Comments on: Help me create a tutorial video for the web!

Question: Help me create a tutorial video for the web!

Geoffh — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:52:46 -0800

I want to create a tutorial video in the style of this one. I've got the voice-over stuff covered, but what software would I use to pull this off if I'm not actully filming anything with a camera?

By: farmersckn

farmersckn — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 01:08:49 -0800

Wink does this. It is a software that records what you do on your screen and add audio.

If that doesn't suit you, do a google search for "screencast software" and you should find some programs that will help.

I only suggest Wink because it is free, not because it is the best.

I have heard of a program called "Camtasia" that does the same thing.

By: enrevanche

enrevanche — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 01:42:06 -0800

The two major commercial contenders for quick-and-dirty authoring of animated training (on Windows as the development platform) are TechSmith Camtasia Studio and Adobe (Macromedia) Captivate (formerly known as RoboDemo.)

Here is a very good (and reasonably recent) review explaining the comparative strengths and weaknesses of each.

Brief excerpt that sums it up neatly:

Macromedia Captivate by Adobe and TechSmith Camtasia Studio 3.1 are similar software tools with uniquely different strong points. If you're creating a quick-and-dirty software demo, or a PowerPoint presentation to post to a Web site, Camtasia is a better tool. On the other hand, if you're creating interactive demos or training, or a complex software demonstration, Captivate is superior.

Even where they meet in the middle, operating paradigms and interface are so different that they will intuitively appeal to different users. If you're a video editor, you'll find Camtasia easy to learn and use, and Captivate unnecessarily complex. On the other hand, if you're skilled in Macromedia Director or Flash, you'll find Camtasia a blunt instrument and Captivate more intuitive and precise.

As of a few months ago, both products were available for 30-day trial downloads; after downloading and checking them both out, I purchased Camtasia, and have already used it successfully to create the kind of tutorials you describe. (I found Camtasia easier to work with; your mileage may vary.)

By: gmarceau

gmarceau — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 01:53:09 -0800

Camstudio is also free. I never used it, I don't know how well it works, looks descent.

By: Rhomboid

Rhomboid — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 02:38:30 -0800

A review of the most popular tools.

By: Herr Fahrstuhl

Herr Fahrstuhl — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 03:13:34 -0800

I used Camstudio to record demonstrations of software and was never disappointed. Check it out, it's free. Be aware that it comes without editing capabilities, so you'll have to get that covered with other software.

By: jeremias

jeremias — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 04:05:38 -0800

You don't say what platform you're on, but SnapzPro for the Mac is excellent.

By: Geoffh

Geoffh — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 04:38:14 -0800

Sorry, Windows XP is what I'm using. Thanks to everyone who's responded....huge help.

By: wheat

wheat — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 06:23:52 -0800

The two best commercial options are TechSmith's Camtasia Studio and Adobe Captivate (formerly eHelp RoboDemo, before that got bought out by Macromedia and, subsequently, by Adobe). I prefer Captivate for its, IMHO, superior editing and simulation creation abilities. But both are fine for demonstration screencasts. And Camtasia is a bit easier to use if you're new to this. eWeek did a comparison of the latest releases of both earlier this month. Both got high marks, with a slight edge to Captivate.

By: ChuckLeChuck

ChuckLeChuck — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:48:47 -0800

I'll second (third?) the endorsements for Camtasia. People with all levels of technical skill have used it very successfully in my organization. I think you get a 30 day trial with it and it's relatively inexpensive to purchase.