company. For organizations that had a remote work system in place before the pandemic, this is nothing new, but now these issues are affecting everyone. 

That’s why in this guide, we’ll walk you through the current state of remote communication. We’ll also address some of the common misconceptions holding companies back when it comes to effectively communicating while working from home.

What is remote communication?

So, what is remote communication? In a nutshell, remote communication refers to the use of online tools to communicate and collaborate with others. Some types of remote communication include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Video Conferencing (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet)
  • Asynchronous Video Messaging (via screencasts & webcam recordings)
  • Instant Messaging (Slack, Microsoft Teams)
  • Email (Outlook, Gmail)
  • File-sharing platforms (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive)

You’ve probably used some remote communication technology yourself, in which case you won’t be surprised to hear that remote communication is particularly important for companies that create virtual teams. 

What’s a virtual team? Well, rather than working in a shared office space, virtual teams communicate and collaborate online. This allows companies to tap into a wider pool of talent, regardless of location. It also allows team members to work anywhere, whether that’s from home, a co-working space, or a coffee shop. 

So, whether you manage remote workers or are part of a virtual team, effective remote communication is a vital ingredient to success.

Types of remote communication

Although we’ve already looked at some remote communication examples, it’s worth knowing that there are two types of remote communication: synchronous and asynchronous – these are big words with simple meanings: 

  • Synchronous communication = Takes place in real-time.
  • Asynchronous communication = Doesn’t require everyone to participate all at once.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how different types of remote communication fit into each category:

Common types of remote synchronous communication

  • Zoom or other video calls
  • Phone calls
  • Virtual meetings
  • SMS text messages
  • Slack or Microsoft Teams conversations

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Common types of remote asynchronous communication

  • Project management apps
  • Wiki or Sharepoint site
  • Informational or instructional videos
  • Quick-reference guides
  • Screenshots with markup
  • Slack or Microsoft Teams chats

Difference between remote-first and remote-friendly

As well as there being different types of remote communication, there are also two primary subtypes of remote companies. 

It probably goes without saying, but just in case: A remote company is a business that operates primarily or entirely online, with a distributed team that works from various locations. This means that team members can work from anywhere with WiFi, rather than in a physical office. 

Because they rely so heavily on communication and collaboration tools to keep their team connected and productive, most remote companies are already masters at knowing how to communicate remotely. They simply have to be!

As for the subtypes, there are some companies that are ‘remote-first’ and others that are ‘remote-friendly’. Let’s talk a little more about what that means…

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Remote-first

A remote-first company is a business for which remote work is the primary mode of operation – that means it’s not just an option, it’s the default. This usually means that the standard mode of communication for employees is through video conferencing and messaging apps, rather than in-person meetings.

Remote-first companies have digital infrastructures to support their setup, including cloud-based collaboration tools and software for project management. While some remote-first companies may have physical offices or co-working spaces available, they are only used on rare occasions, or by those who prefer working in the office.

In a remote-first company, employees often have greater control over their schedules and the flexibility to choose when they start and finish work. This modern attitude to work prioritizes achieving objectives, rather than strictly managing the hours staff are sat at their desks. 

This type of remote work culture can lead to improved work-life balance, increased productivity, and higher job satisfaction for employees. That’s a win-win-win! 

Remote-friendly

On the other hand, a remote-friendly company is a business that has the flexibility to accommodate remote work, but doesn’t necessarily prioritize it as the default mode of operation. Remote-friendly companies may have a physical office or headquarters where employees can work, but also have the capability to support remote work for some, or all, employees.

In a remote-friendly company, employees have the option to work from remote locations and communication is often a mix of in-person meetings and remote tools such as video conferencing and messaging apps.

Remote-friendly companies may not have a fully developed digital infrastructure specifically tailored to remote work, but they typically have systems in place to support remote employees. This can include tools for project management, document sharing, and other collaborative processes.

Overall, a remote-friendly company provides more flexibility to employees, allowing them to balance their professional and personal lives.

Signs of poor remote team communication

In the age of remote work, effective communication is more important than ever. And yet many companies struggle with communicating remotely, despite the advanced digital tools they have access to.

In this section, we’ll explore some of the most common warning signs of poor remote communication. By recognizing and understanding these signs, you’ll be better equipped to address communication issues before they affect productivity and morale within the business.

Don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. As we talk about each symptom we’ll also look at ways to remedy poor communication with easy and effective remote communication strategies. With the right approach, your team can develop stronger communication skills and work more effectively together, no matter where they’re working from.

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Too many meetings

At TechSmith, we’re big believers in quality-over-quantity when it comes to meetings. 

While meetings can be great for discussing, collaborating, and brainstorming, they’ve become the default method of communication for many companies. This has resulted in everyone having way too many meetings, and it’s costing companies a lot of money!

The key is recognizing when a meeting is and isn’t needed. If the purpose of a meeting is to have a discussion and receive input from multiple people all at once, then it’s probably a meeting worth having. 

However if a meeting will mostly be a one-way transfer of information (eg. a presentation or basic training) instead of a collaborative effort, then ask yourself: Is there a better way to share this information?

Spoiler alert: Yes there is! 

With remote communication methods and tools, sharing and distributing information among teams is quick, easy, and doesn’t drain company resources. Taking steps to regulate the number of meetings will allow remote workers to focus on the work they need to do. 

The next time you need to show someone how to complete a task, or give feedback on a project, try recording a quick video message instead. You’ll be surprised how much easier it is to create an internal communication video, than to find an opening on someone’s calendar.

For example, software like TechSmith’s Snagit makes it easy to record quick and informal videos that are shared with just the click of a button. So next time you need to show someone how to complete a task, or give feedback on a project, try using Snagit to create an internal communication video.

Lack of meeting structure

Even for companies that don’t suffer from too many meetings, there’s still a chance they’re dealing with meetings that are poorly structured and disorganized. 

Unstructured meetings can lead to people talking over each other, and people not knowing who’s responsible for what. This can make it particularly hard for remote workers to know how to participate and when to speak up.

That’s why it’s really important for remote teams to establish a clear structure that outlines the meeting’s objectives, the agenda, and how much time will be allocated to each item. This way, remote team members will have a better understanding of what’s expected of them and what they need to prepare beforehand. 

Without such structure, confusion is born and time is wasted, which can even lead to severe (and unnecessary!) misunderstandings. Fancy guessing how such misunderstandings are usually rectified? You got it, more meetings! 

By establishing a clear structure, remote teams can ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals, leading to more productive and successful meetings.
Alternatively, you replace meetings in favour of async videos, which promotes better idea sharing. It’s important to remember that not everyone feels comfortable speaking up in a meeting, and others may feel like they need to absorb the information before being able to contribute. Even the best planned meetings can’t always cater for everyone, but async videos give everybody more time and flexibility to share their ideas.

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Lack of regular check-ins

Once you’ve cut down on the number of meetings in your schedule, it becomes more important to maintain regular communication with remote team members. 

A lack of regular check-ins could leave remote workers feeling isolated and out of the loop when they don’t get updates or feedback on projects and tasks. This can lead to them feeling unmotivated and less engaged. 

These check-ins don’t have to be formal or too frequent, but taking the time to have a quick catch-up call, or a “virtual coffee break” can go a long way in making remote workers feel connected and involved. 

The key here is to create a regular cadence and establish a routine that encourages team members to check in with each other on a regular basis. This way, everyone can share their progress, ask for help, and discuss the issues and obstacles that may be affecting their work. Such check-ins will also build stronger relationships between team members and foster a sense of community within the remote team.

Too much communication

Now, quickly flipping to the other side of the same coin, you’ve got to be careful not to communicate too much. While a lack of communication is certainly a problem for remote teams, it’s worth noting that too much communication can also be a sign of poor communication. 

This might seem counterintuitive, but it’s important to recognize that not all communication is created equal.

For starters, while it can be overwhelmingly tempting to micro-manage remote workers, people need to be given the space and time to do their job. And most importantly, they need to feel trusted. 

As well as the effect on morale, when people are constantly interrupted by messages and notifications, it becomes harder for them to focus and get their work done. Plus, when there’s an overwhelming amount of communication, the messages that are important can get lost, leading to misunderstandings and mistakes.

To combat this, it’s important for remote teams to establish clear guidelines around communication. This might involve setting expectations around response times, creating designated communication channels for different types of messages, and even implementing “quiet hours” when team members can focus without distractions. 

By taking steps to balance communication, remote teams can avoid the pitfalls of both too little and too much communication.

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High staff turnover

High staff turnover is a very common sign of companies with poor remote communication. Employees who feel isolated or disconnected from their team may feel undervalued, underutilized, or that their hard work isn’t recognized. So what do they do? They find a new job. 

When people leave an organization, not only does the company lose their knowledge and expertise, but it has to devote time and resources to recruiting and training their replacements. Having staff come and go on a regular basis can also have a considerable impact on morale, productivity, and profitability. 

In remote teams, managers need to make an extra effort to build and maintain strong relationships with team members. It’s important to ensure that every employee feels valued, included, and supported – and that their efforts are recognized. 

Regular check-ins, one-on-one meetings, and team-building activities are all essential ways to build and strengthen remote team communication. When remote employees feel like they’re part of a cohesive team, it’s much less likely that they’ll look for work elsewhere. In turn, this will reduce staff turnover and help the company to retain its most talented staff.

Following the advice we’ve already covered is a great way to improve remote communication, but there are still a few strategies we’re yet to discuss.

Ways to Improve Remote Communication

While there’s no denying that effective communication is the backbone of a successful team, this is even more important for remote teams. In an environment where team members are dispersed across different locations and time zones, communication is nothing short of critical. We really can’t stress just how important it is! 

However, remote communication isn’t always easy. That’s why organizations need strategies in place that prioritize communication and keep remote teams feeling connected to maintain productivity.

In this section, we’ll discuss some tips and strategies that organizations can employ to improve remote communication. 
Whether you’re running a remote-first or remote-friendly company, or simply want to optimize communication between your remote staff, these tips can help you overcome common remote communication challenges.

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Reduce affinity distance

There are three types of distance that remote workers are likely to feel at one point or another, including physical (place and time), operational (team size and skill levels), and affinity (values, trust, and interdependency).

“Affinity distance” refers to the psychological and emotional distance that can exist between people who work remotely. This can make it more difficult to build rapport, trust, and a sense of camaraderie. Reducing the affinity distance between team members goes hand-in-hand with improving remote communication. 

To do this, it’s important to create opportunities for team members to get to know each other on a personal level. This can involve things like virtual team-building exercises, casual virtual “watercooler” chats, and encouraging team members to share more about themselves during meetings and in dedicated chat channels. 

By fostering a sense of familiarity and shared experience among employees, you can help bridge the gap created by physical distance and promote more effective communication.

Choose channels carefully

Choosing the wrong communication channels can lead to confusion, miscommunication, and delays in getting work done. However, with so many platforms available, it can be hard to know which is the best tool to use and when to use it. 

This is why understanding the different types of communication, and knowing which tool is most suitable in a particular scenario is key to optimizing remote communication. For example, some messages may be better suited for instant messaging, while others might require a video call or an email. 

While instant messaging is great for quick questions and updates, video calls can be  better for discussions that require depth and nuance. Of course, async videos offer the best of both worlds, as they can be created quickly, sent easily and convey a little extra more context than text alone. Emails, on the other hand, are best for more formal or complex communications that need documentation or input from multiple parties. 

Another important consideration when choosing communication channels is accessibility. When not everyone has access to the same tools, it’s essential to choose channels that everyone can use. It’s also important to consider people’s time zones and schedules to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate in important discussions.

Choosing the right channel can also help avoid information overload and reduce the risk of important messages getting lost in a sea of notifications.

Set up one-on-one meetings

In a physical office, managers are more likely to have regular one-on-one catchups with members of their team – as they should! But when it comes to remote environments, proximity bias comes into play and it’s easy to adopt an “out of sight (or site), out of mind” mentality, usually by accident. 

However, one-on-one meetings are crucial to remote communication because they provide a dedicated space for open dialogue and an opportunity for both parties to ask questions, provide feedback, and share their thoughts.

One-on-one meetings also provide a space for getting to know each other on a more personal level, which can promote a stronger team culture. These meetings also provide an opportunity for managers to provide individual support and guidance to team members, which is essential for employee development and growth.

As with so many of the communication strategies we’ve discussed, striking the perfect balance between communicating enough, but not too much is essential. Not everything needs to be a meeting, but meetings do need to take place. 

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to find that balance is to ask for feedback on the styles and frequency of communication. Everyone is different, and there’s a good chance that some people will want to speak more often than others, and over different mediums. 

Understanding the needs of each team member, and the team as a whole, will take your team’s communication to a whole new level.

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Snagit helps remote employees and offices return to and even exceed the efficient communication that used to happen within the office.

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Set guidelines for communication

Guidelines help to establish clear expectations for communication within a remote team, making it easier for team members to know how and when to communicate with each other effectively.

To set communication guidelines, start by identifying the most common types of communication that take place within your team. This may include email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and project management tools. 

Once you’ve identified the most common platforms, establish guidelines for how and when each channel should be used. For example, email might be reserved for formal communication such as in-depth project updates, while instant messaging might be used for quick questions.

Guidelines should also establish expectations for response times, tone, and etiquette. For instance, if a team member sends an email, when should the be expected to reply? Should responses be formal or casual? What should be included in the email, and what should be left out? 

To help you put together your own set of communication guidelines, here’s a checklist of some of the things you might want to include: 

  • Define expectations: Set clear expectations for communication frequency, tone, and response times.
  • Choose appropriate channels: Outline the right communication channels for different types of messages.
  • Be mindful of time zones: Note the time differences between teams to help people schedule meetings and communicate with colleagues.
  • Respect boundaries: Be mindful of people’s schedules and availability. You might even set rules about sending non-urgent messages outside of working hours.
  • Language: Encourage people to be clear and concise while avoiding ambiguous or overly complex language.
  • Listen actively: Remind staff to listen to their colleagues and be present during conversations to foster better communication.
  • Provide regular updates: Provide guidance for giving regular progress updates on projects.
  • Give and receive feedback: Support open and honest feedback, both positive and constructive.
  • Foster a positive company culture: Encourage camaraderie through team-building activities and regular check-ins.

While it’s up to every to establish their own set of guidelines, providing clear guidance on these topics can help to reduce misunderstandings and make communication more effective in remote teams.

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Snagit helps remote employees and offices return to and even exceed the efficient communication that used to happen within the office.

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Use the right tools

It’s important to choose tools that are easy to use and accessible to everyone on the team. The right tools will help streamline communication and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Some essential tools for remote communication include video conferencing software, messaging apps, and project management tools. Video conferencing software is especially important for remote teams because it allows for face-to-face communication, which is crucial for building relationships and promoting understanding. 

Messaging apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams are also essential for remote teams because they enable quick, real-time communication that mimics the feel of an office environment. Project management tools like ClickUp or Asana help keep everyone organized and on track, which is especially important when working remotely.

It’s also important to choose tools that integrate with one another to enable seamless collaboration across different platforms. For example, if your team uses Zoom for video conferencing and ClickUp for project management, it’s important to choose a messaging app that integrates with both tools, so everyone can stay in sync. 

Going back to one of our earlier points, it’s also important you’re using tools in the best possible way to optimize communication, increase comprehension and cut down on unnecessary meetings – this is where visual communication comes in

Snagit is great for taking screenshots, screen recordings, and creating screencasts. These are fantastic mediums for providing information that an email or message can’t quite convey, but for which a meeting would be too much. 

For example, if you need to run someone through a process, provide feedback, or simply give some visual context to your message, either with an image or via video, Snagit is the perfect tool to do exactly that. 
Tools that make it easy to communicate visually —like Snagit — are likely to become indispensable for remote teams as research suggests that a lack of visual communication could jeopardize productivity and engagement in organizations.

Transform your remote communications now!

Snagit helps remote employees and offices return to and even exceed the efficient communication that used to happen within the office.

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Remote communication FAQs

How can virtual leaders ensure effective communication with remote workers?

Virtual team leaders can ensure effective communication with remote workers by regularly checking in and setting clear expectations for communication and response times. It’s also important to encourage virtual team building that will help remote colleagues get to know each other on a personal level.

How to communicate effectively remotely?

Optimizing remote communication relies on finding the right tools, establishing clear guidelines for communication, and prioritizing regular check-ins and one-on-one meetings.

What is remote communication?

Remote communication refers to any communication that takes place between individuals or teams who are located in different locations, typically using digital tools and platforms to connect and collaborate.

How to Make a Screencast in 5 Easy Steps

A screencast is a digital video recording of your computer screen that typically includes some sort of audio voice over.

For anyone that’s never made a screencast before, it’s easy to assume that it’s a long and complicated process that only the most tech-savvy people with expensive software and equipment can manage. 

Fortunately, that’s not the case, and creating a professional-looking screencast is actually much easier than you might think. In fact, we believe anyone can create a screencast – including you!

Making a screencast isn’t rocket science, but it is a bit like riding a bike – because once you’ve learned how to do it, you’ll never forget. That’s why in this guide, we’ll teach you how to record a screencast in five simple steps. All you need is a computer, a microphone, and screen recording software.

We’ll provide you with some tips to create an immersive viewing and listening experience for your audience. Whether you want to create a tutorial, a demo, or a presentation, this guide will help you create a professional-looking screencast that impresses your viewers. Let’s get started!

Make a screencast easily!

Snagit is probably the most user-friendly and reliable screen-capture and screencasting software on the market.

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What is a screencast?

First off: What is a screencast and what is screencasting? Put simply, screencasts are screen recordings of your computer desktop and often feature audio narration to provide context and instructions to the viewer. 

Screencasts are great — and we mean really great — for creating tutorials, demos, and presentations that show how to use software, navigate a website, or perform a specific task. They can be saved as video files and shared online or offline, making them an excellent tool for remote learning, training, and communication. 

If you’ve ever watched a video on YouTube of someone explaining how to do something on your computer, such as how to take a screenshot, then you’ve watched a screencast – and there’s a good chance you learned something from it too! 

Educators, trainers, and businesses often use screencasts to create instructional content, as they allow learners to see and hear what’s happening on a computer screen. They’re also helpful for troubleshooting and providing support, as users can record and share their screens to show technical issues or receive assistance from remote tech support teams.

Screencasting software has come a long way over the years, and these days there is a lot of different software available for recording and editing screencasts. Some software — including Snagit and Camtasia — come with their own tools, some of which allow you to to add annotations, effects, and transitions to your screencasts, giving them a more polished and professional look. 

With the popularity of online video, screencasts have become an essential tool for creating engaging content and communicating effectively.

What are the benefits of using screencasts at work?

Screencasts can be (and are being) used in a number of ways within the workplace. Why? Because when it comes to communicating between teams, onboarding new staff, and creating visual how-to guides, there simply isn’t another way of conveying complex concepts and instructions so easily and effectively – at least we don’t think so! 

Effective communication is key to the smooth running of a business. Being able to optimize communication between teams is an essential part of improving knowledge sharing, productivity, and the quality of output. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the ways in which businesses are using screencasts:

1. They are great for teaching and learning

Screencasts are great for teaching someone how to do something, especially when so many people are working remotely.

As the person doing the teaching, screencasts make it easy to share detailed instructions with colleagues and employees. The visual context that comes with a screen recording does a lot to improve comprehension. So you can rest assured that the information you want to convey will be easily understood and received in the way it’s intended. 

You also don’t have to repeat yourself if you’re asked how to do the same thing by multiple people, as you can share your screencast with any number of people. 

On the other hand, as a learner, you’ll probably find it easy to follow along with a screencast, as opposed to information conveyed solely through text or audio.

Make a screencast easily!

Snagit is probably the most user-friendly and reliable screen-capture and screencasting software on the market.

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2. They provide a full visual and audio experience

People learn in different ways, some prefer to learn by listening to audio, while others prefer to see visuals or read text. That’s why screencasts are an all-in-one teaching tool that can cater to everyone’s unique learning style.

With a screencast, you can create multimedia files that combine visual, audio, and annotation tools to create an immersive learning experience. You can use on-screen notes and drawings to highlight important points, add audio recordings to provide additional context, and even include closed captions for people who prefer to read along.

For businesses creating training materials for their employees, screencasting is a versatile and effective way to deliver information. By using a combination of different media, you can create a more engaging and memorable learning experience that’s tailored to each individual.

3. Watchers can pause, rewind, and watch multiple times

Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of screencasts is that they allow viewers to learn at their own pace. With a screencast, you can pause when you get interrupted, rewind if you need something repeated, and easily refer back to it if you need a refresher.

This functionality can give people the flexibility they need to take notes and fully absorb information without having to worry about missing anything. 

4. They don’t require fancy equipment

One of the best things about screencasting is how it’s accessible to practically anyone. There was a time when creating professional-looking videos required expensive software and equipment, but with screencasting, all you really need is a computer and screen recording software.

Most computers come with built-in tools that make it easy to record your screen and create professional-looking videos without spending lots of money. You can also use a microphone to record audio narration, but even that isn’t strictly necessary as some screencasts can be made without audio, and instead, rely on screen annotations to convey information.

While there is free software that lets you record your screen (including that which is built-in  on your computer) none offer the same level of advanced tools and functionality that come with Camtasia and Snagit. 

For example, with Snagit, you can turn images into videos and record your screen, webcam microphone, and system audio exclusively or all at the same time! Meanwhile, Camtasia lets you edit videos with ease using templates, which is useful for creating professional screencasts quickly and easily.

Another great thing about screencasts is that they’re easy to share online. Once you’ve created your screencast, you can upload it to a variety of video-sharing platforms, such as YouTube or Vimeo to share it with your audience. 

However, with Snagit sharing your screen recordings has never been easier. All you have to do is click on the Share Link button and you’ll have a link that’s ready to be pasted anywhere you want – such as in an email, a Slack message, or on a training document. Your audience doesn’t even need a TechSmith account to view your content – they just need the link! 

This is all made possible by TechSmith Screencast®, the easiest place to organize your content and collaborate with your contacts. 

At TechSmith, we believe that everyone should have access to the tools they need to create high-quality videos. That’s why we’ve developed software like Camtasia and Snagit, which are both affordable and easy to use – even for beginners!

Make a screencast easily!

Snagit is probably the most user-friendly and reliable screen-capture and screencasting software on the market.

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Common examples of screencasts

If you’re wondering how to use a screencast, you’ll be glad to hear that they can be used in many different ways, from education and training to marketing and entertainment. Such versatility means there’s no limit to the number of industries they can be used in, from healthcare to finance to gaming.

They are particularly useful for creating instructional or informative videos that require visual demonstrations or walkthroughs. For example, a teacher might use a screencast to explain a difficult concept to their students, while a business might use a screencast to create a product demonstration video.

Screencasts can also be used for software and website testing, allowing developers to record and analyze user interactions with their products. Alternatively, they can also be used for creating video tutorials or how-to guides, helping users learn how to use that new software or website. 

Now, let’s take a closer look at the most popular ways people use screencasts:

1. Record calls and meetings

Record screencast

Screencasting is a great way to record online calls and meetings. By recording these events, you can easily review the content later and share it with anyone who wasn’t able to attend. This can be particularly useful for remote teams stretched across different time zones.

To record a call or meeting, you can use screen recording software like Camtasia or Snagit. These tools allow you to capture everything that’s happening on your screen, including audio and video. You can then save the recording as a video file, which can be easily shared with people directly via Slack, or archived on cloud storage.

There are many benefits to recording calls and meetings with screencasting software. It allows you to review the content later and catch any details you may have missed during the call. It also makes it easy to share the information with others who weren’t able to attend. Plus, it can be a great way to archive important information and keep a record of your team’s discussions and decisions.

2. Replacing unnecessary meetings

On the other hand, you might consider skipping the meeting altogether. That might sound like sacrilege to some, but we’d argue it’s better to focus on the quality, rather than the number of meetings a business conducts. 

In fact, learning how to run effective meetings — and when they’re needed — is the key to optimizing internal communications and efficiency. With tools like Snagit, you can irradicate the need for unnecessary meetings. This can help businesses save time and money, while also boosting productivity and morale among employees. 

For example, rather than setting up a meeting to walk a person through a simple process, it’s much easier for you to record a quick video that provides step-by-step guidance on how to complete the task in question.

Not only does this allow the person learning to revisit the video if they ever forget a step, but it means that you (the teacher) can send out the same video should you ever be asked how to do the same thing by someone else.

Make a screencast easily!

Snagit is probably the most user-friendly and reliable screen-capture and screencasting software on the market.

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3.  Quick how-to training videos

 

Screencasts are the ideal tool for creating quick and effective how-to training videos as they allow you to quickly capture your computer screen, microphone & system audio, and even webcam footage to create a step-by-step tutorial for your audience.

Whether you’re creating training materials for employees, clients, or customers, screencasting makes it easy to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. You can use a variety of tools, like callouts, annotations, and on-screen highlights, to draw attention to important points and ensure that viewers understand the material.

Improving Your Internal Communications

A guide to how visual content can help create a more collaborative and productive work environment.

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In addition to being a highly effective training tool, screencasting is also extremely cost-effective. Instead of spending time and money creating a physical training program, you can create and distribute screencast training videos quickly and easily. This makes it an ideal solution for businesses and organizations of all sizes.

But screencasts don’t have to just be used for official company training, as they can also be used informally to explain tasks and processes between colleagues. 

For example, if you’re considered to be the office pro at completing a specific task, you’ll no doubt be familiar with being asked how to do the same thing, multiple times by different people. Rather than getting stuck in a loop of answering the same question or explaining the same process, a screencast can be made once and sent out an infinite number of times. 

4.  Product demos for sales and customer experience

 

Screencasting is a powerful tool for creating product demos that can help boost sales and enhance the customer experience. With screen recording software like Camtasia, you can create compelling demos that showcase your product’s features, benefits, and value proposition – without needing to schedule in-person or virtual meetings. 

By creating product demonstrations with screencasts, you can give potential customers an inside look at your product’s functionality and capabilities. You can show them how your product works, what problems it solves, and how it can benefit their business or personal life. This can help build trust with prospects and increase their confidence in your product.

5.  Customer and product research

Screencasting is a powerful tool for conducting customer and product research. By using screen recording software like Camtasia or Snagit, you can record (with their permission, of course!) user interactions with your website, software, or product, and analyze the data to gain insights into customer behavior and preferences.

For example, you might use screencasting to record how customers navigate through your website, or how they use your software to complete a specific task. This can help you identify any pain points or areas where your users are experiencing difficulties. You can also use screencasting to record user feedback or comments, which can provide valuable insights into how customers feel about your product or service.

Screencasting can also be used to conduct product research. For example, you might use screencasting to record how your team uses new software or demonstrate new features to potential customers. This can help you gather feedback on the usability and effectiveness of your product, and make improvements based on that feedback.

Make a screencast easily!

Snagit is probably the most user-friendly and reliable screen-capture and screencasting software on the market.

Download now!

6.  New employee onboarding

Screencasting is a powerful tool for onboarding new employees. By using screencasts to create onboarding materials, you can provide new employees with a clear and comprehensive understanding of their job duties and responsibilities.

You can also show them how to use important software and tools, as well as any specific processes or workflows they need to be aware of. Screencasts can act as training materials that walk new employees through the various systems, processes, and tools they’ll use in their new role. This can help new team members feel more confident and prepared as they settle into their new job.

Also, if you’re already creating screencasts to convey information, a lot of that pre-recorded footage could probably be used to make more official training materials. This is essentially the same as gathering years’ worth of content and knowledge and making it easily accessible to new staff. 

How to make a screencast

If you’re wondering how to make a video and share your screen — or to put it more eloquently, “how to screencast” — you’ll be glad to know that with the right tools and a little know-how, you can create a screencast that looks and sounds great.

We’ve developed a simple, five-step process that teaches you how to make a screencast on a Windows PC (or on an Apple Mac) using Snagit – regardless of your level of technical expertise. Whether you’re creating a training video, product demo, or anything in between, our process ensures that your screencast will be engaging, informative, and professional.

So, if you’re ready to take your screencasting skills to the next level, all you need to do is follow these five simple steps:

1. Choose your screen recording software

When it comes to choosing screen recording software, there are a lot of options out there. While many devices come with built-in screen recording software, these programs are often limited in their features and functionality. The built-in tools are usually fine for creating basic screencasts, but if you’re looking for a more powerful, versatile solution, you may want to consider dedicated screen recording software such as Snagit or Camtasia.

Snagit is great for those who need quick and easy screencasting capabilities packaged in a simple, user-friendly interface. With Snagit, you can quickly and easily capture screenshots and video recordings of your screen, annotate your images and videos, and share your screencasts with others.

If you’re looking for more advanced functionality, Camtasia offers a full suite of video editing tools, making it the perfect choice for those needing to create professional-quality screencasts. With Camtasia, you can capture high-quality video and audio from your screen, edit your footage, and add effects and animations to make your videos more engaging.

In summary, if you just need basic screen recording capabilities, Snagit may be the best choice for you. However, if you need advanced video editing tools and want to create professional-quality screencasts, Camtasia may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your individual needs and preferences.

For the following steps, we’ll be using Snagit as our software of choice for talking you through the steps of how to make a screencast.

Make a screencast easily!

Snagit is probably the most user-friendly and reliable screen-capture and screencasting software on the market.

Download now!

2. Prepare yourself and your screen for recording

Snagit offers users the ability to record their entire screen or just a portion of it. If you plan on recording your entire screen, it’s worth tidying up your desktop by changing any distracting wallpapers, hiding your desktop files, and disabling notifications.

To ensure your screencast is as smooth as it can be, we recommend you write a script to help you stay on topic and ensure you cover all the important points you need to make. If writing a full script seems daunting, creating a bulleted list of key points can be just as effective.

Before you start recording your screencast, it’s a good idea to have a couple of rehearsal runs. This can help you identify potential stumbling blocks and ensure that your recording goes smoothly. Taking the time to prepare and practice will ensure your screencast is polished and professional.

3. Record your screen

What is a screencast

Now it’s time to start recording! First, you need to decide whether you want to record your entire screen or just a part of it. 

Even if you decide not to do an entire rehearsal, it’s worth running a quick sample recording to test your audio settings to ensure that your voice and any other audio elements are clear and easy to hear. 

Remember, if you do make a mistake, there’s no need to stop and restart the whole process. Instead, you can just carry on recording and cut your mistakes later – trust us, with Snagit, it’s easier than you think! 

4. Make adjustments to your recording

Now if you do manage to record the perfect screencast in one take, we salute you! However, the chances are you’ll make a small mistake at some point, if not on your first screencast, then maybe on your 100th! 

It’s fine to make mistakes. We all make them, but with Snagit, it’s super easy to edit out parts of the footage – here’s how:

A GIF of the Snagit cutting video process

Make a screencast easily!

Snagit is probably the most user-friendly and reliable screen-capture and screencasting software on the market.

Download now!

5. Save and share your screencast

Now that you’ve recorded your screencast, the fifth and final step is to share it with your audience. Snagit provides numerous options to easily share your screencast with others.

It offers a wide range of popular sharing destinations, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, Outlook, and TechSmith Screencast®. You can also save your screencast as an MP4 or GIF file directly to your computer for further editing.

Tips to make amazing screencasts

Screencasts are an incredibly powerful tool for teaching, training, and presenting information in a way that’s clear, concise, and engaging. But even if you’ve mastered the basics of screencasting, there’s always room for improvement. In this section, we’ll explore some tips and tricks that can help you take your screencasts to the next level.

By honing your technique, you can create incredible screencasts that are guaranteed to engage your audience and help them learn more effectively. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the top tips for creating incredible screencasts: 

1. Record your webcam

How to make a screencast

With Snagit’s picture-in-picture video tool, you can record your webcam while simultaneously recording your screen – this is a great way to add a layer of personality to your screencast. This personal touch can make your video feel more human and will keep your viewer engaged.

This is especially useful for anything you might send to a customer as it helps them put a face to your voice and is a great way to increase engagement.
To take this one step further, you could even create a split-screen video with Camtasia, which could be used to create a more polished-looking screencast.

How to screencast

2. Create an outline before recording

We really can’t stress enough just how much of a difference it will make to prepare before recording your screencast. While not every screencast requires a fully-written script, writing a rough outline of what you want to cover will keep your video focused. 

Two of the fastest ways to lose your audience are to ramble on about a specific point, or lose your train of thought while recording, which often leads to a lot of “ums” and “ahs”. To avoid this, create a list of points you want to cover (at the very least), have them by your side while your recording, and stick to them.

Make a screencast easily!

Snagit is probably the most user-friendly and reliable screen-capture and screencasting software on the market.

Download now!

3. Record in a quiet environment

Lots of background noise in your screencast will only work to distract your audience, so it’s important to ensure you’re recording your video in the quietest environment that you have access to. 

While you don’t need a sound-proof recording studio, it’s best to plan ahead and think of the best time and place to record quietly. If you’re making a screencast in the office, it might be with booking a meeting room. Alternatively, if you’re working from home and you know your neighbor likes to mow the lawn on Thursday afternoons, try to avoid recording at that time. 

4. Practice before recording 

There’s a reason everyone says “practice makes perfect” – because it does! If you’re new to making your own screencasts, a little practice before creating the videos you plan to send out will do a lot to help you hone your skills and boost your confidence. 

Even if you’re the world’s most experienced screencast creator, you may still benefit from doing a dry run, especially if you’re covering something you’re only partly familiar with.

5. Test your recording software

Whether you’re using Snagit, Camtasia, or some other screen recording software, it’s really important you take the time to familiarize yourself with the tool before getting stuck into the recording. 

It can be incredibly frustrating (take it from us!) when you’ve spent time preparing and then recording a screencast, only to realize that your microphone wasn’t picking up any audio. So even if you’re a Snagit pro, it’s still worth doing a quick software check just to make sure everything is working as you want it to. 

6. Cut out dead moments

Snagit’s trimming tool makes it easy to cut out the mistakes and “dead moments”. What is a dead moment, we hear you ask… well, it’s any time that’s captured in the screen recording that isn’t going to benefit the audience. 

For example, footage of screens loading or of you filling out a form won’t teach your audience anything, but it will quickly make your viewers feel bored. The tip here is to cut out parts of the recording that don’t offer anything to the audience, which will help keep your video concise and to the point. 

Make a screencast easily!

Snagit is probably the most user-friendly and reliable screen-capture and screencasting software on the market.

Download now!

How to make a screencast, the FAQs

Are a screencast and a video the same thing?

In some cases, yes! A screencast is a specific type of video. Screencasts are a type of instructional video that usually include screen recording and audio narration.

How can I share my screencasts?

With Snagit, sharing screencasts is super easy. Just go to the Share Link button in the top right corner of the application and select one of the many sharing destinations, or save it as a local file.

How do I edit my screencast?

Snagit can help you make simple edits to video clips, like cutting out unwanted footage. However, if you need to add more in-depth effects to a video, we suggest checking out Camtasia.

How to Create Amazing Step-By-Step Instructions

A screen showing a chart with numbers indicated a process.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, providing employees and end-users with clear and concise instructions on how to perform a task or use a product is vital to every organization’s communication strategy. 

One of the best ways to give crystal-clear instructions is with step-by-step documents that provide contextual guidance while offering clarity into the details of a process. Step-by-step instructions are often the easiest way to help guide a person to complete a specific task successfully, especially if the task in question is complex or involves several steps. 

With the help of step-by-step guides, teams can collaborate effectively and achieve repeatable success. These guides also come in handy for training new employees, providing reinforcement training, and helping to document and share knowledge within an organization.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the best ways businesses can implement and create step-by-step instructions for internal and external communications. Whether you’re looking to streamline your business processes or improve productivity, this article will provide you with everything you need to create impactful step-by-step guides using visuals. 

Let’s get started!

 

What can I use step-by-step instructions for?

The beauty of step-by-step instructions is that there isn’t a limit to the ways they can be used, as their fundamental purpose is to break down a process into bite-sized directions. They can even be used as supplementary material to provide further context to instructional videos.   

It doesn’t matter what process you’re trying to explain. Whether it’s a short guide on how to take a screenshot or a longer one about how to make great training videos, step-by-step instructions can be really useful for sharing knowledge with your colleagues, employees, and your customers. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular and practical uses of step-by-step instructions:

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Employee onboarding

No matter how excited someone might be to start a new job, there’s always a lot to take in when you move to a new company. Getting to know your new colleagues, adapting to a new work environment, and becoming familiar with new processes, can be overwhelming for even the most experienced employees. 

Moreover, when someone joins an organization, they need to learn how to perform various tasks as quickly as possible. By providing step-by-step instructions, organizations can make the onboarding process smoother and more efficient for new staff members, which will help them, their colleagues, and the business as a whole.  

With the series of clear directions that step-by-step instructions provide, employees will find it easier to navigate tools and complete tasks. Such instructions are also useful for providing clarity, promoting consistency, and making it easier to learn how to correctly perform standard operational tasks. 

As step-by-step instructions can help a new employee settle into an organization, you might also find that guides like this can help them quickly build confidence in their new role.

Customer onboarding

First impressions are everything, which is why it’s important to ensure that a customer’s first interaction with a product is as good as it can possibly be. To do this, you need to make sure that customers know how to use your product from the get-go. 

This is where the step-by-step instructions come in, which are especially useful with software. Providing clear directions on how to set up and use a product or service, whether it’s flat-pack furniture or screen recording software, can help customers get started quickly and easily. 

The best step-by-step instructions can even help to reduce the burden on customer support as they’ll be able to steer customers away from potential issues and answer the most common questions. This allows support staff to focus on helping customers with more complex issues and will help the customers get faster and more efficient support.

So while step-by-step instructions for end-users might seem like a “nice-to-have” to some, they can have a big impact on increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

Promoting software adoption

Not everybody likes change, which is why it can be difficult to encourage and train an entire workforce to use new software. However, by shortening the learning curve, step-by-step guides make it easier for staff to fully understand the functionality of new software and the value they’ll gain from using it.

If you’re introducing new software to your employees or helping your client to do so, step-by-step instructions can help your team adapt to new processes faster and more efficiently. 

A few simple step-by-step instructions, or even screenshots, can go a long way in highlighting the software’s key features and capabilities. By showcasing these features in a way that’s clear and easy to understand, organizations can help users get the most out of the software to realize its full potential.

Create amazing step-by-step instructions!

Snagit’s templates are the fastest way to create professional-looking step-by step instructions. Give people detailed instructions in minutes.

https://www.techsmith.com/download/snagit/
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Improve knowledge sharing

Sharing knowledge is essential to the smooth running and success of all organizations, as it helps improve collaboration, efficiency, and overall success. While there’s more than one way a company can share knowledge, step-by-step guides cater to everyone’s understanding and comprehension levels. 

Whether the step-by-step directions are provided via a text document, a video tutorial, or even a series of screenshots — which are particularly easy to capture and share — these instructions play a vital role in sharing knowledge between teams and colleagues. 

By creating clear and detailed instructions on how to perform specific tasks, organizations can document their processes and procedures in a standardized way that’s structured and easy for everyone to understand. This can help ensure consistency in the way work is performed, reduce errors, and improve the overall quality and efficiency of a team’s output.

How step-by-step instructions affect your business

There are many different ways that a business can be transformed by simply implementing better knowledge sharing through the use of step-by-step instructions – and all of them are good! 

Whether you’re looking to cut down costs, increase productivity or promote better collaboration between teams and individuals, creating step-by-step instructions could be the answer. 

So let’s take a look at some of the ways in which clear and concise directions can optimize your business operations:

Time-saving

Research shows that employees spend “nearly 20% [of the working week] looking for internal information or tracking down colleagues who can help with specific tasks.” However, with clear and concise instructions readily available, employees can save themselves and their colleagues time by solving issues themselves. 

Cost saving

As the old saying goes, “time is money,” which means any time spent fixing problems that could be solved with good knowledge sharing is money wasted! 

In fact, the International Data Corporation estimates the average enterprise wastes $2.5 to $3.5 million per year due to ineffective knowledge systems. That’s a lot of time (and money!) that could be better spent when businesses find better ways to share knowledge among teams, such as with step-by-step instructional guides.

Better collaboration

Having specific instructions on how to complete a project can also support better collaboration between teams. Without clear direction, it can be all too easy for people to lose track of who’s responsible for what task and the project’s end goal. Such confusion can lead to a fall in productivity, missed deadlines, and a lower quality of work. 

This is why it’s really important to ensure that all team members are clear on objectives and what’s expected of them throughout the process. One of the easiest and most effective ways to achieve this is by creating clear step-by-step guides that outline and delegate all the steps in a process. 

Such documentation will help eliminate any ambiguity surrounding a project and will act as a guide that employees can refer back to if they ever lose sight of their responsibilities to the project. 

Better process documentation

A report by Panapto found that employees lose an average of five hours per week “waiting to get in touch with people that have the unique knowledge they need.” 

That’s why, when managing a large or growing team, it’s in a business’s best interests to provide staff with the best possible documentation for completing standard processes and operations. That means including clear, concise, and easy-to-follow instructions. 

This key documentation, often referred to as standard operating procedures (or SOPs), is crucial for ensuring every member of staff knows exactly how to complete a task. 

By having documentation on completing standard processes that are easy to access and understand, staff can spend less time searching for the information they need and get on with the task at hand.

Better quality control

In turn, having clear and well-thought-out SOPs will help guarantee a consistent level of quality and output among members of staff. Without such instructions, every team member could, in theory, take a different route to complete the same task, but with mixed results. 

With step-by-step instructions, every employee will know the standard way to complete a task and, more importantly, will know exactly what the end result should look like. 

Create amazing step-by-step instructions!

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How to create step-by-step instructions?

So now that you know the different ways in which step-by-step instructions can be used and you understand the benefits of using them, it’s time to take a closer look at actually creating them. 

While creating step-by-step guides is fairly simple and straightforward, there are some best practices to keep in mind when putting together your own directions for staff and end-users. 

So, without further ado (and without wanting to be too meta), here are some step-by-step instructions on creating step-by-step instructions:

Name the process or task

The first step is to clearly label the process or task that your step-by-step instructions refer to. This will make it easy for employees to find and refer to, both when they first use your instructions and again if they ever need their memory refreshed on the standard process. 

Establish the individuals responsible for the process

For projects that will only go on for a specific period of time, it’s always worth clearly delegating tasks to certain members of staff. This will help ensure everyone is aligned on each other’s responsibilities. 

However, even for more complex and long-term processes, such as how to apply for time off, it can still be useful to include the names and contact details of relevant people. Though it does become more important to keep the documentation up to date to ensure that the person using the instructions wastes no time contacting the wrong people.

Identify the ideal steps involved

Next, you’ll need to identify the most ideal steps involved in completing a task, process, or project. This step might require some input from members of staff who may be more familiar with — and better equipped to complete — certain objectives. 

You might also take this opportunity to consult managers and decide which steps do and don’t need to be mentioned. While it’s important to give detailed instructions, it’s just as important to be concise. 

Document the steps with all the details required

Now it’s time to actually write down each instruction and explain the details for each one. This presents a great opportunity to use visual elements, such as diagrams, flowcharts, videos, screenshots, and even GIFS, all of which can help boost comprehension. 

With tools like Snagit, you can turn video clips into animated GIFs, which are a great way to split a video into smaller and more digestible snippets. GIFs can also be used for relaying information when a screenshot isn’t quite enough but a video would be overkill. 

However, if a screenshot is all you need to make your instructions clearer, then Snagit’s step tool lets you add step numbers to a screenshot with nothing more than a click.

Create amazing step-by-step instructions!

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Determine if or when it’s ever appropriate to deviate from the process

As well as outlining detailed steps to complete a process, it’s just as important to identify if and when an employee will need to deviate from your step-by-step instructions and provide clear directions of what to do in such a situation. 

While you can’t plan for every potential scenario, you can have a plan in place to deal with the unexpected. That’s why it’s worth having fallback instructions to cover situations when something doesn’t go as planned. Even if the instruction is as simple as consulting a manager, the employee will waste no time trying to figure out the best course of action.  

By doing this, you’ll ensure your staff is aware of potential situations when something doesn’t go entirely to plan and equipped to make informed decisions on how to move forward. 

Put the process into practice 

Once you’ve finalized the actual step-by-step instructions, it’s time to put them into practice! Now’s your chance to test your instructions with the individuals or teams responsible for overseeing or completing a process. 

After implementing a new process, it’s important to assess the effectiveness and success of both the process and the instructions used to complete it. You should also welcome and listen to feedback from members of staff, as this will help identify the challenges they faced in completing the process or following your instructions.

As with most things, there’s always room for improvement, so be sure to update and refine both processes and step-by-step instructions to maximize your team’s efficiency and output over time.

Tips to create amazing step-by-step instructions

Now that you know the basics to create clear and concise step-by-step instructions, there are a few other things to keep in mind that will ensure your providing the best possible directions for your team. 

Remember, the better your instructions are, the easier it will be for employees to complete processes and projects successfully and efficiently.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create step-by-step instructions that are tailored to the specific needs of your organization, which will drive long-term growth and success. 

Be super-organized

As we’ve already discussed, there’s really no limit to the breadth of topics, processes, and tasks that step-by-step instructions can help explain and simplify. The chances are that if you make a how-to document for one process, you’re going to do it for all your processes, which will leave you with a whole library of instructions covering a wide range of tasks. 

While having a big knowledge bank is great for collaboration and productivity, you need to be incredibly organized to ensure that every set of instructions is accessible to every employee. 

This means storing all your guides on one platform and having logical categories with a series of sub-divisions. You’ll also want to ensure that each set of instructions is well-labeled so that your staff can simply search for individual guides as and when they need to. 

Make your instructions easy to read

It might go without saying, but it’s imperative that all your instructions are easy to read and understand. While this isn’t usually a problem for shorter how-to guides, it can be easy to get lost in longer and more complex sets of instructions.

While the structure of your instructions is key to ensuring they’re easy to follow, using visuals can also help convey complex ideas.

To take this one step further, you can even simplify images and screenshots. With Snagit’s simplify tool, you can replace text and distracting visual elements in an image with simplified objects. This is perfect for when you want the reader to focus on only a portion of an image when cropping isn’t an option.

Give some context to your reader

People learn best when they’re shown (rather than told) how to do something, which is why contextual guidance can be much more effective than simply outlining the features of a tool or piece of software. 

For example, try to create instructions that help the reader solve a specific problem or reach a goal. So rather than telling someone how to do something, try demonstrating it through your instructions and encourage the reader to follow along in real-time. 

This approach will make the instructions much more engaging and will help end-users navigate a tool’s features to complete complex tasks with ease.

Use quality media

If you do decide to use visual media, such as images and videos, in your step-by-step instructions, you have to make sure it’s good quality. 

While that doesn’t mean you need to hire a film crew to create an employee training video, you should, at the very least, ensure the picture and sound quality aren’t distracting your audience. 

You also don’t need advanced equipment, as the built-in webcam and microphone on your computer are probably good enough to create videos, screencasts, and other visuals. 

Make your instructions easy to share

It’s important to remember how busy people are, and when it comes to figuring out how to do something, not everyone will have the time to download and read a large PDF document or presentation.

For this reason, it’s important to ensure that you present your instructions in a visual format that’s easy to share and access in a short amount of time. 

If you’re using Snagit, you can instantly generate a Screencast link to your content where viewers can leave comments or ask questions. Screencast also makes it easy to organize your images and videos into collections for easy access.

Alexandra White

Alexandra is the Documentation Editor at Joyent, where she takes complicated technical content and makes it friendly for the average human being. She’s been a marketing manager, a web developer, and once upon a time she was the social media intern at TechSmith. She believes in the power of a strong women in tech community. Follow her on twitter for technical strategies and thoughts on women’s rights at @heyawhite. TechSmith is thrilled to work with talented guest bloggers to bring valuable and interesting content to readers. Have a topic suggestion? Tweet us @TechSmith!

How to Record Your Computer Screen (With Sound)

How to Record Your Computer Screen

Whether you’re a software developer who needs to create a how-to video, you need to record your screen for a presentation, or simply want to make a helpful YouTube video, being able to capture a screen recording is essential in today’s world. However, knowing how to screen record on a laptop or PC with sound will make your videos even more impactful. 

Regardless of who you are or what you do, there’s a good chance you’ll need to capture different types of screen recordings depending on your audience, the purpose of your video, and even the length of it. 

For example, a how-to video (often referred to as a screencast) demonstrating a brand-new product will probably need to be longer and more polished than a simple video showing a colleague how to take screenshots on their computer

These factors will also influence your decision when finding the best screen recording software. If the key purpose of your videos is knowledge sharing, you’ll want to make sure that the software you use can also record sound, as giving your viewers audio instructions will make it easier for you to convey information and for them to digest it. 

So if you’re asking yourself: “How can I record my screen?” Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! 

In this article, we’ll look at how to record your screen with audio so that your viewers can hear what you’re saying and see what you’re doing. We’ll also discuss the difference between using built-in screen recording tools and third-party software such as Camtasia and Snagit. 

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to start a screen recording on your laptop, PC or Mac.

Should I use a free screen recorder?

Maybe. You can use free apps like QuickTime (on Mac) or Xbox App (Windows), but if you’re comparing different screen recording tools, make sure you get a screen recorder with sound recording and video editing options built-in. Not all software offer this level of functionality, but these ‘extra’ tools can have a big impact on the screen recordings you create.

The problem with many built-in screen recorders that come as standard on your computer  (and some third-party ones) is that they limit you to just recording. This could leave you needing extra tools and software just to edit and share your videos.

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How to choose your desktop screen recorder

The first thing you’ll need to do is choose the screen recording software you’ll use. 

Snagit is great for simple, short desktop recordings, while something like Camtasia might be better for longer, more complex jobs. However, recordings made with Snagit can be easily shared with Camtasia and assembled into longer, more complex videos there.

Today, we’ll show you how to screen record your screen with Snagit for simple recordings and Camtasia for more polished videos.

Snagit is better for short, quick desktop screen recordings

Short, simple recordings that won’t require much editing can be done with something like Snagit.

Snagit is great for screenshots and quick and easy screen recordings. It’s perfect for conveying a complex idea or process — that’s too hard to explain via email — when you don’t have time to schedule a meeting.

Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Choose what you want to record

Step 2: Decide whether to record your webcam, microphone, and/or system audio (each one can be toggled on and off individually, so you can record all or none of them along with your screen)  

Step 3: Trim your video

Step 4: Save or share

When your video is ready, use the Share menu to save the video or click “Share Link” and a url will be automatically copied to your clipboard.

Snagit Screen Recording Hotkeys

Start Screen Recording

Windows: Shift+F9

Mac: Control+Shift+Spacebar

Pause/Resume Screen Recording

Windows: Shift+F9

Mac: Control+Shift+Spacebar

Stop Screen Recording

Windows: Shift+F10

Mac: Control+Shift+V
To configure your own hotkeys for your keyboard, see Customize the Snagit Hotkeys.

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Camtasia is better for polished, professional-quality screen recordings

Longer or more complex recordings may need more editing. With Camtasia you’ll have a built-in video editing suite full of advanced tools you can use to create stunning videos.

For example, Camtasia even allows you to enhance the video by zooming in on areas of emphasis, changing the size and path of the cursor, and adding text or graphic call-outs. These are just some of the features that make Camtasia great for creating professional videos, such as training videos, product demos and software marketing content. 

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Choose your recording options

Step 2: Choose the region you want to record

Step 3: Record your desktop with audio (if you want to)

Step 4: Edit your video

Step 5: Produce and share

Camtasia Screen Recording Hotkeys

Start/Pause Screen Recording

Windows: F9

Mac: Command+Shift+2

Stop Screen Recording

Windows: F10

Mac: Command+Option+2

To customize the shortcuts for your keyboard, see Customize Camtasia Shortcuts

How to record your screen with sound

Including audio with your screen recordings can really enhance the viewer’s experience, and narrating what you’re doing on screen, or providing step-by-step instructions, can be especially helpful when creating how-to videos.

By using voice-over narration, you’ll provide additional context and support for your visuals, which will help viewers understand what’s happening on the screen and why. This also provides an opportunity to give viewers commentary and insight that may not be apparent from the visuals alone – no matter how crisp or clear your video is!

Sound is also useful for other screen recordings. For example, keeping the original audio in clips taken from webinars and virtual meetings will provide extra context and insight into the conversations that took place. Even if you were to provide a transcript of the conversation with the video , there are small nuances in speech that can often be missed without sound. 

Whether you’re recording for professional or personal purposes, having the original audio can be critical for communicating your message effectively. By including both voice-over narration and original system audio, you can create more engaging and informative screen recordings that will better connect with your audience.

To record your voice, select the microphone on Snagit. And if you want to record the sounds that come from your computer, like the beeps and boops you hear, select the system audio option.

When you record your screen you can include typing the address into your browser and show all your mouse movements and clicks to let people see exactly where to go and how to get there.

You can include video and audio when you record your screen too. Use microphone audio to narrate your video from your computer’s built-in microphone or an external mic.You can also record your system audio (that’s the sound that comes out of your speakers). 

Now you have all the information you need to create audio-enabled screencasts! Never again will you need to ask, “How do you record screens with sound?” or “How can I record my screen?”

Record Your Screen Today! (For Free!)

Download one of our free screen recorder trials (on Windows or Mac) to quickly and easily record your computer screen.

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Computer screen recording FAQs

Can I screen record with sound?

Yes, with the right software recording your computer screen with sound is easy. While some computers and operating systems come with built-in tools to record your screen, not all of them include features to record audio. 

Depending on your computer, downloading software such as Snagit or Camtasia could be the easiest and most effective way to record your screen with sound.

How do I record my computer screen?

Depending on your computer and operating system, you may or may not have a built-in tool to record your screen. Either way, third-party software such as Camtasia and Snagit offer more advanced features than most built-in screen recorders.

How to screen record on Mac?

You can use the built-in Quicktime Player to capture a screen recording on your Mac, or you can use third-party software such as Camtasia or Snagit which offer more advanced recording features. For example, with the Camtasia Recorder, you can record your screen and your webcam at the same time, as well as sound from both your microphone and system audio. 

How to screen record on Windows?

To record your screen on a Windows computer, you can use the built-in Xbox Game Bar, or third-party software like Camtasia or Snagit, which offer more versatile recording and editing tools. Not only does Camtasia let you record your screen, webcam, microphone, and system audio all at once, but you can also edit each media clip either separately or together. 

How to screen record on Chromebook?

To screen record on a Chromebook, you can use the built-in Screen Recorder, or third-party software such as Camtasia or Snagit to capture your screen, audio, and webcam footage. Camtasia and Snagit offer cutting-edge editing and recording tools to help you record and edit like a pro. With Camtasia, you can even create split screen videos and add a range of animations to your footage.

Kara Swanson

Marketing Content Specialist at TechSmith. I know way more about tea than any human being ever should.

How to Edit a Video (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to edit a video (step-by-step)

If you already know the basics of filming video footage, you might be asking yourself: “How do I edit a video?” 

Learning how to make video edits using software such as Camtasia can lead you down an internet rabbit hole, one that can make the very idea of video editing seem like a daunting task, especially for those just starting out. However, learning how to edit videos can be as fun as it is rewarding.

Knowing how to record and produce a video from beginning to end is a useful skill to have. Not only are videos a great way to communicate a range of ideas and delve deep into a subject but they can be used by people in any industry or profession. Even teachers can create educational videos that can be made accessible and interactive to further engage their students

But, no matter what kind of video content you want to create, having a solid understanding of video editing is essential. To help you with the process of editing a video, we’ve put together this video and comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know to create jaw-dropping videos.

While every project you work on will have slightly different editing requirements, the fundamentals of video editing will largely remain the same.

When it comes to video editing software, there are many different editing suites to choose from. In this guide, we’ll focus on Camtasia, an easy-to-use screen recording and video editing tool that’s perfect for beginners and professionals alike. So, if you’re looking to create a video for your business, for your YouTube channel, or just for fun, this guide will teach you how to edit camera videos with Camtasia.

So, let’stake a deep dive into what you need to do before you begin and how easy it can be to edit any type of video using Camtasia. We’ll also take a look at some of the best editing tips and tricks to create great video content.

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Before you start editing your video

There’s more to editing video content than meets the eye. First you should prepare your footage and understand what you want your video to achieve. As with many creative projects real success relies on, planning and preparation, so let’s take a look at some of the early steps you need to take before jumping into the editing suite. 

Back-up media

The first and arguably most important step is to back up all your media and footage. If you don’t, then you risk losing everything you’ve already worked on, should an unexpected problem arise. 

It’s always best to back up your media in two or three places, including cloud storage and physical hard drives. This might sound over-the-top, but should anything happen to your computer, hard drive, or internet connection, you’ll be glad you were extra careful. 

Organize your footage

Once your media is backed up, you’ll need to organize it. This will save you time and effort when it comes to the actual editing.

There are many different ways to effectively organize your footage, and while you’ll likely find your own way, you should definitely consider taking the following two steps: 

Note the name of the shots

There are different ways to log your shots and these may vary from one project to the next. For relatively simple videos with only a few different shots, you could create a note on your phone with the shot name and a description of the footage. 

When it comes to larger and more complex projects, it may be more effective to create a spreadsheet for logging all your shots. Thanks to smartphone apps like Google Sheets, you can do this even when you’re not at your desk. 

Name your footage and media

Naming your footage and media is another way to ensure it’s easy to find and access when you start editing. One of the easiest and most popular filing methods to use is the YRMODA (Year-Month-Day) system, which will keep your files arranged in chronological order. 

With the YRMODA system, you can add tags to the file name to provide some context of what is featured in the shot. For example, if you filmed a sunset on March 13th, 2023, the file name would be 230313_Sunset.MP4.

Edit your own videos like a Pro

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Set your goals for the video

Before you start editing, you need to have a clear idea of your video’s purpose. Think about exactly what your video is going to be about, who it’s for, and the tone you want to set. 

A family video showcasing your latest vacation is going to look very different from a training video aimed at colleagues and employees, or a product demonstration video for prospective customers. It can be really helpful to have a written script in front of you as it will help answer a lot of the questions that might occur when asking yourself these questions. 

Preview your footage and select the shots you want to use

Once you’ve organized your footage and know exactly what you want to achieve, spend some time previewing your shots and deciding which ones you actually want to use. 

This will save you the hassle of jumping between your editing suite and your video files to select footage while you’re editing, which will optimize your workflow. With Camtasia, you can preview all of your files right in the media bin. Just import the files you intend to use and then you can hover over them with your mouse to get a preview.

Pick the music you want to use

Finally, choosing music for your video is one of the more fun parts of editing preparation. 

While music might feel like a “nice-to-have”, it can have a considerable effect on your audience, including consumers. Giving your video its very own score will help keep viewers captivated, which in turn will help them absorb the information you’re providing. 

TechSmith Assets for Camtasia has literally millions of royalty-free assets such as video footage, images, and music you can add to your video project. Choose from the free assets included with Camtasia or subscribe for access to the full library.

How to edit a video using Camtasia

Jason Valade, Master Trainer at TechSmith, will give you some of the basic concepts and walk you through how to edit a video.

Discover how to edit a video using Camtasia

If you want even more content on making your first video, the full five-part course is available for free on the TechSmith Academy.

It features multiple video experts, including Owen Video (Thevideospot.net), Buddy Scalera (Content Strategist), Jason Valade, Master Trainer (TechSmith), and Amanda Robinson (Social Savvy Society).

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Add media to your video editor

It’s time to start editing! 

Start by importing your media files to the Media Bin iEven at this early stage, you should see the benefit of taking the time to organize your footage before editing. 

If you want to practice editing with the footage shown in the tutorial — including the intro and outro videos recorded on webcam, the screen recording with no audio, and the voiceover scripts — you can download the sample project from the TechSmith Academy

As you make edits to your video, it’s important to regularly save your project to keep it as up-to-date as possible. So, once you’ve populated your Media Bin, go ahead and save the file by going to ‘File’ and clicking ‘Save’. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut by pushing Control (Ctrl) + S on Windows or Command (Cmd) + S on Mac. 

There are plenty of other preset and customizable keyboard shortcuts supported by Camtasia. Learning all the keyboard shortcuts is a great way to optimize your workflow and become a more productive video editor. 

Bring in your screen recording

When editing a video, you don’t have to work chronologically from start to finish. In fact, Jason believes it’s more important to start with the “crux” of your video in order to make the editing process easier and more efficient. 

So rather than start by editing your introduction, you may find it easier to begin editing the most important part of your video, which in Jason’s case is the screen recording. If you’re working with the sample project, now’s the time to add the screen recording to your Camtasia timeline.

Next, start making “wholesale cuts” to get rid of all the unnecessary footage that was captured in the screen recording. These are the clips that you don’t need or want your audience to see, such as load times between screen changes.

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Make some cuts to your video

As you start to make cuts to your video, you can use the voiceover script as a guide for the parts of the screen recording that do and don’t need to be included in the final video. 

If you’re working with your own screen recording, you might find it useful to make notes while recording to log timestamps of footage that you might want to cut later. 

For example, if you’re interrupted for any reason while recording, you’ll be able to look at your notes when editing and know that the footage taken between 3m 31s to 4m 22s can be cut. 

Another way to keep track of the cuts you intend to make while you’re still recording is to clap three times if you make a mistake or get interrupted. As Jason explains in the tutorial, this will create an audio and visual cue that you can quickly recognize as a part of your video that you’ve marked to be cut. 

The objective here is to make your final video as tight as it can be by ensuring there isn’t any unnecessary footage that doesn’t contribute to the overall video. As a video editor, it’s your job to ensure that the audience only sees what they need to see in order to focus their attention – so if there’s any footage that won’t benefit your audience, it’s best to cut it out. 

If you’d like to experiment with more advanced editing techniques, you could even try adding some L-cuts and J-cuts to your video. Stepping outside of your comfort zone and playing around with different creative processes can be a great way to hone your skills. 

Focus your viewer’s attention

Every great video should focus the viewer’s attention on what’s important. This is why it’s useful to have a script, which can be used as a reference for knowing where to draw your audience’s attention.

This is where slightly more advanced editing tools, such as zooming and panning around the screen become useful. With Camtasia, you can also add visual annotations called “Callouts” to your video, which help draw the viewer’s attention to a specific part of your screen. 

Using Jason’s tutorial as an example, let’s say you wanted to show people how to log in to the YouTube Creator Studio. First, you would find the part of your video where you start talking about signing in to YouTube. 

You’ll see that there’s a “Sign-In” button in the top right-hand corner of the screen recording, but to ensure your viewers know where to find this button you might consider zooming in on the button and highlighting it with one of Camtasia’s Callouts. 

By doing this, you’re guaranteeing that your viewers will see exactly what you want them to.

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Add the audio to your video

Once you’ve cut down your raw footage and have identified the places where you need to direct your audience’s attention, you can start adding audio to your video. To do this, go to your Media Bin and drag it to your Timeline to add it to your video. 

If you’re working with the sample project files, you’ll notice that the voiceover audio file might not match the length of the screen recording. To synchronize the voiceover with the screen recording, there are two things you could do. 

First, you could cut the video footage down further to perfectly match the length of the audio. However, this might make the video a little too fast, without giving your audience the time they need to digest the information you’re providing. 

It’s probably better to cut the audio in different places instead. This creates smaller voiceover snippets that can be matched with what’s happening in the screen recording. 

It might sound complicated, but it’s remarkably simple. All you need to do is find the breaks in the voiceover, split them up into smaller soundbites, and move them down the timeline as needed.

Or, for even easier voiceover editing, try TechSmith Audiate. With Audiate, you don’t have to try to edit confusing wave forms. Instead, Audiate transcribes your voice over track so you can edit it just like text. Best of all, Audiate and Camtasia work together seamlesslly, cutting your video editing time significantly!

It’s worth remembering that while recording your voiceover and your screen at the same time may save time in the short term, Jason recommends recording your audio separately as it provides more flexibility when it comes to editing. 

Doing this can also work to make your final video more polished and professional, as you can record multiple takes of your voiceover before deciding which version is best. 

While this particular step could be considered ‘optional’, knowing your audience is the key to deciding whether or not it’s worth going the extra mile. For example, you might want to spend more time on your video if there’s a chance it’s going to be seen by hundreds of people, as opposed to only being shared with a handful of friends.

The same goes for deciding whether or not to add subtitles or closed captions to your video. If you know who your audience is, you should be able to gauge their needs.

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Bring in your webcam footage

Once you’ve got your voiceover synchronized with your screen recording, it’s time to add the intro and outro videos you recorded on your webcam (or the videos Jason recorded that are included in the sample project files). 

To add the intro, simply drag it to the timeline. You can either add it to the current video track or create a new track. 

Using Jason’s project as an example, his intro and outro footage had already been recorded and edited before adding the footage to the Media Bin. This means both his intro and outro were already perfect for his project. 

When it comes to filming yourself on a webcam, Jason recommends doing a couple of test shots to make sure everything on the screen looks as good as it possibly can. When taking your test shots, be sure to look out for the following:

  • Lighting
    Perfecting your lighting is important for any video, and it’s worth noting that natural light is always better than artificial light. If you can, try filming yourself during daylight hours in a well-lit room, ideally facing a natural source of light, such as a window.
  • Backdrop
    Check to make sure the space behind you is tidy and uncluttered. This will help your audience focus on you and not what’s around you.
  • Camera Angle
    In an ideal setup, your webcam should be level with your eyeline. Not only does this make watching you feel more natural to the viewer, but it makes your video look more polished and professional. 

When filming yourself, you should also consider the picture quality of your webcam, especially if it’s your computer’s built-in one. But don’t panic, if you’re concerned about your webcam’s resolution, there’s one other device you might own that could greatly improve the quality of your footage: your phone.

That’s right, filming on your smartphone could be a better way to record yourself (depending on the model) than using your computer’s built-in webcam. Furthermore, buying a small tripod for your phone is more cost-effective than buying a brand-new camera.

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Produce and export your video

Once you’ve edited all your footage and your video finally feels finished, there’s just one more step before it’s ready to be shared with your audience: exporting it. 

When you export your Camtasia project, you’ll be turning all the tracks and layers of your project (the audio, the footage, the effects etc.) into a single and watchable file that can be easily shared. 

Jason recommends exporting your videos as an MP4and saving it to your computer’s hard drive. To do this, click the “Share” in the top right-hand corner of the Camtasia window, and then select “Local File” to export the video into a folder of your choosing. 

An important part of the exporting process to consider when working to a deadline is the rendering process. The time it takes for a video to render can vary significantly depending on several factors, including how long the video is, how many layers there are on the project, and how powerful your computer is. 

As a general rule, the longer your video and the more media it features, the longer it will take to render. 

Once your video has rendered and been fully exported, you may wish to upload it to an online platform such as Screencast, Google Drive, or even YouTube. Once your video is stored online, not only will it be easy to share, but it will be backed up as well.

Bonus video editing tips

Record your video at the right size

Knowing what size to record a video in is one of the more technical factors that can catch people out. When it comes to making and editing simple videos, there are two rules that will ensure your videos and footage are kept the right size. 

If you’re creating a video that’s going to include a screen recording, the first rule to remember is to record, edit, and export all your media in the same dimensions. It doesn’t matter if that’s 720p, 1080p, or 4K as long as you’re consistent with the dimensions across your entire project. 

There’s a chance that not all the footage will have been filmed or recorded in the same dimensions. So the second rule is: If you need to change the size of a clip, always change your big numbers to small numbers (1080p to 720p) and not the other way around (720p to 1080p). 

Keeping the dimensions of your media consistent and only resizing large dimensions to fit smaller resolutions, will ensure your videos look great across a variety of platforms and devices.

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Use b-roll

B-roll iscrucial to enhancing the overall quality and impact of your final video. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, B-roll refers to the supplemental footage that is used to complement the primary footage (the A-roll) visually. 

In movies, for example, A-roll is the main footage that tells the story whereas B-roll is all the footage that’s used to bridge the gaps, such as establishing shots, atmospheric location shots, and shots of inanimate objects. In the sample project that Jason put together, the footage of him on camera would be considered the A-roll and the screen recording would be the B-roll. 

By using B-roll in your video, you’re bringing in more visuals that will help keep your audience focused. When used well, B-roll footage can help reinforce a point, provide context, and act as a transition from one scene to another.

In turn, this can help tell a story more effectively by conveying a message visually, rather than relying solely on dialogue and narration. But most of all, it can make your video more aesthetically pleasing, which will help keep your audience captivated. 

Pick the right transitions

Camtasia has a wide range of built-in transitions that can be placed between two shots. These visual effects work to not only make the final video feel more polished but to help it move smoothly from one shot to another, which helps improve the video’s flow.

With so many transitions to choose from, you might find it hard to choose one effect over another. If your goal is to create a video that looks professional, Jason recommends using ‘Fade’ transitions rather than the more animated options, such as a ‘Page turn’ or a ‘Circle stretch’. 

These professional-looking transitions are perfect for corporate media and internal communications, whether that be an instructional video for your colleagues or a training video for new team members and staff. 

Regardless of the transitions you decide to use, be sure to use them somewhat sparingly. Too many transitions might make your video feel chaotic and look amateurish. When using fade transitions, Jason feels it’s best to only use them at the very beginning and end of a video, or when there’s a significant change in the video’s content. 

For example, if you were to create a customer story video, you probably wouldn’t use a fading transition between every customer. However, if you were to ask customers about different products, you might use a transition to help visually separate the conversation between one product and another.

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Don’t over-edit your video

As with most creative processes, it is possible to over-edit your video. While this doesn’t necessarily apply to cutting and trimming your footage, it definitely applies to adding effects and annotations. 

When you’ve got too much happening on the screen, not only do you risk making your video look messy, but you also risk overwhelming your audience to the point of dispersing their focus and losing their attention.

Remember, when you’re editing a video your primary objective is to make it as easy as possible for your viewers to follow, understand, and absorb the point you’re making. 

Avoid the curse of perfection

It’s all too easy to get caught up in the quest for creating a perfect video (which can lead to over-editing), but when you’ve got a tough deadline, striving for perfection is going to make editing much more difficult. 

However, there are ways to speed up your workflow that will make it easier for you to create a near-perfect video with Camtasia in very little time. For example, having organized video templates can cut down the time it takes to edit a video. 
The same can be said for writing a video and voiceover script (as you’ll make fewer mistakes when you know exactly what to say) and being aware of your process as an editor. The more you practice and the more you learn, the better your videos will be and the faster you’ll be at producing them.

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Edit a video, the FAQs

How to edit videos on iPhone?

To edit videos on iPhone, you can use the built-in iMovie app. Simply import your footage, select the clips you want to use, and then use the editing tools to trim, adjust, and add effects to your video. Once you’re happy with your edits, you can export your video in a variety of formats and share it with others.

How to edit TikTok videos?

To edit TikTok videos, you can use the built-in editing tools in the TikTok app. Simply select the clip you want to edit, and then use the editing tools to trim, adjust, and add effects, text, music, or filters to your video. Once you’re happy with your edits, you can post your video to your TikTok account for others to see.

How to edit Youtube videos?

To edit YouTube videos, you can use the Camtasia video editing software. All you need to do is import your footage, select the clips you want to use, and then use the editing tools to trim, adjust, and add effects, transitions, text, or music to your video. Once you’re happy with your edits, you can export your video directly to YouTube, or export it locally before manually uploading it.

How to edit videos on Windows?

To edit videos on Windows, you can use video editing software such as Camtasia, which offers a user-friendly interface with powerful editing tools that make it easy to create professional-quality videos. First, import your footage, select the clips you want to use, and then use the editing tools to trim, adjust, and add effects, transitions, text, or music to your video. Once you’re happy with your edits, export your video in a variety of formats and share it with your colleagues, friends, and family.

How to edit video on mac?

The Camtasia editing suite offers a range of powerful and intuitive features to help you create professional-quality videos on Mac and Windows. To start editing, simply import your footage and use the editing tools to trim, adjust, and add effects, transitions, text, or music to your video. Once you’re satisfied with your edits, you can export your video in a range of formats and quickly share it with your audience.

The Best Way to Take Screenshots on a Computer (PC and Mac)

Screen Capture: The Best Way to Take Screenshots

Do you often need to save or share what you see on your computer screen? Do you find that the built-in tools on your devices don’t offer as many functions as you’d like?

While mobile and desktop operating systems offer basic screen capture tools built-in, most have limited functionality.

There is, however, a wide range of third-party apps, programs, and browser extensions that have been specifically designed for taking a screenshot, editing them, adding notes, as well as sharing and saving them.

Apps like Snagit, are perfect for people that take lots of screenshots and need more flexible and robust tools than the ones built into their devices. If that sounds like you, then Snagit might be your new best friend!

One of the best parts of using Snagit to take screenshots is that it enables you to show people exactly what you want them to see on your desktop, and how you want them to see it.

Capture your screen today!

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Snagit offers a wide range of smart and intuitive screen capture tools that make it easy to take, edit, annotate, and share screenshots and video screen recordings, both of which are a really effective form of visual communication.

As well as using Snagit to capture your desktop, you can also use it to edit the photos saved on your computer. That means you can use Snagit to crop any image on your device, as well as edit, annotate and add effects to them. 

In this blog post, we’ll be showing you how to take a screenshot on both Mac and Windows using built-in tools like the Windows Snipping Tool and third-party programs like Snagit. So if you need to know how to capture your screen on a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, or how to take, edit and annotate screenshots on a Lenovo or HP laptop, we’ve got you covered. 

How to take a screenshot on PC

If you want to take a screenshot on your Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11 computer, there are several methods you can use.

Well, whether you want to capture the entire screen on your PC or just a piece of it, we’ve rounded up the most effective ways of capturing your screen on Windows using built-in tools like the Snipping Tool and third-party apps like Snagit, which offer advanced features and greater flexibility. 

Capture the whole screen on Windows

The simplest way to take a screenshot in Windows is to use the Print Screen button (often labeled as “PrtScn” or “PrtSc”). You’ll find it on the upper-right side of most keyboards or next to the Space Bar on some. 

To capture an image of your entire screen, simply press the PrtScn button once, this will copy the screenshot to your clipboard. You can then open any program that allows you to insert images, such as Paint, Microsoft Word, or Powerpoint, and paste the screenshot by pressing Ctrl-V. Doing this can really improve your Word Docs and PowerPoint slides as it helps break up the text and make the information you’re sharing easier to digest.

The downside to this method is that it captures everything that’s visible on your monitor. And, if you have a multiple monitor setup, the screenshot will merge all your screens together to make it look as though they’re all part of one giant desktop. 

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Not only does this make it harder to show something specific, but the words and/or images you’re looking to save or share can easily become lost in too big a picture and may be rendered unclearly. 

If you only want to capture the window you currently have open, you can hold down the Alt button while pushing the Print Screen button. This method works on any version of Windows, including Windows XP and 95. 

Just as it would with the regular method, this will copy your screenshot to your clipboard, which allows you to paste it into your desired program in order to save the file.

Capture parts of the screen on Windows 

Depending on what it is you need to do, there are different types of screenshots you can take, and different ways of taking them. As we’ve discussed, one way is to use the tool that’s built-in on your device, such as the Print Screen button or the Snipping Tool. 

The Print Screen button allows you to quickly capture an image of your entire screen or just the active window, depending on whether you use the button alone or in combination with the Alt key. On the other hand, the Snipping Tool (available on Windows 7 and later versions) allows you to capture a specific area of the screen, as well as add notes and save the image in different formats, which can be useful for conveying specific information and ideas.

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Then there’s Snagit, the third-party software from TechSmith that offers a range of advanced features for capturing, editing, and sharing screenshots. Not only can you use Snagit to take static screenshots but you can record videos, capture whole web pages, and create GIFs. You can even use Snagit to turn multiple images into a video – the possibilities are endless. 

It’s easy to use too! With Snagit, you can create custom shortcuts for quick access to the features you use the most, and use the built-in editor to add text, shapes, effects, and watermarks to your captures

With the latest features, sharing videos and screen captures taken with Snagit has never been easier. Once your screenshot or recording has been taken, you can click on the “Share Link” button to generate a link to your content. The link will be automatically copied to your clipboard so that it’s ready to paste into an email, message, or document. 

This dedicated link will take your audience to Screencast, where they can view and engage with your content by way of adding comments and graphic annotations, in real-time. Viewers don’t need an account to interact with your content, which means you can share your Snagit media with anyone.

As the owner of the content, you can also log on to Screencast to access, organize, and manage your media. However, if all you need to do is directly share a file, Snagit does allow you to save your screenshots in different formats (such as JPG or PNG) and simply share them via email, social media, cloud storage, or team messaging platforms like Slack.

There’s no right or wrong way to take a screenshot on your PC, but some ways might be more suited to you, your objectives, and your workflow. On the one hand, you can use built-in Windows tools for simple and quick screen grabs, or use Snagit for more advanced and professional captures.

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Screen capture on Windows using the built-in tool

Let’s talk a bit more about the Windows Snipping Tool. This is is a built-in screenshot utility available in all recent versions of Windows, including 7, 8, 10, and 11. It allows you to capture specific areas of your screen and save the image in different formats. When compared to older versions of the Windows Print Screen function, the Snipping Tool is much more versatile when it comes to taking screenshots, but is just as easy to use.

You can open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the toolbar search. To do that, press the Windows key to open the toolbar and jump to Windows search – alternatively, you can also use the Windows-S shortcut to open Windows search. Once it’s open, type in “Snipping Tool” and press Enter (and note that in Windows 7, you must manually select the search field before typing). 

The Snipping Tool application will then appear in the search results. To open it, just push Enter, or click on the icon – it’s that simple! To make it easier to find and open the Snipping Tool in the future, you can easily pin it to your taskbar or start menu.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a keyboard shortcut to open the Snipping Tool and it can only be opened manually. In Windows 10, however, there’s an updated version of the Snipping Tool, called “Snip & Sketch”, which can be opened by pressing the Windows-Shift-S. 

Snip & Sketch is similar to the Snipping Tool and offers the same screen capture capabilities with some additional functionality for editing, annotating, and sharing screen grabs. However, when Microsoft released the Windows 11 operating system in 2021, they decided to merge Snip & Sketch with the Snipping Tool to create the new and improved Snipping Tool (so Windows 11 users won’t find Snip & Sketch on their PC). 

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The Snipping Tool has various modes that allow you to capture free-form screen grabs and basic rectangular screenshots. However, this already offers much more flexibility than just pressing the Print Screen key. Once you start “Snipping” by clicking the “New” button, your entire screen will turn gray and all you have to do is select the area you want to capture.

Once you’ve taken your screenshot, not only will it be copied to your clipboard (so you can share it right away), but it will also be automatically saved to the Screenshots folder (which can be found in your Pictures folder). If you click the preview that pops up in the bottom-right corner of your screen, you’ll also be able to edit your capture and add markups. 

Screen capture on Windows using Snagit

If you don’t already have Snagit, you can download it for free and try the software for 15 days. Snagit works on both Windows and Mac. So no matter what platform you use, it will work on your system.

You can capture your entire screen or only a selected portion of it. The screenshot automatically opens in the Snagit Editor where you can preview, edit, and share the capture.

Step 1: Open the Capture window.

In the Notifications area, click the red TechSmith Snagit icon to open the Capture window on the screen. If you’re in the Snagit editor, click the Capture button in the toolbar to bring up the Capture window.

Screen capture on Windows using Snagit.
Step 2: Choose your screen capture settings.

The Capture window gives you a lot of flexibility depending on what type of screen capture you want to take. Grab your entire desktop, a region, or a window with Snagit’s All-in-One Capture®. Take a quick image screenshot, or even record a video.

Step 3: Click the Capture button.

Click the Capture button on any tab in the Capture window to start your screen capture. You can also start a capture with the current settings by pressing the PrtScn button (Print Screen), which is the default global capture hotkey. You can also customize and change the global capture hotkey.

Step 4: Click and drag the crosshairs to take a screenshot of the active window.

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How to take a screenshot on Mac

These methods work with different versions of macOS–10.10 (Yosemite), or higher.

Capture the whole screen on Mac

Let’s take a look now at how to take a screen capture on an Apple Mac. The macOS has slick built-in features for taking screenshots quickly and easily. However, when it comes to trying to capture an entire web page, things can get a little tricky. 

As most web pages don’t fit cleanly into the window of a web browser, if you want to take a screenshot of a whole page, you need to adjust the magnification levels by zooming out until the whole page fits. 

Here are the steps to follow when taking a screenshot of a webpage on a Mac:

  1. Open the webpage you want to screenshot;
  2. Click the green button in the top-left corner of your browser window to make it full-screen;
  3. Hold the Command (Cmd) key and press the minus key to zoom out until the whole page is visible without scrolling;
  4. Next, press Cmd-Shift-4 to open the screen capture tool. You’ll notice that your cursor arrow will turn into crosshairs;
  5. Click the mouse button (don’t let go yet!) to drag the crosshairs and highlight the parts of the webpage that you want to capture;
  6. When you’ve selected everything you want to screenshot, release the mouse button.
  7. A screenshot of the highlighted area will be taken and saved to your desktop. 

Once the screenshot has been taken, you can either click on the preview that appears in the bottom-right corner of your screen or open it from your desktop to edit and/or share it.

The downside to taking a screenshot on a Mac like this is that even if the entire webpage fits on your screen once you’ve zoomed all the way out (which it might not), there’s always a chance that the text won’t be legible and the images will render unclear.

However, Snagit’s panoramic capture feature allows you to take scrolling captures, which are a more advanced and fluid way of taking large screenshots, without compromising the quality of the content you want to share. With the panoramic capture tool, you can scroll both vertically and horizontally, making it particularly useful when it comes to capturing large web pages or spreadsheets.

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Capture parts of the screen on Mac

Depending on what you need to do, there are several ways to take screen captures on a Mac. Firstly, you can use the various built-in tools, which we’ll talk more about in a moment.

Alternatively, you can use Snagit, which offers a variety of advanced features for capturing, editing, and sharing. With Snagit, you have the ability to easily capture entire web pages, as well as images, videos, and GIFs. Each screenshot can be saved in a range of formats and shared quickly and easily with your colleagues and contacts.

As well as capturing entire web pages, Snagit can be used to quickly create mock up websites. You don’t need a degree in design, you just need some screenshots – it couldn’t be easier! 

Screen capture on Mac using the built-in tool

To capture a screenshot on a Mac, press the Cmd-Shift-5 simultaneously to open the screenshot tool.

Capture your screen today!

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With the screenshot tool open, you’ll have several options for taking different types of screen captures, including:

  • The entire screen (which can be done by pressing Cmd-Shift-3 at the same time);
  • A portion of the screen (which can be done by pressing Cmd-Shift-4 simultaneously before clicking and dragging to highlight the portion you want to screenshot);
  • A single window (which can be done by pressing the keys Cmd-Shift-4 together. You’ll then need to press the Space Bar and click on the window you want to capture);
  • Record the entire screen (possibly in order to complete a “lecture capture”);
  • Record a portion of the screen.

Expert Tip: If your MacBook has a Touch Bar, you can capture that in your screenshot too by pressing Cmd-Shift-6. 

The screenshots you take will automatically save to your desktop, but unlike Windows devices, they won’t be copied to your clipboard. 

If you only want the screenshot to be copied to your clipboard (rather than saved to your desktop), you will need to press the Control (Ctrl) button when using one of the keyboard shortcuts described in the list above. For example, to copy a screenshot of your entire screen to your clipboard you need to press Cmd-Shift-Ctrl-3 at the same time. 

This is a quick way to take a screenshot and have it on your clipboard, ready to be pasted into another application. It’s worth noting, however, that a screenshot taken with the Control button held down will only go to your clipboard and won’t be saved to your desktop.

Capture your screen today!

Download a free trial of Snagit to quickly and easily take screenshots of your computer screen, mark them up, and share them.

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Screen capture on Mac using Snagit

Step 1: Open the Capture window.

In the menu bar, click the TechSmith Snagit icon to open the Capture window on the screen. If you’re in the Snagit editor, click the Capture button in the toolbar to bring up the Capture window.

Screen capture on Mac using Snagit
Step 2: Choose your screen capture settings.

The Capture window gives you a lot of flexibility depending on what type of screen capture you want to take. Grab your entire desktop, a region, or a window with Snagit’s All-in-One Capture®. Take quick image screenshots. Or even record videos.

Step 3: Click the capture button.

Click the Capture button on any tab in the Capture window to start your screen capture. You can also start a capture with the current settings by pressing using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl-Shift-C, which is the default global capture hotkey. You can also customize and change the global capture hotkey.

Step 4: Click and drag the crosshairs to select part or all of your screen.

Capture your screen today!

Download a free trial of Snagit to quickly and easily take screenshots of your computer screen, mark them up, and share them.

Download now!

How to take screenshots, FAQs

How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook?

There are several ways to take a screenshot on a Chromebook:

1- The simplest way is to press the Ctrl-Show Windows keys at the same time. By doing this, you’ll take a screenshot of the entire screen.

It’s worth noting that some of the latest Chromebook models have a dedicated key for capturing the entire screen. It’s usually located above the 6 key and is labeled “F5” and in some cases, this key will have a camera icon on it.

2- To capture a specific portion of the screen, press the Ctrl-Shift-Show Windows keys simultaneously. This will allow you to select the area of the screen you want to capture.

3- You can also take a screenshot of a specific window by pressing the Ctrl-Alt-Show Windows keys at the same time. This will capture a screenshot of the active window.

All your screenshots will be saved in the “Downloads” folder, where they can be easily shared with your contacts.

How to take a screenshot on an HP laptop?

As most HP laptops and computers run on a Windows operating system, the instructions for how to take a screenshot on a computer will also apply here. But, it’s worth remembering that as well as the built-in tools on your device, you can also download Snagit and try it for 15 days, for free! 

How to take a screenshot on a MacBook?

The fastest way to take a screenshot on a MacBook is to use the keyboard shortcut Cmd-Shift-4, which will allow you to capture a specific portion of your screen, or a particular window, which you can do by pushing the Space Bar and clicking on your desired window. 

You can also use the keyboard shortcut Cmd-Shift-5 to open the screenshot tool, which will provide you with options to record your screen as well as capture individual stills. 

Alternatively, for greater functionality and more advanced tools, you can install Snagit on a MacBook and use that to capture and record your screen in a variety of easy-to-edit formats.

How to take a screenshot on a Dell?

Taking a screenshot on a Dell laptop is similar to taking a screenshot on a Windows PC, as most Dell laptops use the Windows operating system. This means that the same keyboard shortcuts and built-in tools that apply to Windows PCs also apply to Dell laptops and computers.

It’s worth noting that in addition to the built-in tools, you can also use third-party software such as Snagit to capture screenshots. Snagit offers advanced features and editing tools, and you can try it for free for 15 days.

How to take a screenshot on a Samsung?

Capturing a screenshot on a Samsung laptop is similar to capturing one on a Windows PC as most Samsung laptops run on the Windows operating system. This means that the same keyboard shortcuts and built-in tools that apply to Windows PCs can also be used on Samsung laptops. 

However, it is important to note that in addition to the built-in tools, you can also use third-party software such as Snagit to capture screenshots. Snagit offers advanced features and editing tools, and you can try it out for free for 15 days.

How to take a screenshot on a MacBook Air?

Like all MacBooks, a MacBook Air runs on the macOS operating system. This means that taking, saving, and editing screenshots on a MacBook Air is the same as on any Mac device and the instructions described in this post for how to take a screenshot on Mac will also apply to a MacBook Air. 

Snagit is also available on Mac devices and offers more advanced functionality than the screenshot tools that are included with a MacBook Air. New users can also benefit from a 15-day free trial when they first start using Snagit.

How to take a screenshot on a Lenovo?

Taking a screenshot on a Lenovo laptop is similar to taking one on a Windows PC as most Lenovo laptops operate on the Windows operating system. This means that the same keyboard shortcuts and built-in tools that apply to Windows PCs can also be used on Lenovo laptops. 

However, in addition to the built-in tools, you can also use third-party software like Snagit to capture screenshots. Snagit offers advanced features and editing tools, and you can test it out for free for 15 days.

Experiencing Tech Overload? Here Are the Tools Employees Can’t Work Without

decorative image

The emergency shift to remote work in 2020 was hectic for many businesses. With no time to thoughtfully develop new processes and norms, many companies relied on new apps and tools to stay connected as a distributed workforce.

According to a survey from Okta, companies deployed 89 apps on average in 2021, up from 58 in 2015. And employees are feeling the consequences, with app overload leading to less productivity and even burnout.

Even with workers having dozens of apps at their fingertips each day, when we asked Snagit customers what their “desert island” workplace tools are, a few apps rose to the top across various industries and roles. 

In this post, you’ll learn:

The cost of using too many apps for communication and collaboration at work

While there are obvious financial costs associated with workplace technology, not finding the right balance of tools can impact your organization beyond budgets.

Misunderstandings or confusion

Too many apps can cause misunderstandings or create confusion within your company, primarily when employees use multiple tools that serve similar functions. 

When information becomes scattered across multiple apps, it’s easier for people to receive conflicting information or even miss an important message altogether. 

It can be even more complicated when teams or departments within a company use different apps to share information. 

Let’s say you’re working on a design project, and a stakeholder shares a critical change to the specifications in a Teams chat. However, the designer on your team is checking their email for updates and misses the message in Teams. 

The next time the team regroups, the designer is confused about why the stakeholder isn’t happy with their work and frustrated they didn’t have the correct information. 

Reduced productivity and wasted time

Do you have days where you work on many different tasks but don’t actually complete anything on your to-do list?

You can blame context switching, or the tendency to shift between one task to an unrelated task, for that lack of productivity. 

When we’re using too many apps at work, we can find ourselves spending more time toggling between windows than actually getting our work done.

According to a Ring Central survey, employees waste about an hour each day switching between different apps. 

Plus, each of those apps comes with its own set of notifications that make it more challenging to focus on a single task. 

Employee disengagement and burnout

According to The Anatomy of Work Index, more than one-third of workers feel overwhelmed by the persistent ping of notifications.

When you also consider how app overload unintentionally creates a fragmented, confusing work environment, it’s easy to see how employees could become stressed.

According to a survey from FlexJobs, more than three-quarters of respondents say workplace stress affects their mental health, which can lead to disengagement or burnout. 

How to combat app overload

The good news is there are several ways to help prevent app overload and its consequences.

Audit the tools you have

Start by taking stock of the apps you’re using and the specific business outcomes they support. Evaluating your company’s current tools will help identify redundancies or gaps in workflows to address.

Don’t forget to keep your organization’s most critical goals in mind when deciding which apps are essential and which you should let go of. 

If your company handles complex projects with many moving parts, it probably doesn’t make sense to get rid of your project management app.

Use the tools you have to the fullest

A study from WalkMe found that only half of the enterprises surveyed believe they realize the full potential of the apps at their disposal. 

Before deploying a new app, evaluate whether one of the tools you already have meets that need first. 

Look into features you’re not currently using or other pricing tiers to see if upgrading a current app is a better fit. You might find investing in an app your employees already use more cost-effective in the long run.

Snagit is an Essential Tool for the Modern Workplace

Empower your team to communicate more effectively and eliminate unnecessary meetings.

Snagit

Streamline processes

We usually don’t add tools or apps to our workplace tech stack just for fun. The goal is to give employees the tools they need to do their job effectively.

So, creating uniform processes across teams and departments can also help reduce app overload and prevent redundant work or information silos. 

Let’s say the human resources team at your company uses Asana to keep track of their work, but the finance team uses Trello for the same purpose. Of course, there are added costs associated with the redundancy, but it can also make workflows unnecessarily complicated.

Especially when those teams need to collaborate on a project, it can lead to conflicting information or additional steps to get everyone on the same page.

Listen to your employees

When adding or removing tools from your workplace tech stack, remember to collect feedback from those who use them every day.

Asking employees for their opinions about the functionality or usefulness of an app can help you get a better idea of its overall effectiveness. 

You may discover that the features one team likes about OneDrive are the same reasons another team can’t live without Google Docs, allowing a smoother transition if you choose one app over the other. 

The top workplace tools, according to employees

To find out what tools professionals across various industries are finding success with today, we asked Snagit customers one question, “If you had to choose five software tools to continue to use in the workplace today, which would you choose?”*

Across industries and roles, the top five tools were:

  1. Snagit
  2. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  3. Outlook
  4. Zoom
  5. Microsoft Teams

Snagit is a powerful screen capture tool that allows you to use images and videos to share ideas, give feedback, and communicate more effectively. 

It’s incredibly easy to use and ranks on G2’s list of Best Software Products for 2023.

Snagit is one of those applications that you need to have “always on” ready to go. It is such a productive tool for learning, presentation development, and idea generation.

Derek T. via G2

Building the optimal tech stack for hybrid and remote work requires thoughtful evaluation of the tools your teams use daily. Leveraging a quality-over-quantity approach to apps can help you communicate more effectively, increase productivity, and keep employees engaged.

Infographic

How to Make a Boring Presentation Interesting

Tips to make a Powerpoint presentation not boring

Whether presenting to colleagues at work or giving the keynote at a major conference, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides and other slide presentations have become an absolutely essential way to share information.

They’re easy to use, offer a great way to combine images, video, and text, and require almost no training.

So, why are so many presentations so BORING?

All the elements are there for creating effective, eye-catching, and engaging presentations, but so often we’re forced to sit through slide after slide of overcrowded, hard-to-read text and fuzzy (or non-existent) images.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

You don’t need to be an expert at public speaking or worry about giving a Ted Talk level presentation.

You can make your presentations dazzle with just a few easy tips.

 

How to Make a Presentation Interesting

In order to be great, you need to combine story telling, authenticity, and visual supports.  

Basically, it’s all about what you say, how you say it, and giving your audience cool slides to look at while you say it. 

Tell a story 

Often times when we think about how to make a presentation interesting, we focus on the visuals. We add animations and transitions, hoping that will keep our audience engaged. 

Cool slide designs can help, there’s no doubt about that, but if most of your attention and time is spent on that portion of the presentation you are missing out on a key element that is crucial for making presentations interesting – the story. 

The best presentations draw in their viewers with a relatable narrative, but the narrative also helps the presentation to gain memorability as well. 

You should be spending a large portion of your preparation time on crafting your content – the actual information you will be sharing and how you will be sharing it. It deosn’t matter how cool your slide designs are if they aren’t supporting compelling content. 

You don’t have to weave an epic tale for your presentation, but if you are looking to make your presentation interesting you need to incorporate some story telling aspects, like personal connection and impact.  As you sit down to write, consider these questions:

  • What am I sharing? 
  • Why is it important? 
  • What can my audience do with the information once they have it?

These questions help you get to the most important part of any communication – the purpose.  

Most presentations try to accomplish one or two of these purposes: 

  • To inform
  • To persuade
  • To inspire
  • To entertain

Take Your Presentation to the Next Level with Images and Video!

Snagit makes it easy to ditch those boring presentation slides filled with text and grab your audience’s attention with eye-catching images and videos.

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Whether you want your presentation to inspire or to inform and persuade, you can build your story to achieve the goal!   

You’ll need an outline so that your purpose is kept at the centre of your presentation and so that you follow a familiar structure. You need to make sure that you have a clear beginning, middle, and end.  

Presentations that are interesting from beginning to end take the audience on a journey. If you just recite facts and highlight data your audience won’t be engaged enough to do anything with the information, but if you go on too many tangents with personal anecdotes you will lose them to confusion about what they are meant to be learning.  

To create an interesting presentation, before getting to the cool slides, be sure you structure your content in a way that makes it easy to tell the story and provide your audience with a journey that is relevant and memorable. 

How to Make a Presentation Interesting?

Be authentic and engaging

A key point that often gets forgotten when preparing presentations? YOU are the presentation.  

If you are putting on a show, creating a persona that you believe your audience would be more interested in or confident about, the audience will pick up on it almost immediately. The whole experience will be awkward for everyone.  

Instead, lean in to the parts of your personality that best serve the presentation’s purpose. Tell personal stories, speak in the same manner you normally do, and be open.  

Your energy is contagious. If you want to make your presentation more interesting, you’ve got to bring the right energy. 

High energy presenters get more engagement from their audiences, while coming in with low energy is a surefire way to destroy any hope of engagement, regardless of how good a story you have crafted with your presentation’s content. 

Memorize your content rather than relying on reading your slides, and be sure to use different speeds and volumes throughout the presentation in order to make it more interesting, draw attention to specific points, and present authentically.

Take Your Presentation to the Next Level with Images and Video!

Snagit makes it easy to ditch those boring presentation slides filled with text and grab your audience’s attention with eye-catching images and videos.

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Prepare cool presentation slides

A recent study found that poorly constructed PowerPoint decks can lead to “distraction, boredom, and impeded learning,” while a well-crafted one enhances audience engagement and information retention.

Plus, let’s not forget that PowerPoint is a visual medium. People didn’t come to your presentation to read text off a slide. They came to listen to you present important information. And, the best way to present information is with visuals.

In fact, our research on the Value of Visuals shows that people actually absorb information faster and remember it better and for longer when it’s presented visually vs. text.

And a visual presentation doesn’t just help your audience, it will help you too!

So, not only will your audience enjoy your presentation and get more out of it, you’ll feel like a better presenter!

It’s a win-win!

Improving Your Internal Communications

A guide to how visual content can help create a more collaborative and productive work environment.

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How to Make Your Slides Look Cool 

While your content is crucial to the strength of your presentation, your slide deck has the power to add to or take away from the overall effectiveness.  Learning how to make a presentation more interesting requires skillful collaboration between the strength of your content and knowing how to make your slides look cool. 

Less is more

Learning how to make a presentation more interesting has a lot to do with learning what not to include on your slides. Less is more when it comes to slide content.  

Your slides should not be stuffed with content, especially text heavy content. Incorporating speaking points rather than fully developed ideas helps your audience follow your message without getting distracted by trying to read the slide.  

It doesn’t matter how cool your slide design is if you crowd in too much content. 

Take Your Presentation to the Next Level with Images and Video!

Snagit makes it easy to ditch those boring presentation slides filled with text and grab your audience’s attention with eye-catching images and videos.

Try Snagit for Free

Use cool slide designs

You don’t have to start from scratch with every presentation! Chances are, you are not a graphic designer so why not use the templates that have been created by professionals? 

Using these presentation templates can help you make cool Powerpoint slides, cool Google slides, or slides for other platforms as well without spending too much time trying to create a professional look. 

You can easily find templates online for Google Slides and for Powerpoint. Each of these platforms offer themes within their software as well. 

These templates and themes have all been created by professional designers, so while you will need to make minor adjustments you should refrain from making significant changes to the cool slide designs you are using.

Be on-brand

Using consistent branding is an easy way to build familiarity and trust with your audience. If you have an established brand in place be sure to use it when building your slides.  

The colors and fonts used in your design should always adhere to your brand standards without deviation. 

If you don’t have a brand guide to work from, select a specific color palette, using color theory to ensure the message of your presentation is not counteracted by your color choices. 

Stick with just a few colors, and go the same route with fonts. Only choose a few to use, and try to avoid overly scripty options as they are difficult to read on screen.

Use quality images

Adding images to your cool slides that are blurry, pixelated, or otherwise low in quality is an easy way to let your audience “check out” of your presentation. 

If you don’t have access to high quality branded photos, use sites like Unsplash and Shutterstock to access high quality images for your presentations. 

Take Your Presentation to the Next Level with Images and Video!

Snagit makes it easy to ditch those boring presentation slides filled with text and grab your audience’s attention with eye-catching images and videos.

Try Snagit for Free

Use screenshots

Adding screenshots can make your presentation more interesting than stock photos. Screenshots add a level of personalization that can’t be achieved with the use of generic photos. 

You can capture fantastic screenshots and even add highlights and notations with Snagit. Download your free trial here

Use infographics

A great way to reduce the amount of text content on your slides is with the use of infographics. 

Infographics are a great tool for making presentations interesting because they can successfully convey a lot of data in a visually interesting way.  

You don’t have to lock yourself in to the idea of charts as the primary visual for your infographics anymore. 

You can display many an idea through a good infographic, like steps in a process or historical values, and they are an excellent addition to your cool presentation slides. 

Add cool transitions to your slides

Adding transitions to your slides is a great way to make a presentation interesting. There is a fine balance to strike though between using enough and using too many. 

Limiting transitions to one per slide is a good place to start. These additions make your presentation more interactive and appealing. 

Use GIFs & memes

If you want to make a presentation more interesting, a GIF or two added to highlight some key points is a great way to go. 

GIFs are a great middle ground option between static images and videos. They can be used very effectively to drive home a specific point or to highlight a specific piece of data.  

GIFs are a great way to make your presentation more interesting and more memorable. Visuals always help with memorability and GIFs usually include a touch of humor and personality – both qualities that help information stick. 

While you are creating your cool slide designs, you may find the perfect place for a meme. These can be an effective tool, especially if the subject matter you are covering is light hearted, but use them with caution. 

They have the potential to go too far with the humor and that can detract from the focus of your presentation.

Take Your Presentation to the Next Level with Images and Video!

Snagit makes it easy to ditch those boring presentation slides filled with text and grab your audience’s attention with eye-catching images and videos.

Try Snagit for Free

Add videos

We live in a video world. A lot of the workforce is now comprised of Millennial and Gen Z workers. 

Something important to note about these two generations is that they have spent a lot of time consuming video content – it is a very comfortable medium for them and can be a really effective tool for keeping them engaged. 

Embedding videos directly into your slides can play a role in creating an interesting presentation. 

However, using too many videos (more than 3 in a standard presentation) can take away the impact your own content has, and using videos that are too long (longer than 2 minutes) can detract from your authority as the speaker – so choose wisely.

Embedding videos directly into your slides can play a role in creating an interesting presentation. 

Create a Video to Share Your Cool Slides After Your Presentation 

You’ve now spent a lot of time and energy creating your presentation. You’ve done all you can to make it interesting and perfectly appealing for your audience. It would be a shame to only use it once!

You can make your presentation a reusable asset simply by turning it into a video. You have already taken the steps to make it visually appealing so it is naturally suitable to video format. 

You don’t need to add any new content, just a simple voiceover. You can use Snagit to screen record the presentation slides and Camtasia to add a voice over recording of you presenting the content!  

Doing this means that you can send your presentation to anyone who couldn’t attend in real time. You can also send it as followup material to those who did attend so that they can continue to access it as they need to.

 

FAQs about Successful Presentations with Cool Slides

How to make a PowerPoint presentation interesting?

To make a powerpoint presentation interesting you can consider the following:Tell a story
Be authentic and engaging
Create cool presentation slides

How to do cool transitions on slides?

Google Slides and Microsoft Powerpoint both have built in capacity to add transitions on your cool slide designs.

How to get cool themes for my presentation?

You can find themes to make your presentation more interesting in the design settings on both Microsoft Powerpoint and Google Slides. 

Proximity Bias and Hybrid Work: What You Need to Know

proximity bias can create a company culture where in-office employees are rewarded for their presence with resources and promotions while their remote counterparts are left behind.

As employees return to the office, companies embracing hybrid work arrangements face a challenge: proximity bias. 

In hybrid work environments, proximity bias could lead to the incorrect assumption that those working in the office are more productive than their remote teammates. 

Managers and employees alike are concerned about the effects of proximity bias and hybrid work. In fact:

  • Two in five employees are worried that less face-to-face time with company leadership will negatively impact their career growth
  • 41 percent of executives say potential inequities between remote and in-office employees are their top concern
  • A study found remote workers were less likely to be promoted than their in-office colleagues, despite being 15 percent more productive

At the same time, hybrid work is the new norm. Most employees favor a hybrid work model, so forcing everyone back to the office isn’t the solution. 

That’s why it’s more important than ever to be aware of proximity bias and make sure everyone on your team feels included. 

The good news is that managers and employees alike can take steps to avoid proximity bias in the workplace. 

Here’s what we’ll cover in this post: 

How proximity influences our perception of colleagues

Our brains take shortcuts all the time, using processes to simplify the information around us to make more efficient decisions. 

But sometimes, our brains misinterpret that information, and it affects the accuracy of our judgments. In the case of proximity bias, our brains overvalue what is around us and undervalue what isn’t. 

If left unchecked, proximity bias can create a company culture where in-office employees are rewarded for their presence with resources and promotions while their remote counterparts are left behind.

Illustration of a hybrid meeting. Some participants are sitting at a conference table speaking with another while another group is on a large screen.

Examples of proximity bias in the workplace

Proximity bias can show up in both big and small ways. Here are a few examples of proximity bias in the workplace:

  • Offering in-person employees more exciting projects or professional development opportunities
  • Leaving remote stakeholders out of decision-making or important discussions
  • Providing in-person employees with more perks

While bias is often unconscious, knowing how proximity influences your decisions can help you recognize and overcome it. 

What managers and leaders can do to prevent proximity bias

The reality of the hybrid model is that we have to adapt to new ways of collaborating. 

Remote team members cannot be an afterthought. Successful hybrid leaders set up processes that allow employees to flourish regardless of where or when they work. 

Adopt a remote-first approach to communication

When everyone isn’t working in the office simultaneously (or at all), key decisions can’t be made at the water cooler. 

Adopting a remote-first approach to how your team communicates will help prevent people from feeling left in the dark when working from home.

That means when one person is remote, everyone is remote. Digital and asynchronous forms of communication should be the default method, regardless of an employee’s location.

Asynchronous communication: communication that doesn’t happen in real time. Common examples of asynchronous communication are emails, video messages, and comments in which the sender does not expect an immediate response.

Make sure discussions about projects and tasks happen in a digital messaging app like Slack or Teams, where all relevant team members can contribute and benefit from the conversation. 

It’s not just remote employees who benefit. Remote-first, asynchronous communication will: 

  • Enable employees to take time off without feeling like they’re falling behind
  • Allow new employees to get up to speed more quickly
  • Archive information in a way employees can reference at any time

Ready to embrace asynchronous communication?

Discover how taking an “async-first” approach and canceling our meetings for an entire month helped transform the way we work at TechSmith.

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cover of report about asynchronous communication

Stop relying on real-time meetings

When your team works across locations and time zones, relying on synchronous communication can be frustrating and unfair. Schedules and location can prevent everyone from being able to participate fully. 

If you’re like most office workers, you probably feel like you waste a lot of time in meetings anyway. Here’s the sign you need to take back your calendar. 

Matt Pierce

It’s important that you don’t have the people who are in the office vs. the people who aren’t in the office. The more that we can use these tools and communication methods to level the playing field, the better everything is going to be.

– Michelle Massey, Vice President of Community and Customer Operations at TechSmith

There are several types of meetings that are almost always better in an asynchronous format: 

  • Status updates
  • Project demos
  • Data shareouts
  • Informal training

Anytime you’re scheduling a meeting to share information, consider recording a video instead. 

Let’s say you want to share results from a recent marketing campaign with your team. If you were in a Zoom meeting, you’d probably share your screen to walk through a dashboard and provide context around the results.

With a screen capture tool like Snagit, you can accomplish the same thing in less time without interrupting your team’s day for yet another meeting or leaving someone out.

 

In just a few minutes, you can create a quick video that your team can watch on their own time (and even at 1.5x speed). Snagit can even simultaneously record your screen and camera, replicating the “face-to-face” feeling of an in-person or virtual meeting. 

Of course, there will be times when meeting in real time makes the most sense. There are a few things you can do to help level the playing field for remote team members:

  • Have everyone call into virtual meetings individually to prevent in-person side conversations
  • Make sure everyone has the equipment they need, like cameras, microphones, or bandwidth, to be fully present
  • Record the meeting so those who cannot attend can watch it later

Measure employee performance by output

In a typical office environment, employees can try to impress by being the first person at their desk in the morning and the last one to leave at the end of the day. 

But focusing on hours worked as an indicator of performance can leave your team feeling pressured to be “always on” when working from home to make up for their lack of physical presence.

Instead, shift your mindset to focus less on time spent in the office or online and more on the quality and quantity of work your employees produce. 

Be intentional about checking in

When working in the same physical space as an employee, you naturally have more opportunities to observe their work, offer feedback, and recognize their success. 

To effectively manage a hybrid team, you have to be intentional about how you connect or risk in-person employees receiving preferential treatment. 

Start by keeping track of when and how you engage with your team, both in-person and virtually, and identify disparities. 

You might find that you offer feedback more frequently when working in the office. If that’s the case, employees who are remote full-time may miss out on opportunities to improve their work. 

Incorporating virtual forms of feedback into your communication could help level the playing field for fully remote employees.

How employees can be more visible when working remotely

It’s no secret that flexible, hybrid, and remote work can feel isolating. More than half of people who started working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic feel less connected to their coworkers. 

But, if you’re proactive, you can still make meaningful connections with your colleagues and establish a presence on your team while working away from the office.

Turn your camera on during virtual meetings

Many people don’t enjoy being on camera, and “Zoom fatigue” is a real phenomenon. However, video conferencing can help us feel connected even when we’re not in the same place.

When you’re on camera, it’s easier to establish a sense of presence and a shared sense of being together even though we may be physically separated from across the globe.

— Diana Howles, author of Next Level Virtual Training: Advance Your Facilitation

When you’re on camera during a meeting, your colleagues can see your nonverbal behaviors and better understand who you are and what you’re saying. 

Turning on your camera will help people get to know you better and allow you to communicate more effectively. Research has even shown video conferencing can create perceived proximity.

To avoid video burnout, pace yourself and take breaks as needed. Identify which meetings you’ll benefit most from being on camera, and when it might make sense to step away.

Turning off the “self-view” option once you have established yourself in the frame during a meeting can also help relieve camera fatigue.

Stop relying on text-based communication

Asynchronous communication is essential for keeping hybrid and distributed teams on the same page, but it can sometimes feel less than human.

That’s because we often default to text-based ways of sharing information when research shows most people understand information better when it’s communicated visually. 

The next time you’re about to send a mile-long email, consider if a video message could be more effective. 

Suppose you’re providing feedback on a project. Text-based communication can easily lead to misunderstandings. But, when your teammates can hear your voice and see your face, they’re less likely to need clarification. 

Even better, with Snagit, you can record your screen and draw attention to the areas of a project needing attention with arrows and callouts while you walk through your feedback.

What could have been a boring or confusing email thread can be transformed into an opportunity for communication that feels more like the face-to-face interactions you might have in an office environment. 

Ask for advice

Proximity bias can put remote workers at a disadvantage when it comes to professional development.

For example, when leadership teams are working primarily in the office, in-person employees may be more likely to be top of mind when new opportunities arise. 

While your company is hopefully taking steps to address proximity bias already, you can help move your career forward by proactively seeking advice and mentorship from others at your company.

We often avoid reaching out to others for advice because we are afraid we might be bothering them or appear incompetent. 

However, studies show that asking for advice facilitates meaningful connections with our colleagues and also helps us make a positive impression on our mentors.

The secret to making hybrid work “work” is effective communication

Many of us have spent most of our professional careers working in an office space. It will take time to unlearn habits that no longer make sense and replace them with new ways of working.

Embracing asynchronous communication tools like Snagit will transform the way we work for the better.

Move work forward from anywhere with Snagit

From creating video messages to annotated screenshots, Snagit is an essential toolf or hybrid teams.

Try Snagit for Free
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How to Make a YouTube Video (Beginner’s Guide)

How to Make a YouTube Video

When it comes to posting video content, YouTube is the ultimate destination.

In fact, at this point, YouTube is almost synonymous with internet video.

YouTube has over 1.9 billion monthly active users and they watch a billion hours of video every day. To put that in perspective, that’s over 114,000 years of video consumed EVERY DAY.

Top YouTube content creators can make hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars a day. But ironically, being successful and making money on YouTube has little to do with making videos.

So how DO you become successful on YouTube?

Today I’m going to share with you techniques from some of the top YouTubers that show exactly what you should (and shouldn’t) do for YouTube content creation.

And, better yet, I’m going to share a FREE template to help you make YouTube videos faster!

With a few simple steps (and this awesome template), you’ll be creating content in no time!

Let’s go!

Make your own YouTube video today!

Download Camtasia to quickly and easily make your own YouTube videos.

Download a free trial

Here’s everything, step-by-step, that you need to make a successful YouTube video:

Step 1. Create a YouTube video strategy

Step 2. Make sure your video is found on YouTube

Step 3. Find YouTube ideas and topics

Step 4. Understand YouTube equipment for beginners

Step 5. Learn the first YouTube video you should make

Step 6. Set up your video recording

Step 7. Record your desktop

Step 8. Edit your video

Step 9. Upload your video on YouTube

Step 10. Optimize your video for YouTube

Step 1. Create a YouTube Video Strategy

Choose the right topic (for the right audience)

Want to know the best-kept secret about being successful on YouTube (or any other content platform)?

It has very little with you as the creator.

You can be charismatic, funny, and smart — but if you don’t provide value, your videos are useless.

It’s not about you or what you can gain. If you show up to YouTube looking to get something out of it, you probably won’t be very successful.

You need to focus on your audience. Not yourself.

You need to focus on your audience. Not yourself.

Find your perfect audience for YouTube

Before you start working on your first script or storyboard, you must answer this question:

“Who is your audience?”

Knowing your audience will guide nearly every decision you make about your video.

Knowing general information is helpful, but think about your specific audience.

  • What are their problems?
  • What do they need to know?
  • What will they learn from your video?
  • How does your video benefit them?

If you can’t answer these basic questions you need to dig deeper. The answers to these questions will guide you as you plan out and create your video.

Experts’ Take

As you start looking at what your audience wants and needs, there are some things you can do to help you narrow your focus.

Here’s advice from YouTube experts who have learned (from a lot of practice and work) what you need to define your audience.

YouTube Marketing Consultant Owen Video says, “The very first thing we do is run our clients through a questionnaire that helps them to get the biggest topics that the audience would be interested in.”

Jeremy Vest, Director of Marketing for vidIQ, suggests that listening is critical because “if you don’t listen to your audience then…you’re not going to serve them very well.” However, it’s not all about just seeking what the viewer wants.

Once you have a sense of your audience, you need to create content that matches your persona. It doesn’t matter if your video doesn’t work for other groups or other personas.

When you’re just starting out you want your audience to be as specific as possible.

Niche is good. Broad is bad.

Focus your content on helping the viewer achieve their goals. If you’re selling software, you need to make sure your video helps the viewer learn exactly what they need to be successful.

Fernando Silva, Account Executive for Wistia, emphasizes this need and suggests that we must “[get] a sense to what your audience is actually interested in and what they want to keep watching or maybe what doesn’t interest them. It … helps you make better content in the future.”

If you work hard to understand your audience but aren’t sure of what you should create for them, Tyler Lessard, Vice President of Marketing at Vidyard, stresses that you should, “focus more on the quality of the content and how you deliver it. Making sure it’s relevant to your audience, and I think that’s a simple way to start.”

Make your own YouTube video today!

Download Camtasia to quickly and easily make your own YouTube videos.

Download a free trial

Throw perfection out the window

Just start.

It’s really that simple.

I know it can be tempting to watch the big-name YouTubers and think you have to create videos just like that and engage a massive audience all at once, but all of those thoughts can be paralyzing.

“I personally believe that we’re all on the same plane, whether you’re a business or whether you’re an individual creator. Because we all start somewhere…”

Amy Landino, Co-founder of Aftermarq, and Best-Selling author of Vlog Like a Boss.

Too many people worry about getting things perfect from the beginning. We paralyze ourselves into not creating anything or releasing our content because we’re so concerned about whether we have all the right equipment, or if every part is perfect.

What should you do if you find yourself stuck on making it perfect?

Start by asking yourself a few questions:

  • Will my audience not clearly understand the purpose of the video if these changes aren’t made?
  • Will the video, as is, achieve your goal?
  • Does the video contain something incorrect that would seriously impact the viewer?
  • What is the worst that will happen if the current version is released as is?
  • Can the time that could be spent continuing to edit be put to better use on another project?

Once you answer these questions, give yourself permission to move on. If you focus too much on creating the perfect video you will limit yourself in the long run.

Step 2. Make sure your video is found on YouTube

A video can’t be successful if no one sees it! You must consider Search Engine Optimization (SEO) when you start creating your video.

There is a lot to learn and figure out, but mainly you want to get your content found by the people who are searching.

Two key ways to rank your YouTube videos:

  1. Make content that is good for the users
  2. Make content that is good for search engines

At the end of the day, you want your content to be found. SEO can be a hugely complicated endeavor, but you don’t have to do everything at once. The creators we talked with made a few easy suggestions.

Andrew Kan, of TubeBuddy, recommends you make content focused on a specific topic and niches, which will help your content be more searchable. It also helps ensure that the right audience is finding your content.

“Many people spend time on broad terms that have so much competition they’re never going to show up for [in search],” he said. “If you show up on the race day, and you’re [not] a runner and you’ve practiced once, you can’t expect to win. So by practicing, by understanding that being more specific helps you be more discoverable, it helps you win.”

In addition to focusing your content on specific topics, Jeremy Vest recommends that you make sure your content is helpful and answers questions your potential audience is asking.

“Match that search intent with ‘how do I fix this blank’, and you sell that blank,” he said. “Instead of just talking about how good your widget is, be the answer to questions being asked … And being the answer to those is…one of the easiest ways for brands to start doing well in this environment and then from there beat that expectation. Provide things they’re not expecting. Have guests they wouldn’t expect to be on your program. And, give more value than they can even believe.”

To make your content helpful and findable, consider the questions being asked and where they’re being asked. Then you can create the right content and post it where it will be found.

Make your own YouTube video today!

Download Camtasia to quickly and easily make your own YouTube videos.

Download a free trial

Step 3. Find YouTube ideas and topics

Now that you know your audience, you may be wondering “What should I make a YouTube video about?” The good news is that there are tons of ways to find YouTube video ideas that your audience is searching for.

Let’s say you run a home contracting business. You decide you are going to target your channel towards current homeowners looking to spruce up their house. Your initial video topics might include things like How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings or How to Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets.

That’s a great start, but for even more ideas than your initial list, here are some tips from Gord Isman of the best places you can use to get inspired and find highly-relevant topics for your specific audience.

1. YouTube search

YouTube search is one of the best ways to find what people are looking for. When you come up with a content idea, do a quick YouTube search and see what comes back.

Then look at the search results and decide if it’s a saturated area or there’s room to create a unique, valuable version.

You want to choose topics that you’re passionate about and that are relevant to your audience.

When you have a basic topic idea YouTube can help you narrow it down.

Search YouTube by typing some keywords into the search bar.

The auto-suggest/autocomplete feature will give you additional keywords that YouTube suggests.

Here’s an example where I typed “tutorial video” into the search bar, and a list of suggested topics appeared below.

Make sure your video is found on YouTube

You want to take those terms and write them down. You may find after all of your research that one video can cover a lot of the same topics, or that you can create a series of videos.

For a topic focusing on “video tutorial” I would want to focus on editing, video ideas, and background music as a good starting point.

2. Comments section

The comments section of videos and articles can be a great resource for YouTube video topics.

Viewers often suggest additional topics or ask questions that suggest areas of interest for creating additional content.

Find YouTube ideas and topics.

So start by looking at a competitor’s YouTube channel and start mining the comments.

3. Communities and groups

Whether it’s Twitter, a Facebook group, or a membership group, find like-minded people who will inspire you and help you out along the way.

Don’t discourage yourself by assuming you must go at it alone.

Find a group that you can bounce ideas off of and ask questions. You might even come away with some different (and better) video topics to start with.

4. Ask your audience

If you already have an audience (even a small one) it’s worth asking them what types of content they would like to see.

This is a surefire way to figure out what your audience wants to know, learn, and watch.

Step 4. Understand YouTube equipment for beginners

It can be easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you don’t have the right tools to create your video.

It’s fun to have high-end equipment and there is no question that better equipment can produce a better quality video.

Keep in mind, too, that highly specialized equipment that can be complex to run, and requires considerable time and training to master.

Especially as you’re starting out, try not to worry too much about equipment.

First, learn to get good at creating the content and worry about leveling up your gear later.

Tip: Check out TechSmith Academy courses about shooting, lighting, and audio for more information.

If you’re still worried about what gear you should use, Brian Fanzo, of iSocialFanz has some advice. He suggests baby steps, “…start with your phone, and then move to a web camera, then move to professional gear.”

A lot can be done with things like screen recording software, a simple video editor, or a smartphone and a little bit of creativity.

These tools can help you learn the basics of video creation, and help you to practice good techniques that will be beneficial no matter what gear you use.

“So many people focus on ‘I don’t have the right gear’ and ‘I don’t have the right camera,’ but they don’t really think about, well, what is my message? What am I trying to get across with my brand? They don’t want to just be told, buy my product. If you can make someone feel something, if you can make them relate to what you’re doing, that’s more important than any piece of gear.”

Andrew Kan, TubeBuddy

Make your own YouTube video today!

Download Camtasia to quickly and easily make your own YouTube videos.

Download a free trial

Here is some of the basic gear (outside of your phone) you may want to consider if you are going to create high-quality YouTube videos:

1. Microphone

Whether for your mobile device, input directly into your camera, or even a digital recorder, a microphone will improve the overall quality of you your video. A decent mic doesn’t have to be expensive, but it is well worth it.

2. Screen recorder and video editor

When you choose screen recording software, pick a tool with built-in recording, editing, and sharing features. It will save you time and let you do all of your work in one tool.

Recording your screen is a great way to make a YouTube video without a camera. At TechSmith, we think Camtasia is the perfect video editing software for beginners. And, it has the power and versatility to level-up with you as you gain more skills.

If you want to learn more about Camtasia and it’s simple video editing functionality, check out this quick video from Tim Schmoyer of Video Creators.

3. Lighting

If you’re recording camera video or even a webcam, video lighting will make a big difference in how you look, and the overall quality.

Video lighting will make a big difference in how you look, and the overall quality.

Lights will even improve the look of mobile device videos and can be a great investment. You don’t have to pay a lot of money for lights when starting. Since lighting is a mixture of science and art, a basic set will help you create a professional-looking video.

4. Camera or webcam

Cameras can be large investments, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

While DSLRs or other high-end cameras can drastically improve the look of your video, they also add a ton of settings and options that need to be managed, increasing the complexity of shooting your video.

An external webcam is a relatively inexpensive option to improve your video quality. Most built-in webcams are pretty low quality when compared to their external counterparts.

And don’t forget, you probably have a pretty nice camera in your pocket, backpack, or purse. Most of the latest smartphones can record video in full HD (1080p), and many can even do 4K.

Make your own YouTube video today!

Download Camtasia to quickly and easily make your own YouTube videos.

Download a free trial

Step 5. Learn the first YouTube video you should make

There are all kinds of videos that people create on YouTube. The best video you can start with is an instructional video.

According to a recent TechSmith study, 53% of people reported watching two or more instructional videos per week (up 152% compared to 2013).

A simple tutorial or how-to video is a great way to get your feet wet.

A tutorial video simply answers a question someone asked. It could be How to Freeze Panes in Excel or How to Change Your Oil. Either way, you’re simply sharing your expert knowledge with others.

These types of videos are all over YouTube, and with good reason.

According to a Pew research study that surveyed over 4,500 Americans in 2018, 87 percent of users said that YouTube is important for helping them figure out how to do things they haven’t done before.

That means you have a great opportunity to take create helpful and valuable instructional videos for your audience.

Do you have dog training tips to share? Gather a list of all the questions a dog owner might have and create a series of how-to videos to give them answers.

Learn the first YouTube video you should make.

If you are an expert in Photoshop and want to help others get better, a tutorial video or training video would be a great place to start.

The best video you can start with is an instructional video.

And if you’re a business or entrepreneur, there’s no better place to start than a product demo video or explainer video.

These videos will help your potential customers see exactly what your product or service does without having to read a ton of material.

You have a great opportunity to take create helpful and valuable instructional videos for your audience.

People look for video help every day. Learning and educational content alone drives over a billion views a day on YouTube.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make a high-quality YouTube video using screen recorded content, just like this one from TubeBuddy:

Step 6. Set up your video recording

Now that you know your audience, have you topics planned out, and know what video to make it’s time to get started making your video.

A script may seem pretty formal, but it’s a great tool to help you stay focused. Plan out the visuals (shots, angles, graphics, etc.) that go along with each line of dialogue.

If you already have a blog post for a topic, I’d suggest you write a script based off of the original post. It doesn’t have to be elaborate.

Write a script or outline

If a script seems like overkill, a simple outline will help you talk through your points, and is better than hitting record without a plan.

Write a script or outline for your Youtube video.

Clean up your desk (and desktop)

One of the top mistakes to avoid when you record yourself is to have too much clutter, both on and off the screen.

If you’re shooting a video at your desk, business, or home you want your environment to be clean and presentable.

Next, you’ll need to adjust your camera or webcam, and video lighting (if you have them). Use an external webcam mounted behind your laptop, or—even better—turn a DSLR camera into your webcam for superior video quality.

Here’s everything you need to know about setting up your workspace for a perfect video:

Clean up your mess

If you’re getting shots of yourself, make sure anything that can be seen on screen is clean and free from clutter. A blank, single-color wall is a great background, but if you don’t have access to that, just make sure that your setting is as free from distractions as possible.

You want your viewers focused on you, not the artwork on your wall.

If your video includes a screen capture or screen recording, clutter on your computer screen is just as distracting. And there’s nothing worse than having to fumble through unnecessary apps and programs to get what you actually want to show in your video.

Make sure to close any unnecessary programs and windows before you record your video.

Make sure to close any unnecessary programs and windows before you record.

Avoid recording in front of windows

If you record near a window, avoid recording in front of it. Position yourself next to the window or facing the window. This way, you won’t be washed out or become a silhouette. Pro tip: this is also a great way to enhance your lighting, though be careful, as it can be hard to control the amount of light.

If you record near a window, avoid recording in front of it.

Position your camera correctly

Tilt your webcam or camera so that it’s at eye level and your viewers don’t have to look up at you. Stick to the Rule of Thirds or position yourself in the center of the frame.

Tilt your webcam or camera so that it’s at eye level and your viewers don’t have to look up at you.

Step 7. Record your desktop

Pick your favorite screen recorder and walk through your script as you record your desktop.

Here at TechSmith, we use Camtasia for a lot of our YouTube videos.

It’s perfect for anyone who needs to make instructional videos on YouTube and we have a ton of help videos to get you started.

Your recording can be as simple or complex as you want to make it. You can record webcam to give it some personality, create an intro, add music, or simply hit record and share it out.

Make your own YouTube video today!

Download Camtasia to quickly and easily make your own YouTube videos.

Download a free trial

1. Record your screen

To start a recording, click the Record button at the top of the tools panel. This opens the Camtasia recorder, which by default, is set to capture everything that happens on your screen.

Record your screen with Camtasia.

2. Customize your settings

First, you’ll want to choose to record the full screen or select a custom region to record.

Next, choose other inputs to record along with the screen. Options include webcam, microphone audio, and system audio. Select the down arrow or double arrows next to each to choose a specific microphone or webcam.

When you’re finished recording, click the Camtasia recorder icon in the taskbar, then the stop button.

Finally, click ‘Start Recording’ to begin.

3. Finish Recording

Windows

When you’re finished recording, click the Camtasia recorder icon in the taskbar, then the stop button. If you need to re-record, choose ‘delete’ to start over.

Quick Tip: Press “F10” to stop a recording, or “F9” to pause/resume a recording.

Mac

To finish the recording, click the Camtasia icon in the Apple menu bar, then click “Stop Recording.” Or, if you need to re-record, choose “Start Over.”

Quick Tip: Press “CMD+OPTION+2” to stop a recording, or “CMD+SHIFT+2” to pause/resume a recording.

Step 8. Edit your video

Editing your video can be the most fun and most time-consuming part of the creation process. And for a beginner, it can definitely be the most overwhelming.

Here a few simple edits you can use to get started:

1. Trim mistakes

Often we record a little extra at the beginning and end of a recording. To remove the extra content, drag the end of the clip “in.” This is called trimming. If you trim too much, drag the video clip back to restore your video.

It’s good to note that any edits you make on the timeline, won’t affect your original recording in the media bin.

2. Use cuts

Drag the red or green handle on the playhead to select the area to remove, then click the cut button to remove the section. A stitched line appears, showing you where the cut was made.

If you make a selection and want to bring the playhead back together, double click the playhead.

3. Add titles, transitions, annotations, and more

Add a level of polish and professionalism to your videos with eye-catching titles, annotations, effects and more. Click and drag them from the tools panel to the timeline or canvas.

Video editing tips

There are endless resources across the web that can show you the intricate details of video editing. But there are a few video editing tips you’ll need to make a high-quality video without overcomplicating it.

Let’s go over some other common enhancements that can really make your video stand out.

Add a simple intro

A video intro leads your viewers into your content. Keep your intro simple and to the point. Viewers want to get to the meat of your content. They don’t care about anything other than what you promised to teach them.

A video intro leads your viewers into your content.

An intro can be used throughout all the videos on your YouTube channel, a playlist, or just a single video.

Create lower-thirds

A lower-third (also called a chyron) is placed on the lower third portion (usually to the right or left) of the screen and is a simple way to provide your audience with information. Usually, they display a name, place, or other useful information.

They shouldn’t cover up your visual and are meant to be complementary to your primary subject.

Add music

Finally, you’ll want to add music to your video. It will probably take you more time to choose the music you want to use than it will to actually add it to your video.

For most purposes, your best bet is to use music from a premium royalty-free music site. While the music won’t be free, it’s typically inexpensive, and you’ll have a wider range of high-quality music to choose from.

Where can you find music for videos? You can access a huge library of free and premium music tracks from TechSmith Assets.

Make your own YouTube video today!

Download Camtasia to quickly and easily make your own YouTube videos.

Download a free trial

Focus on good audio and voice over

Poor audio can sink your video.

For recording voice over, you can use Camtasia. However, for the easiest voice over experience, I highly recommend TechSmith Audiate.

Audiate transcribes your voice over as you speak. You can then edit your audio just like editing text. No more searching through the wave form to find your mistakes.

And, Audiate even lets you quickly find and delete your “ums,” “uhs,” and other mumbles and hesitations.

If you have music in your video, make sure it doesn’t overpower your with your voice over. Don’t be afraid to add those phat beats, but remember that your audience is here to learn from what you’re saying.

Pay special attention to your final edit by focusing on the sound. Close your eyes and just listen to your video. If it sounds off, you should adjust it, regardless of how amazing your footage or screen content is.

“My editing style has always been to keep our content as concise as possible. I want people to get what they need from my videos as fast as possible. And to keep our videos on brand, we always use the same font, brand colors, and tone of music – which creates consistency and familiarity.”

Sunny Lenarduzzi, Founder of YouTube for Bosses

Create a compelling outro

A YouTube outro is where you can add specific calls to action to your video. This can also be referred to as the end screen, and it is the last part of your video.

There are four different content types available for use in your end screens on YouTube, called elements. These four elements are:

  • Video or playlist: This allows you to link to a different individual video or a YouTube playlist of multiple videos.
  • Subscribe: This allows you to link to your own channel where a viewer can click to subscribe.
  • Channel: This allows you to link to a different YouTube channel.
  • Link to approved website: This allows you to link to a website outside of YouTube.

Step 9. Upload your video to YouTube

Uploading to YouTube is simple. If you use Camtasia to create your YouTube video you’ll have the option to share directly to YouTube from within the product. You’ll simply have to log into YouTube and connect your YouTube account to Camtasia.

Upload your video to YouTube.

Or you can upload videos with the YouTube platform.

Step 10. Optimize your video for YouTube

As you start making your video there are few key areas you’ll want to focus in on to make sure your video performs well in YouTube. By being strategic while you make your video you’ll give yourself a better shot at ranking on YouTube.

Video Production Optimization

Target keywords that list videos on Google


Have you noticed more videos popping up in your search results?

Optimize your video for YouTube.

Google processes 3.5 billion searches per day, and many how-to based searches now include YouTube videos directly in the Google search engine result.

These online videos show up for all sorts of searches. Simply type in “how to fix my fridge” or “how to change spark plugs” and Google will give you the top YouTube videos based on your search.

Make longer videos

Longer videos generally rank higher than shorter ones.

Backlinko analyzed 1.3 Million YouTube Videos and found that the average length of a video on the first page of YouTube is 14 minutes, 50 seconds.

YouTube will push longer videos higher in search results.

Longer videos Youtube generally rank higher than shorter ones.

This has to do with two key ranking factors: Total Watch Time and Total Session Time.

Essentially YouTube will push videos higher in the ranking if they provide value and keep people on the site as long as possible.

So as you plan your videos, think about how you can expand them. And rather than just adding filler content, think about how you can dive deeper into your topic to create an even more useful video.

The Marketer’s Ultimate Guide to Video

In our FREE ebook, we’ve put together practical strategies to get out of the woods and create engaging, powerful video content on your own that reaches your audience.

Download now!

Make sure your keyword is spoken in your video

YouTube transcribes your content, so try and say your main keyword 1-2 times in the script.

Make sure your keyword is spoken in your video Youtube.

Make a unique introduction

Retention is everything on
 YouTube. Incentivize users to
 watch as long as possible in 
your first 10 seconds. Tease out what you’re going to talk about and give them a reason to stay and watch your video.

Tell users to…

Comment, like, subscribe, and visit your site at the end of the video. If you don’t tell them to do it, they probably never will. And if you are creating supportive, helpful content they will be more likely to interact with your YouTube channel.

Comment, like, subscribe, and visit your site at the end of the video.
Screenshot via AmyTV

YouTube Ranking Optimization

Now that you’ve created an optimized video, it’s time to optimize within the YouTube platform. You don’t want to overcomplicate this. It isn’t about stuffing keywords into places and trying to trick YouTube into ranking your video.

You want to be strategic in what you do, and above all else, provide value to your audience.

Title, description, and thumbnail

Get the keyword in the title and description, preferably at the front, but don’t forget to make it compelling and click-worthy. It’s less about trying to stuff keywords in and more about letting viewers know that your video will help solve what they are looking for.

Pro tip: Be honest in your title and description. People stop watching videos that don’t deliver on their promises.

Get the keyword in the title and description, preferably at the front.

According to YouTube, 90% of the best-performing videos on YouTube use a custom thumbnail. Try to make your YouTube thumbnail interesting and different than everything else in the search results.

Try to make your YouTube thumbnail interesting and different than everything else in the search results.

Make your video worthy of a click.

Leverage your current audience to build video velocity

The first 48 hours your video goes live are critical. This is where leveraging your current audience plays a big part.

You can create a stronger buzz and your views begin to climb through your existing base. Owen Video likes to create video velocity by acquiring views before a video is public and rewarding his followers with exclusive content.

As a result, YouTube sees the video as more valuable and it becomes more likely to appear high in the search results.

Here is one of Owen Video’s most successful strategies for YouTube video promotion. Mirroring his strategy with your own videos will help you improve their performance early on:

Owen Video’s video promotion strategy example:

  • The first day he publishes a video, he leaves it unlisted (the video can’t be searched or found by the public without a link).
  • The link to the unlisted video is distributed on social media channels.
  • The link to the unlisted video is emailed to applicable mailing lists.
  • The audience gets early access to a new piece of content and feels rewarded for maintaining a relationship with Owen Video.
  • Then he makes the video public. When the video goes live, there are already views which help build traction for the video.

This is video velocity, and essentially, you’re getting a head start on YouTube.

“So what happens is, you create velocity with your video…people are watching it before it’s even public, yet. Having that distribution, or pre-promotion plan is going to set [you] apart from your competitors who are just figuring this stuff out.” – Owen Video

What’s next?

We’ve covered a lot in this guide. And whether you’re just getting started, or you’re a video veteran, you’ve learned some of the key tools and strategies to create successful YouTube videos.

Make your own YouTube video today!

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Camtasia is built for anyone who needs to make any kind of instructional video. We offer a ton of helpful tutorials to get you started. And, for the record, we make 100% of our tutorials and other screencasts using Camtasia.

Frequently asked questions

How do you make your own videos on YouTube?

To make your first YouTube video, start by getting a simple video editor like Camtasia and just try making a few videos on topics you’re an expert on.

If you know a lot about a particular product or service, try putting together a quick tutorial. There is no shortage of people searching for help across YouTube, and you could be their answer.

What should I make a YouTube video about?

There are tons of ways to find YouTube video ideas that your audience is searching for. Three of my favorites are YouTube searches, comments sections, and communities.

Which type of YouTube video is most watched?

There are all kinds of videos that people create on YouTube.

Over half of the most common types of videos that marketers are investing in are a type of instructional video. That gives you a lot of good videos to start with.

What do you YouTubers use to edit their videos?

YouTubers use all sorts of different programs to edit their videos, but at TechSmith, we think Camtasia is the perfect video editing software for beginners.

If you want to learn more about Camtasia and it’s simple video editing functionality, check out this quick video from Tim Schmoyer of Video Creators

How to make a YouTube video without a camera?

Recording your screen is a great way to make a YouTube video without a camera.

When you choose screen recording software, pick a tool with built-in recording, editing, and sharing features. It will save you time and let you do all of your work in one tool.

What equipment do you need for YouTube?

It can be easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you don’t have the right tools to create your video. Start with your phone or screen recorder and a simple video editor. Then move to professional gear.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Ryan Knott

TechSmith Marketing Content Specialist and manager of the TechSmith Blog. More than 25 years of communications and marketing experience. Geek. Science and sci-fi enthusiast. Guitar player. On a mission to pet all the dogs. He/him. A few things about me: 1) Mildly (or not-so-mildly) obsessed with the movie Alien, 2) two rescue pibbles (Biggie and Reo), and 3) friend of ducks everywhere. Ask me about my seven+ years as a roller derby coach.

The best video recording mobile apps on the market right now

The best video recording mobile apps on the market right now

It’s very common nowadays for videos to be recorded on mobile phones. While this approach used to be regarded as only for amateurs, delivering low-quality results, that is really not the case anymore. Capturing video on a mobile phone is seen as being very normal nowadays and is the norm in a lot of industries. A lot of content creators exclusively use their phones to create their videos! 

This article will help you discover the best apps and some helpful tips to use when recording so you can get great videos from your mobile phone!

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How to Record a Video on Mobile – 7 Mobile Video Recording Tips

With most people being virtually inseparable from their phones, and phones being capable of producing high-quality video content, it is becoming increasingly simple for entrepreneurs to use video as part of their communications strategies. 

Whether you use an Apple or an Android device there are apps available to help with editing and special effects, meaning that your phone isn’t only an effective video camera but can operate as an editing studio as well! Video has never been easier or more economical to produce. 

Quality expectations from content consumers are increasing just as quickly as the ability to record videos on mobile is – so here are some helpful tips to make sure you know how to record a video on mobile that is top quality!

Try to have quality audio 

The quality of your audio is just as important as the quality of the video itself.  You can have the best imagery recorded but if the accompanying audio is difficult to hear or clouded by ambient noise, people will be too distracted and frustrated to enjoy the visuals. 

Unfortunately, the capacity of built-in mics on mobile devices hasn’t kept pace with their capacity for video capture. The mics used are typically low quality and their placement is sub-optimal for sound capture. They are also excellent at picking up wind and other ambient sounds that add nothing but a distraction. 

For great audio, it is a good idea to use an external recording device or a directional mic. If these tools aren’t an option for you, make the most of your built-in mic by making sure your recording space is as free of background noise as possible.

Listen carefully for buzzing lights, ticking clocks, and anything else that can interfere with your audio. Getting as close as you can to your subject can also help your device’s built-in mic do its best possible work. 

Also read: the guide to cropping a video

Avoid dark areas

You don’t want your videos to be too dark, and when you’re recording video on mobile you need to be extra attentive to your lighting. Because smartphone cameras have smaller lenses and smaller light sensors than traditional video cameras, you need to shoot in areas that are as well-lit as possible. Filming in areas with sufficient lighting helps make sure that your video won’t have shadows or grainy-looking spots.

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Avoid bright lights

While it’s important to have enough light for filming, the wrong kind of lighting can give you less-than-optimal results.  Filming with windows streaming light directly into the shot, or bright overhead lights can cause your footage to be unusable; full of lens flares and improper exposure. 

Soft lighting directed at the subject of your video will give much better results for your mobile video recordings. 

Avoid zooming 

While digital zoom is available on smartphones, it is not even remotely similar to the quality of a proper zoom lens. Footage captured using digital zoom when recording a video on mobile, will show a lot of distracting pixelation.  

It is best, instead, to physically move closer to your subject whenever possible. Your frame should be filled as much as possible by moving your camera (and yourself!) forward, back, or side to side. Using the zoom function should be avoided whenever possible.

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Stabilize your shots

Shaky footage is no one’s favorite! It’s a dead giveaway of amateur filming and is easy to avoid. 

Stabilizing your shot can be done in a few ways. You can lean up against something to steady yourself, use a nearby flat surface to rest your phone or your elbows on, or you can add a tripod to your toolkit and use that to maintain stability in your shots.

Record horizontally, except for social media

Unless you are filming for social media, record with your mobile device in a horizontal position. Recording in landscape orientation makes sure that your footage is formatted in the same ratio as television and computer screens. It means that you won’t be watching a thin strip of video with black lines down each side when your video is shown on a standard screen! 

Use video recording mobile apps

Smartphone cameras do an excellent job but they don’t allow for all of the functionality required for professional quality video creation. Once you have completed filming you can move on to the editing process right on your mobile device by downloading one of the many apps for iOs or Android systems that support video editing.

You will be able to add titles and transitions between shots, trim your clips, add personalization, and more by downloading the right apps.

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Best Mobile Apps for Personalized Video Recording

There are many apps available to help bring your mobile video production to the next level. Whether you work on iOS or Android, or even if you prefer to edit on your desktop – there are lots of options to choose from. Let’s look at some of the best video recording mobile apps on the market right now so you can choose what will work best for you!

Camera+

iOS

Camera+ is an app for the iOS platform that has been one of the most popular photography and video capture apps for over a decade. It recently got a thorough upgrade to Camera+ 2.

Pros: 

Sharing to social platforms is very easy with this app.  

There are many modes available for video recording including time-lapse, timers, and exposure control. 

This app allows you to save your editing steps to create custom filters, and uses machine learning to improve the videos you capture with just one touch during shooting and in the editing process.  

Cons:

Camera+ is only available on iOS devices.

This app only allows for video trimming from the beginning of a clip.

Filters can be used while filming video but the quality is reduced when using this feature. 

The zoom function does not create smooth transitions, but rather jumps from one level to the next. 

Cost:

Camera+ costs $4.99 

Instagram

iOS  | Android  | Windows (Beta)

Instagram is a photo and video sharing app that allows for capturing and performing minor edits to photos and videos within the app itself.  

Pros:

Videos can quickly and easily be shared with followers.

The app offers a timer function, transitions, and tools to create a smooth progression through shots. 

Cons:

Video editing is restricted to effects, filters, and trimming the beginning and end of clips. 

There is no way to adjust audio and video components to sync the two if they do not sync properly on recording.

Unless a third party app is used, all videos exported will have a watermark.

Cost:

Instagram is a free app

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FiLMic Pro

iOS  | Android

FiLMic Pro is a professional app for recording videos on mobile that brings many features over from professional video cameras.  

Pros:

The video output is compatible with professional-grade camcorders.

FiLMic Pro’s user interface is top-notch.

This app offers a full range of professional features.

Cons:

The app is so robust and full of features that less experienced videographers will find themselves overwhelmed. 

FiLMic Pro is not an app that compensates for the unskilled – if you don’t have good videography skills yourself, you will not get great results. 

Cost:

FiLMic Pro is free to download but offers subscription-based pricing in app.  Subscription pricing is offered on a weekly ($2.99) or annual (39.99)basis. 

iMovie

iOS

iMovie is Apple’s own video recording mobile app and comes already downloaded on Apple devices. 

Pros:

This app continuously saves and syncs your work as you go and allows you to insert new clips after you have started the editing process.

iMovie offers seamless integration with all other Apple services.

Magic Movie can create an edit using only the best parts of your footage, complete with transitions and sound. 

Cons:

iMovie uses a lot of storage space within your device.

This app does not allow for direct voiceover recording during the editing process.

There is a limited number of output options to choose from with this app compared to others.  

Cost:

iMovie is a free app.

Movie Pro

iOS  

MoviePro is a video recording app with a solid stack of features and a lower entry point than Filmic Pro. 

Pros:

This app requires a lower investment than Filmic Pro.

MoviePro is not so full of features that it overwhelms beginners.

Cons:

Some of the advanced features available on higher-level apps like Filmic are not available on MoviePro. They may be missed by more advanced users. 

Cost:

MoviePro carries a $10 one-time fee.

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Open Camera

Android

Open Camera is an Android app that prioritizes still images but confidently replaces the built-in Android camera app for mobile video recording as well.

Pros:

Open Camera is very accessible based on price point and experience required for optimal use.

This app is an easy-to-use significant improvement on the native Android camera app. 

Cons:

Functionality within the app is limited to the Camera 2 API.

Open Camera’s user interface isn’t an attractive one and lacks a sense of quality.

Cost:

Open Camera is a free app and contains no in-app purchases. It is an open-source software.

MAVIS 

iOS

Mavis is a mobile video recording app with a wide range of professional features. Some are even broadcast-level quality! It is exclusively available for iOS devices.

Pros:

Mavis has the broadest set of audio recording features available for iOS devices.

This app includes dozens of professional and broadcast-level features.

Cons:

Mavis is not available for Android or Windows devices. It is exclusively an iOS app. 

Cost:

This is a free app.

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How to Convert Mobile Phones Video Recordings into GIFs

The GIF is a quick, digestible, auto-playing snippet of video, whose beauty is in its simplicity.

Creating a GIF is easier than you think. There are several options for tools that will help you make one easily from existing images or videos, either saved locally on your computer, in the cloud, on a flash drive, or from the internet.

Below, you’ll learn how to create a GIF from the video you’ve captured on your mobile phone in four easy steps using TechSmith’s Snagit + mobile app Fuse.

Also read: How to fix a blurred video

Step 1: Select the video

Open TechSmith Fuse on your device, and either record a new video by choosing Video, or select an existing video to use by choosing Library > Gallery.

If you are creating a new video, be mindful of whether you prefer portrait or landscape orientation. It may also be a good idea to review the footage to make sure you’re satisfied with your brief video before moving on.

How to Record a Video on Mobile

Step 2: Send the video to Snagit

Now that you’ve selected the video you’d like to use from within Fuse, you’ll want to open Snagit on your desktop and select the Connect Mobile Device option.

Capturing video on a mobile phone is seen as being very normal nowadays and is the norm in a lot of industries.

A QR Code will pop up. Select Share from within the Fuse app and then scan the code using the box that appears on your device’s screen. The media will be sent to the Snagit editor.

There are many apps available to help bring your mobile video production to the next level.

Step 3: Select the part of the video you’d like to convert

From within Snagit, you can play back the video. You now have two options.

  • You can remove the unwanted sections of your video, and then click to create the GIF with all of the remaining content.
  • Your other option would be to select the portion of the video you’d like to convert and then click the GIF button.

The first option is found to be easier, but it’s really a matter of your personal preference.

How to Convert Mobile Phones Video Recordings into GIFs

Step 4: Celebrate and share your glorious achievement!

Now that you have successfully created your GIF, get sharing! Post it publicly to your company website, distribute it via email, or share it on social media.

The best video recording mobile apps on the market right now

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FAQs about Mobile Video Recording Apps

How to download recorded video from Microsoft Teams/Google Meet on mobile?

To download recorded video from Microsoft Teams / Google Meet on mobile you simply locate your downloaded file and import it into your video recording app. Some of the best mobile apps for video recording are shared in the article above. 

How to record video from a mobile screen?

You can use the “Connect Device” function in your Camtasia or Snagit settings to record video from your mobile screen. 

How to record video without audio on mobile?

Using a screen recorder is a great way to record video without sound that you are not shooting live. Other ways to record video without sound exist in the settings menus of most mobile video recording apps. 

Daniel Foster

Daniel Foster is currently strategy lead for Snagit, helping define the future direction for the product. He has been doing tech marketing, communication, and blogging since 2002 and has worked on product since 2015. Tweet him up @fosteronomo or grab some time on his calendar to chat. Secret talent: spinning a yo-yo Preferred mode of transportation: Motorcycle (Honda Shadow) Last country visited: China

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Communication: How to Use Both to Dominate Remote Work

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Communication

As the norm for workplaces continues to shift and change, teams oriented around one shared space have become less “the standard” and more “one of the recognized options” for a successful workplace setup. More and more, companies have begun to employ remote workers, offer hybrid working situations, and lead teams that are distributed in countless ways.

These developments have reinvented the way we think about work and as they have continued to evolve, some unprecedented communication challenges have reared their heads. “The office” has evolved from a common space between 4 walls with easy access to all employees simultaneously, to an uncontained global space spanning multiple timezones and complicated availability differences.

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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. With those advantages to a remote workforce, mandatory meetings might suddenly seem less necessary than they once did.

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.  

You may be wondering what asynchronous and synchronous communication even means and how you can best incorporate each of them to lead your remote team well. If that’s the case, you’re in the right place – in this article, you will find an overview of each type of communication, as well as helpful examples and best practices so you can figure out which could work best for your team in different scenarios.

What is synchronous communication?

Let’s start with synchronous communication. What are its pros and cons? What does it look like in action? What exactly is synchronous communication and what are the best practices to use when engaging in it? Let’s dive in. 

Synchronous communication, a definition

Synchronous communication is the exchange of information between 2 or more people in real-time. It may be in person but it certainly doesn’t have to be. In addition to in-person conversations or meetings, phone calls and video meetings are also examples of synchronous communication.   

There are many situations in which synchronous communication will be your best choice – these include, but are not limited to

  • Discussions of sensitive projects or issues
  • Providing critical feedback
  • Brainstorming or conversations with a lot of unknowns
  • 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

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Examples of synchronous communication

In-person meeting

In-person meetings are great opportunities to churn up new ideas and solutions to complex problems.

Phone call

A phone call can get a decision made quickly and doesn’t necessarily need to be scheduled ahead of time. 

Video conference (i.e., via Zoom, WebEx, Slack, etc)

When the team works remotely but the benefit of reading facial expressions and body language is required, a video conference is a great choice.

Asking the teammate across your desk a quick question 

Walking over to a teammate to get an answer can be much faster than scrolling through a process document.

Coffee break conversations

Conversations at break time can generate innovative ideas without the pressure of being in a formal meeting.

Common Types of Remote Synchronous Communication.

Advantages of synchronous communication

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.  

Deeper interactions

Synchronous communication gives the opportunity to have deeper interactions with your team. 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.

Get resolutions in real time

With synchronous communication there is no need to wait in order to get a problem solved. Unlike with asynchronous communication, where projects can sometimes come to a halt while awaiting answers, production time can be maximized by this advantage of synchronous communication.

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Disadvantages of synchronous communication

Of course along with the advantages come a few disadvantages as well.

Focus is disrupted

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 or pings you on Slack for a quick response, the task you were in the middle of can suffer – not to mention you may not be giving 100% of your focus to the conversation that’s been entered into.

Difficult for people in different timezones

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 optimal time for one person may be the middle of the night for another and if synchronous communication is the expectation that won’t be overly effective.

With synchronous communication there is no need to wait in order to get a problem solved.

Synchronous communication best practices for remote teams

In order for your team to work together efficiently, they need to understand how synchronous communication can best be used to reach their desired outcomes. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when you and your team need to use synchronous communication in your work together so that it can be as positively impactful as possible.

1. Keep a small number of participants

Whether you are engaging in synchronous communication in person or using phone or video calling, the conversation should be kept to a small group. With too many participants, the discussion can become confusing and unfocused. Inviting fewer participants and ensuring each understands their role can reduce the confusion and help maintain focus.  

2. Always record the meeting

Recording your meeting can be an effective way to ensure content doesn’t get misremembered and talking points can be clarified. Many calling and video calling platforms have built-in recording functions which makes this an easy task to take on.

Some other benefits are a reduced need for note-taking and the ability to share the meeting’s content with team members who could not attend. Just be sure to advise all attendees that the meeting is being recorded prior to getting started.

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3. Create an agenda and stick to it

Whether you’re running a meeting virtually or in person an important task to complete before the meeting even starts is to draft an agenda. In the agenda, make sure to identify the goals of the meeting and any questions that will need to be answered.

It is important as well to consult with other team members about the agenda so that their needs related to the project/task in question can be considered as well – the goal here is a productive meeting for everyone. You’ll want to make sure everyone has a copy of the agenda and that it is strictly adhered to for maximum efficiency. 

4. Get familiar with the tools

Constant changes and developments in technology have led to a video conferencing market that has a variety of options available. Each of these has a unique set of features which may include polls, screen sharing, chat functions, and various audio and video permission settings.

Your team members should be encouraged to get to know these features for the system you use in order to make synchronous virtual communication most efficient.  

5. Always send follow-ups afterward

Following all meetings or phone conversations it is important to send a quick follow-up message to everyone who was in attendance. The message should thank them for attending and note any key takeaways, decisions, or outcomes of the meeting. You can send this by email, direct group message, or via an update in your project management system. 

What is asynchronous communication?

Now that we’ve covered synchronous communication, let’s dig into the pros and cons of asynchronous communication, and look at some examples and best practices.  

Asynchronous communication, a 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 storage could act as a resource for other team members

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Examples of asynchronous communication

Email

Emails can help you advise or seek input from individuals or groups without interrupting their flow of work.

Letters or direct mail 

For those who resist digitization, direct mail can be a great communication option

Project management tools 

Project Management tools like Trello and Asana can keep communication closely tied to the project it relates to.

Text messaging 

Quick and informal communication can be easily shared using a text message.

Direct messaging

Tools like Teams and Slack can keep work communication compartmentalized in a way that is customized to your team.

Video recordings 

Snagit and Camtasia are incredible tools for creating and sharing highly effective and easily created video recordings to communicate with your team.  And they each have a free trial offer!

Asynchronous meetings

In an asynchronous meeting, individuals add talking points and comments in a shared digital space when it is convenient for their schedules.

Common Types of Remote Asynchronous Communication

Advantages of asynchronous communication

Similar to synchronous communication, there are pros and cons to asynchronous methods of communication as well. Let’s check them out: 

More flexibility

One key advantage to 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.

Better for timezones

Asynchronous communication works really well for remote teams that cross various timezones. Messages can be delivered and received at the ideal times for each individual involved.

Asynchronous communication doesn’t try to replicate the experience of face-to-face communication.

Disadvantages of asynchronous communication

As you may expect, there are also some disadvantages to asynchronous communication. 

No sense of immediacy

Most managers appreciate a sense of urgency to the work of their team and asynchronous communication can get in the way of this. Because of the lag in response times, there can be delays in progress and inefficient use of time.

People feel disconnected

Asynchronous communication needs to be very clear and detailed, and it moves at a much slower pace. This can create feelings of disconnection because of the dissimilarity to a natural flow of conversation.

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Asynchronous communication best practices for remote teams

When working on a remote, distributed team, the use of asynchronous communication methods like email and collaborative project management tools can make it easy to connect despite differences in time and availability across the organization. 

1. Take inventory of how your team members spend their time

With a reported 252% increase in meetings since early 2020, there is a notable reduction in the amount of time spent actually completing tasks. With that knowledge under your belt, it’s clear to see that efficiencies and increased opportunities for focused time need to be a priority. Performing an audit on how time is being spent can provide insight into where asynchronous methods of communication, like emails and providing updates using a project management tool, may benefit your team. 

2. Set clear deadlines on all platforms

Setting clear deadlines is essential for success in asynchronous communication. Recipients of asynchronous communication should be made aware of when you want to hear back from them as well as any internal deadlines and the target completion date for the project as a whole. Most project management tools have features that support deadline tracking. Making deadlines clear can go a long way in keeping projects on track even with the flexibility made available with remote work.

3.  Write clear, concise messages on all platforms

Clarity is a vital ingredient in successful asynchronous communication. Any confusion created will likely cause a series of back-and-forth communications which will delay progress. When thinking about clarity, it might be helpful to imagine what follow-up questions the receiver may have and answer them proactively to maintain forward motion. 

4. Craft detailed responses

When you receive questions from your team via asynchronous communication methods, be sure to spend the time required to give a full and detailed response. A quick response may seem like the most efficient use of time, however, that is a misguided thought. Any details missed because of a haphazard response can launch a series of back-and-forth communications which can hold up projects. Asynchronous communication thrives when details are plentiful.

5. Don’t schedule meetings if you don’t need to

One of the benefits of asynchronous communication is the ability to make progress without having to schedule and attend meetings. Emails and comments in shared documents can be very effective and can be used in place of virtual or in-person meetings. It is crucial though to know when a meeting should be called.

5 Easy Ways to Use Asynchronous Communication

Asynchronous communication versus synchronous communication, which one is right for your business?

The long and short of it is that there is no simple, all-encompassing answer to this question. It’s almost always a carefully curated combination of asynchronous communication and synchronous communication that will best serve a business. There are very few workplaces that can effectively rely solely on one or the other of these approaches to communication.  

It is important then, for all of the leaders within your workforce 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 very effective to guide the decision making and create uniformity to the approach across your organization, but with a “shades of grey” situation like this, what should be considered as those are written?

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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 personality types as well as the sheer size of the audience and their demonstrated past behaviour can help you make a great decision about using synchronous or asynchronous communication.  

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 completed using asynchronous communication, while an extrovert leaning group likely prefers the energy involved with synchronous brainstorm 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.  

For example, if you are on hold with a client and realize you are missing a key piece of information, you should probably get the colleague who has that info on the phone – you’re not likely to get a response to a text or slack message before the hold music stops! 

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 to edit and revise in real time with your collaborators.  Asynchronous communication is not usually your best bet for having time sensitive communication needs met.

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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 all of the nuances and complexities and the receiver’s ability to pick  them up using one form or the other, synchronous or asynchronous communication. 

This area is one where we tend to believe one approach is overall superior to the other, specifically, that if you have to deliver a complex message you need to do it sychronously. However, there are so many excellent tools available to support asynchronous communication that even if that sentiment ever were true, it is now blown out of the water.

Tools like Camtasia and Snagit make it simple and streamlined to communicate layers of complex information effectively using video and image based methods.

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. There in no one answer that 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, as well as 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.

Ryan Knott

TechSmith Marketing Content Specialist and manager of the TechSmith Blog. More than 25 years of communications and marketing experience. Geek. Science and sci-fi enthusiast. Guitar player. On a mission to pet all the dogs. He/him. A few things about me: 1) Mildly (or not-so-mildly) obsessed with the movie Alien, 2) two rescue pibbles (Biggie and Reo), and 3) friend of ducks everywhere. Ask me about my seven+ years as a roller derby coach.