How to Use TechSmith Capture (formerly Jing): A Beginner’s Guide

Creating Better How-To Videos with TechSmith Capture (formerly Jing)Creating clear, engaging how-to videos doesn’t require expensive gear or a steep learning curve. TechSmith Capture (formerly Jing) is a lightweight, free screen-capture tool that’s perfect for quick tutorials, bug demonstrations, and short walkthroughs. This article covers planning, recording, editing basics, and delivery tips to help you make professional, useful how-to videos using TechSmith Capture.

Why choose TechSmith Capture?

TechSmith Capture is ideal for short-form instructional content because it is:

• Fast and simple to launch and use.
• Lightweight, with minimal system impact.
• Integrated with TechSmith’s ecosystem (easy handoff to Camtasia or Snagit for advanced editing).
• Designed for quick sharing via links or local files.

If your goal is concise, practical tutorials—especially for software, web apps, or internal training—Capture is a pragmatic choice.

Plan before you record

Good videos are mostly made before you hit Record. Spend time on these preparatory steps:

1. Define the single goal

   • Focus each video on one clear outcome (e.g., “How to export CSV from App X”). Short videos with a single objective are easier to follow and more likely to be watched to completion.

2. Know your audience

   • Are viewers beginners, intermediate users, or power users? Tailor pace, terminology, and the level of detail accordingly.

3. Create a brief script or outline

   • For a 2–5 minute video, write a short script listing the steps and any onscreen text you’ll use. Even bullet points help avoid rambling and reduce retakes.

4. Prepare the environment

   • Close unrelated apps, clear desktop clutter, enable Do Not Disturb to prevent notifications, and set an appropriate screen resolution and zoom so UI elements are readable.

Recording with TechSmith Capture

TechSmith Capture shines for quick, focused recordings. Follow these practical steps:

1. Set capture area deliberately

   • Capture only the relevant window or region. This keeps viewers focused and avoids exposing sensitive info.

2. Choose between image or video

   • Use image captures for single-step explanations or annotations. Use video for step-by-step procedures and dynamic interfaces.

3. Keep recordings short

   • Aim for 2–7 minutes. If a topic requires more time, split it into a series of bite-sized clips.

4. Use a clear, steady narration

   • If you narrate, speak slowly, enunciate, and use the script as a guide. Record in a quiet room and consider using a decent USB microphone for clarity.

5. Demonstrate with intent

   • Move the mouse deliberately, pause after key actions, and avoid excessive cursor bouncing. TechSmith Capture can highlight clicks if you add that in post with other tools.

Post-recording: cleanup and basic edits

TechSmith Capture itself is minimal on editing features, so combine it with lightweight edits to improve clarity:

1. Trim start/end dead air

   • Cut unnecessary lead-in and wrap-up sections so the video launches directly into useful content.

2. Add callouts and arrows (via Snagit or Camtasia)

   • Emphasize where to click, type, or look. Annotations guide viewer attention and reduce confusion.

3. Use zooms to focus

   • For small UI elements, adding a timed zoom (available in Camtasia) makes details legible on smaller screens.

4. Include concise captions or on-screen steps

   • Short on-screen text for each step reinforces spoken instructions and helps non-native speakers.

Structure your how-to for maximum clarity

Consistent structure helps viewers follow along:

• Quick intro (10–20s): State the goal and what viewers will achieve.
• Show the result early: A short preview of the finished outcome can motivate viewers.
• Step-by-step demonstration: Keep each step focused and logically ordered.
• Recap and next steps: Briefly summarize and point to related resources or further videos.

Accessibility and usability considerations

• Add closed captions or a transcript. This benefits non-native speakers and people with hearing impairments.
• Use high-contrast visuals and readable font sizes for on-screen text.
• Narration should avoid idioms and overly colloquial language when targeting a global audience.

File formats and sharing

• Export to MP4 for broad compatibility.
• For internal teams, host on private platforms (company LMS, private YouTube links, or shared drives).
• TechSmith provides easy upload/sharing options—use them for fast distribution, but ensure any links respect company privacy rules.

Optimize for engagement and retention

• Start with the most valuable action first (“front-load” the key step).
• Keep momentum: avoid long pauses or irrelevant detours.
• Use chapters or timestamps for slightly longer tutorials so viewers can jump to sections.

When to upgrade beyond TechSmith Capture

TechSmith Capture is excellent for quick tasks, but consider Camtasia or Snagit if you need:

• Advanced editing (multi-track timelines, transitions).
• Professional audio tools (noise reduction, EQ).
• Fancy visual effects, animated callouts, or quizzes.

Quick checklist before you publish

• [ ] Single clear objective stated.
• [ ] Script or outline prepared.
• [ ] Screen area cleaned and notifications off.
• [ ] Audio checked and noise minimized.
• [ ] Video trimmed and annotated where needed.
• [ ] Captions/transcript added.
• [ ] Exported in MP4 and uploaded to chosen platform.
• [ ] Short description and title optimized for search.

Creating helpful how-to videos with TechSmith Capture is largely about planning, clarity, and small post-production touches. With intentional scripting, deliberate on-screen actions, and minimal but effective editing, you can produce polished tutorials that save time and reduce repeated explanations.