Clarify is a great tool to record problems and get help or even design your own help file. We have reviewed 4 alternative approaches
Clarify is a screenshot tool designed to replace screen recordings for business purposes. Using annotations, editing tools, and a wide variety of options, this program allows you to take a series of screenshots for tutorials, instruction manuals, and more. If you’ve tried Clarify but found that it didn’t quite suit your tastes, or if you are just wondering what other alternatives there are out there, consider looking into the programs listed below.
1) Problem Steps Recorder
This Windows program was originally designed as a way for remote IT support to communicate with people having technical troubles at a different site, but it also has many other possible applications. This tool functions with the click of a mouse, taking all the information currently on the screen and zipping it to an MHTML report file that can be sent to a help desk or technical support. On the tech support side, that image can then be unzipped, edited, and manipulated as needed in order to provide the solution desired.
2) StepShot
Built specifically for the Windows operating systems, StepShot is a powerful tool designed to help you record step-by-step guides for tech support, tutorials, and other needs. Every step of a procedure is recorded by this utility, and then saved as a series of screen captures. Once you have completed the steps you need to record, you can then go about editing them as you need to. StepShot includes an in-program editor, making it an excellent one-stop place for your recording and revision needs.
3) ScreenStep
ScreenStep is a simple but effective program that works for Windows PC as well as Macs. As with the other alternatives listed here, the program records your actions while activated, and captures a series of screenshots that can be edited later. In the case of this program, there are also easy annotation and highlighting options, allowing you to modify the images in clear and concise ways. ScreenStep has a massive range of compatibility, and can support file formats including HTML, PDF, Microsoft Office, WordPress, Google Docs, and much more.
4) Dr.Explain
As with many of the alternatives listed here, Dr.Explain is designed for Windows PCs specifically, although there are ways to make it compatible with Macs, iPads, Androids, Linux, and other systems. This program focuses specifically on designing help files for other users, capturing screenshots for every step of a procedure you go through. This program contains many different reference options that allow users to choose exactly how they want to present their screenshots. You can potentially choose a series of PowerPoint slides, an online tutorial, and many other useful formats.
You can use these programs to serve as instructions for yourself down the road in case you forget how to use a seldom-used application, or you can focus on providing help files and tutorials for others. While most of these programs are focused toward Windows users, there are enough options for other operating systems as well. Test these different programs and decide which one works the best for you. At least one should meet your needs.
