How to create a user guide document for software by using Snagit

A user guide is a document that explains how to use a software product or service. It can help users to understand the features, functions, and benefits of the software, as well as how to troubleshoot common problems. A user guide can also include screenshots, videos, diagrams, and other visual aids to enhance the user experience.

One of the tools that can help you create a user guide document is Snagit, a screen capture and editing software. Snagit allows you to capture any part of your screen, add annotations, edit images, record videos, and share your content with others. In this blog post, we will show you how to use Snagit to create a user guide document for software.

Step 1: Plan your user guide document

Before you start capturing and editing your content, you need to plan your user guide document. You should consider the following questions:

• Who is your target audience? What are their needs, goals, and expectations?
• What is the purpose of your user guide document? What are the main objectives and outcomes?
• What is the scope of your user guide document? What topics and tasks will you cover?
• How will you structure your user guide document? What are the main sections and sub-sections?
• How will you format your user guide document? What style, tone, and language will you use?

You can use a template or an outline to organize your ideas and create a draft of your user guide document. My recommendation is

• Heading 1 – Actor / The User so each chapter will dedicate to one actor
• Heading 2 – Actor main scenario
• Heading 3 – Actor alternative scenario

Step 2: Capture your content with Snagit

Once you have planned your user guide document, you can start capturing your content with Snagit. You can use Snagit to capture screenshots, videos, or both, depending on the type of content you want to include in your user guide document.

PRO TIPS: use screenshot as a default action, use video ONLY if you find the software is too complicated to use.

To capture a screenshot with Snagit, follow these steps:

• Launch Snagit and select the Image mode from the Capture window.
• Choose the region or window that you want to capture from the Selection menu.
• Click the Capture button or press the Print Screen key on your keyboard.
• The Snagit Editor will open with your captured image.
• I recommend you to give the steps label in Snagit for image description

To capture a video with Snagit, follow these steps:

• Launch Snagit and select the Video mode from the Capture window.
• Choose the region or window that you want to capture from the Selection menu.
• Click the Record button or press Shift + F9 on your keyboard.
• The Snagit Recorder will start recording your screen activity.
• To stop recording, click the Stop button or press Shift + F10 on your keyboard.
• The Snagit Editor will open with your captured video.

Step 3: Edit your content with Snagit

After you have captured your content with Snagit, you can edit it with Snagit Editor. You can use Snagit Editor to crop, resize, rotate, annotate, enhance, and save your images and videos.

To edit an image with Snagit Editor, follow these steps:

• Select the image that you want to edit from the Recent Captures tray.
• Use the tools from the Image tab to modify your image. For example, you can use the Crop tool to trim unwanted areas, the Resize tool to change the dimensions of your image, the Rotate tool to adjust the orientation of your image, and the Effects tool to apply filters and effects to your image.
• Use the tools from the Tools tab to annotate your image. For example, you can use the Text tool to add captions or labels, the Shape tool to draw arrows or boxes, the Stamp tool to insert icons or symbols, and the Callout tool to add speech bubbles or notes.
• Use the tools from the Share tab to save or share your image. For example, you can use the Save As tool to save your image as a file in different formats, such as PNG, JPEG, or PDF; or use the Email tool to send your image as an attachment.
• Paste the document in every main scenario heading 2. And describe each annotation in the body of user guide

  

   

To edit a video with Snagit Editor, follow these steps:

• Select the video that you want to edit from the Recent Captures tray.
• Use the tools from the Video tab to modify your video. For example, you can use Camtasia, Clipchamp, and others.