Screencasting, video, and animation tools for technical documentation
Market overview of recommendable screen recorders for creating screencasts (software videos, screen videos). Plus a market overview of recommendable animation and multimedia tools as well as audio and video editors, especially in connection with the creation of technical documentation and user assistance.
For information on the indicated price levels ● ● ● ● ● ●, see Price levels.
Screencasting tools
Captivate
If there’s anything like a Swiss Army knife among the authoring systems for software demos, then it’s Captivate. The program offers a scope of functions that’s by far the largest, especially with regard to quiz functions and branching scenarios. Among its strengths are flexible customization of the output, smooth translatability (XML export and reimport), and attractive results. Currently Captivate is the only screencasting tool that comes with text-to-speech voices.
Price level: ● medium
Camtasia
One of the most popular screencasting tools. Camtasia supports a large number of output formats and is available for Windows and for the Mac.
Price level: ● medium
HelpXplain
Very efficiently creates simple, slide-based screencasts, but also animated images, animated screenshots, sliders, and presentations.
Price level: ● low
https://www.helpandmanual.com/hx/
Description supplied by vendor: (advertisement)
HelpXplain speeds up creating HowTo screencasts by animating screenshots instead of recording video. Work at your own speed, change any step at any time, never redo an entire presentation to correct a single mistake. Also creates image sliders, complex screenshots, animated infographics, and more. Supports audio narration, background audio, and audio objects. Easy embedding into web pages and WebHelp.
FocuSee (NEW ENTRY)
Records the screen, camera, and voice, automatically following the movement of the cursor and adding dynamic zoom effects. This creates a professional-looking video without the need for manual video editing. Corrections are possible.
Price level: ● low
Gemoo Recorder (NEW ENTRY)
Price level: ● low
https://gemoo.com/screen-recorder/
ARCADE (NEW ENTRY)
Tool to build interactive demos of web applications. Automatically stitches together screen recordings, videos, and images.
Price level: ● diverse
Demo Builder (NEW ENTRY)
Lying hidden behind an uncluttered user interface are all the features that you need for creating attractive software demos and other presentations, also interactive ones. Including AI support and text to audio. A key advantage is that it’s particularly easy to update existing demos. Demo Builder once used to be a Windows desktop program but now is a web application. In addition to the paid plan there is also a free version with quite a remarkable set of features.
Price level: ● medium
Mimic
Unlike other products listed here, Mimic focuses very specifically on the needs of technical documentation. Unique features are the possibility of using variables while working with texts, and the possibility to use individual scenes several times over, even in different projects. Only available in combination with MadCap Flare.
https://www.madcapsoftware.com
VideoDetailer
Essentially a simplified and streamlined version of the program Demo Builder made by the same manufacturer.
Price level: ● low
datango
From a series of screen captures builds screencasts, interactive tutorials, and also printed documentation.
Price level: ● not published
ActivePresenter
Presentation tool to create Video interactive simulations. SCORM compatible.
Price level: ● medium
https://atomisystems.com/activepresenter/
FlashBack
The built-in autoscroll function can automatically ensure that regions where interaction is happening are displayed in the center. Easy to use.
Price level: ● low
https://www.flashbackrecorder.com
Wondershare DemoCreator
Records and edits video presentations.
Price level: ● low
https://democreator.wondershare.com
ScreenPal (NEW ENTRY)
Tools to capture, create, edit, and share videos and images.
Price level: ● low
RecordCast
Browser-based screencasting software. Nevertheless, according to the vendor, the created videos are edited locally and not uploaded to a server, which can be important for confidential content.
Price level: ● low
movavi Screen Capture Studio
Simple screen recoding software. Also lets you edit the recorded videos to some extent.
Price level: ● low
https://www.movavi.com/screen-recorder/
WinCam
Simple screen recorder with some basic editing features.
Price level: ● low
https://www.ntwind.com/software/wincam.html
Gif Recorder
Basic screencasting tool dedicated to the GIF format. Comes with a jQuery implementation to start and stop the animations and to play audio files in sync.
Price level: ● low
ScreenFlow
One of the market leaders for the Mac.
Price level: ● low
iShowU Studio
Another well-known audio and video recorder for the Mac.
Price level: ● low
Screenium
Screen recorder and video recorder for the Mac.
Price level: ● low
https://www.syniumsoftware.com/screenium
Reflector
Wirelessly mirrors an iPad or iPhone to a PC or Mac so that you can record the screen or take screen captures.
Price level: ● low
https://www.airsquirrels.com/reflector
OBS Studio
Can create scenes made up of multiple sources including screen captures, images, text, webcam, and more.
Price level: ● free (open source)
Screenity
Screen recorder & annotation tool for Chrome. Can make recordings of browser tabs, the desktop, any application, and the camera.
Price level: ● free (freeware)
https://github.com/alyssaxuu/screenity
ScreenToGif
Can save a short scene to animated GIF, to animated PNG, or to video.
Price level: ● free (freeware)
Wink
Produces screencasts as MPEG-4 video, PDF (for printable manuals), PostScript, HTML or images.
Price level: ● free (freeware)
https://www.debugmode.com/wink/
Ezvid
Screen recorder with also some basic editing features.
Price level: ● free (freeware)
LICEcap
Doesn’t create full-featured screencasts but small animated screen captures (animated GIF).
Price level: ● free (open source)
https://www.cockos.com/licecap/
Debut Video Capture
Records from webcam, screen, or video input device. You can also add text captions.
Price level: ● low
https://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/
Screencastify
Simple web application for creating screencasts.
Price level: ● low
recordMyDesktop
Basic screencasting tool on Linux.
Price level: ● free (open source)
https://enselic.github.io/recordmydesktop/
Some screen recorders for Andriod:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rsupport.mvagent
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hecorat.screenrecorder.free
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blogspot.byterevapps.lollipopscreenrecorder
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tianxingjian.screenshot
Screen recorder available in Windows: (NEW ENTRY)
Finally, in Windows there is a simple free function in the game bar to record the entire screen content as a video (no area selection possible). You can access this function with the key combination Windows+G.
Video and animation tools for creating explainer videos
HelpXplain
Efficiently creates animated images, animated screenshots, simple screencasts, sliders, and presentations.
Price level: ● low
https://www.helpandmanual.com/hx/
Description supplied by vendor: (advertisement)
HelpXplain speeds up creating HowTo screencasts by animating screenshots instead of recording video. Work at your own speed, change any step at any time, never redo an entire presentation to correct a single mistake. Also creates image sliders, complex screenshots, animated infographics, and more. Supports audio narration, background audio, and audio objects. Easy embedding into web pages and WebHelp.
Anireel
Creates animated explainer videos for marketing and eLearning. Comes with templates, assets, and AI powered text to speech.
Price level: ● medium
https://anireel.wondershare.com
CreateStudio
Software for creating marketing videos.
Price level: ● low
FlexClip
Browser-based, simple to use online video editor that comes with a huge number of preconfigured effects and royalty-free stock assets. Can also record the screen and thus be used for creating screencasts.
Price level: ● diverse
Animaker (NEW ENTRY)
Saas platform to create Animation and Live-Action videos also for non-designers.
Price level: ● medium
Toonly
Drag and drop explainer video creator. For PC and Mac.
Price level: ● medium
video2manual
Creates short video-based instructions (“utility movies”) for hardware-based products.
Price level: ● not published
SmartAssistent
Video-based documentation solution for training, user assistance, and process documentation (website in German only).
Price level: ● not published
https://www.mediasys-video.de/uebersicht/
manual.to
Quickly creates simple step-by-step instructions from videos, images, and short texts.
Price level: ● not published
General purpose video and audio editors
Adobe Premiere
Very feature-rich and powerful video editor. The market leader in its field.
Price level: ● medium
VEGAS
Can be purchased in various versions from basic to professional.
Price level: ● medium
https://www.vegascreativesoftware.com
DaVinci Resolve
Post production video editor. There is also a free version available.
Price level: ● medium
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/
PowerDirector
Easy to use video editor.
Price level: ● low
VSDC Video Editor Pro
Simple, affordable video editor.
Price level: ● low
http://www.videosoftdev.com/video-editor-pro
Descript
Web application to write, record, transcribe, edit, collaborate, and share videos and podcasts.
Price level: ● diverse
Final Cut Pro
Specifically for macOS.
Price level: ● medium
https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/
Pinnacle Studio
Powerful video editing software. Supports stop-motion video capture from any connected camera. Also includes a screen recorder.
Price level: ● low
filmora
Easy-to-use, feature rich video editor. Also includes a screen recorder.
Price level: ● low
https://filmora.wondershare.com
MAGIX Movie Edit Pro
Video editor with various features.
Price level: ● low
MAGIX Video Pro
Professional video production software.
Price level: ● medium
Corel VideoStudio Pro
Video editor that brings together creative editing, advanced effects, screen recording, and interactive web video.
Price level: ● low
OpenShot
Free cross-platform video editor.
Price level: ● free (open source)
Lightworks
Powerful video editor.
Price level: ● diverse
Shotcut
Free, open-source video editor (cross-platform).
Price level: ● free (open source)
Avidemux
Free video editor designed for simple cutting, filtering, and encoding. Tasks can be automated.
Price level: ● free (open source)
https://avidemux.sourceforge.net
kdenlive
Non-linear video editor.
Price level: ● free (open source)
Cinelerra GG Infinity
Video editing software for Linux. Can handle color correction, motion tracking, video stabilization, audio mastering, etc.
Price level: ● free (open source)
PiTiVi
Free movie editor for Linux.
Price level: ● free (open source)
Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate
All-in-one video conversion software.
Price level: ● low
VLC media player
The popular open source media player can also convert media files between various formats.
Price level: ● free (open source)
VLMC
Video editor based on VLC.
Price level: ● free (open source)
HandBrake
Multi-platform video converter.
Price level: ● free (open source)
unscreen
Web application that removes the background from videos without needing to have used a green screen or blue screen.
Price level: ● low
Audacity
Cross-platform audio editor. Supports multichannel recording, editing, and effects.
Price level: ● free (open source)
General purpose animation tools
Adobe Animate CC
One of the market leaders.
Price level: ● medium
WebAnimator
Creates HTML5-based animations that work in all browsers.
Price level: ● low
Saola Animate
Creates HTML5 based animation for the web.
Price level: ● low
Hippo Animator
Creates HTML-based animations that work in all browsers and on all devices.
Price level: ● low
Genially
Web application for designing interactive content.
Price level: ● not published
Mango Animation Maker / Whiteboard Animation Maker / Text Video Maker
Basic animation tools for specific purposes.
Price level: ● low
Stop Motion Studio
Specialized on making motion videos. Comes with some interesting features, such as camera control, green screen, adding facial expression to figures, and more.
Price level: ● low
FlipBook
Basic program to create short flipbook and cartoon movies.
Price level: ● low
svgator
Web application for creating animated SVG.
Price level: ● medium
Google Web Designer
Creates interactive HTML5-based designs and motion graphics.
Price level: ● free (freeware)
https://webdesigner.withgoogle.com
KoolMoves
Easy to use but with a limited set of features.
Price level: ● low
Synfig
2D vector-based animation program.
Price level: ● free (open source)
NATRON
Price level: ● free (open source)
Compositing software for visual effects and motion graphics.
https://natrongithub.github.io
Cartoon Animator
2D animation software.
Price level: ● low
PowToon
Online animated presentation software that can be used to produce product demos, business presentations, and social media clips.
Price level: ● medium
VideoScribe
Whiteboard animation software.
Price level: ● medium
TTS Sketch Maker
Creates sketch videos and can also add audio with the help of a text-to-speech engine.
Price level: ● low
Pencil2D Animation
Tool to make 2D hand-drawn animation.
Price level: ● free (open source)
Prezi
Creates rotating and zooming presentations.
Price level: ● medium
impress.js
Creates rotating and zooming presentations in HTML and CSS3 (requires HTML coding).
Price level: ● free (open source)
https://github.com/impress/impress.js
Text-to-speech (TTS) engines
The following providers make it possible to download audio files created with a TTS engine. (Usually these providers are not the producers of the voices, but work as resellers. Therefore, many of the voices are the same with different providers).
The following providers are producers of voices and offer them e.g. as web services to dynamically generate a voice at runtime.
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/ai-services/text-to-speech/
https://www.ibm.com/products/text-to-speech
Teleprompters
Some teleprompting tools are:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/teleprompter-imaginary-films/
https://gemoo.com/talkeze/ (NEW ENTRY)
AI tools for presentation videos
A growing number of tools support semi-automated creation of presentation videos from text, using real-looking avatars, without a real person as the presenter. In many cases, these videos are even automatically translated into numerous other languages, including lip-synchronization of the speakers. Some examples of this group are:
https://www.heygen.com (NEW ENTRY)
https://www.synthesia.io (NEW ENTRY)
https://www.deepbrain.io (NEW ENTRY)
Solutions for creating augmented reality applications
In this field, some tools with a focus on technical communication are:
https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality/
https://www.ptc.com/de/products/vuforia (NEW ENTRY)
https://www.xlsoft.com/en/products/kudan/index.html
Decision aids: Choosing a screencasting tool
A screencasting tool (screen recorder) enables you to record your actions directly while you perform them within the demonstrated application. After the recording, you can add captions, interactive elements, and optional audio with a click of a few buttons. You don’t need to be an expert in video editing.
To create a small screencast, even most low-cost screen recorders are adequate. However, when it comes to more professional and strategic requirements, there are big differences. For example, not all tools let you translate a screencast into foreign languages, and not all tools let you easily update an existing screen video when there has been a new release of the demonstrated software. The following checklist can help you not to miss an important requirement when choosing a screencasting application.
Basic groups of tools
When evaluating tools for screencasting, it’s important to understand that there are two general groups of tools:
- The group of frame-based screen recorders creates animations based on a few static images (“frames” or “slides”). A new frame or slide is only created when something new actually took place in the software (when a new window has opened, for example). The mouse cursor isn’t visible in the frames. Movements of the mouse and user inputs are simulated separately by the tool.
- The group of full-motion-based screen recorders records a “genuine” movie. These tools generate videos at about 30 frames per second, regardless of what’s actually happening on the screen. Usually, the mouse cursor will be visible in all of these frames.
Both groups have specific advantages and disadvantages. Frame-based screen recorders are pushed to their limits when it comes to recording dynamic processes. Example: Imagine that you want to record how you draw a shape in a drawing program with the pen tool. In this case, you’re likely to have just the start (the empty workspace) and the end (the finished shape) in your movie, as most frame-based tools only create a new frame when the mouse button is pressed or released. The images for the steps in between (the dragging operation with the mouse) will be missing and can’t be interpolated later on.
The big advantage of frame-based recordings, however, is that significantly fewer individual images are created. This makes the subsequent post-processing considerably simpler, and even makes it possible to replace individual frames later on without having to record the entire movie all over again. Also, you can subsequently change the cursor paths. This is an advantage that can hardly be underestimated, because it’s rare that a recording turns out to be perfect the first time. While recording a full motion movie, the person guiding the operations must be constantly careful to move the cursor with smooth movements, simultaneously without covering any of the important contents on screen. Thus, the visual impression achieved will noticeably depend on the skills of the person creating the recording.
The trend goes toward combining the best of the two worlds: In the standard case, the recordings are frame-based, but when there’s a drag & drop action (or upon manual request), a full-motion-based recording begins.
Recording
- Which recording methods are possible? Frame-based recording, full-motion-based recording, or both?
- Can you also create demos that are based on imported, static screenshots? This is especially helpful when the software is still under development.
- Can you import externally created videos as well? This is important if, in addition to the interaction with the software, you also want to show what’s to be done with some specific hardware.
Editing
- What objects (such as texts or arrows) can you insert?
- Can you create formatting templates and change the design of callouts, arrows, etc.?
- How extensive are the animation options?
- Can you incorporate interactive buttons and stop points into the demo to prevent the demo from running too quickly for viewers who are slow readers?
- Can you add a quiz to test and reinforce what has been learned?
- Can you port the results of a quiz to a learning management system (LMS)?
- How precisely and how easily can you control the timing of individual objects?
- How well and at what level can you insert and edit audio files?
Output
- What output formats are supported?
- Can you customize the appearance of the viewer?
- Is it possible to add a navigation menu so that viewers can jump from one scene to another?
User-friendliness
When a product undergoes changes, all that needs to be done in the case of text-based documentation is to modify the texts and maybe replace some individual images. In the case of multimedia contents, this becomes several times more time-consuming: If the crucial spots can’t be edited later on, you’ll have to recreate entire scenes, including the timing, animation, and interaction. Therefore, in the case of multimedia content, the question of how easily existing content can be changed is even more important than with traditional technical documentation.
- Can you delete or add individual sequences? What happens to the mouse cursor in this case? Is it possible to achieve seamless integration with the preceding scene and with the subsequent scene?
- Is it possible to replace individual screenshots?
- Is it possible to edit the mouse paths?
- Is it possible to make changes later on to the design (for example, to unify the style of callouts)?
Translation process
- Here again, this is important: Is it possible to replace individual screenshots?
- Is it possible to replace the audio as well?
- Can you export the text contained as a file (preferably in XML), translate it externally, and then reimport it after translation?
- Is the software Unicode-compatible?
Usability
Finally, of course, it’s also crucial how easy you find it to work with the software. Only if you really feel comfortable with the software will you be able to produce top-quality results.
- Is there some good documentation?
- Do you need much training, or can you get started immediately?
- What’s your personal preference?
Strategic questions
Aside from the tool’s set of features, and its performance and usability, you should also take into account the following worst-case scenarios:
- What happens if the manufacturer of the tool discontinues the product or ceases operations? Does your tool require a server run by the manufacturer? Does your tool require activation when installed on a new computer? If any of these scenarios occur, could you continue to use the tool for at least a limited amount of time?
- How easily can you migrate your source files when you have to (or want to) switch to another tool in the future? Does the tool use standard formats to store its data?