How to Record a Tutorial Video

Create a step-by-step tutorial video that teaches viewers how to do something on screen. Great tutorials combine clear visual demonstration, helpful narration, and smart use of zoom and highlighting to guide the viewer's eye.

Step-by-step

1
Outline your tutorial in 3-5 key steps
Write down the exact actions you'll demonstrate before recording. Knowing your waypoints keeps the recording focused and prevents rambling.
2
Set up your screen at 1080p with a clean workspace
Close unnecessary apps and tabs. If recording a browser, hide the bookmarks bar (Cmd+Shift+B). Use a clean browser profile if needed to avoid personal data exposure.
3
Configure Screenify: window capture, mic on, 30fps
Window capture isolates your app from desktop clutter. 30fps is standard for tutorials — smooth enough without bloating file size. Enable auto-zoom and cursor highlight.
4
Record at a teaching pace
Move slower than you normally would. Pause briefly before each major step. Say what you're about to do before you do it: 'Now I'll click Settings to change the theme.'
5
Review and trim
Watch the recording back. Trim any long pauses, mistakes, or off-topic tangents. Add captions if your audience is international or watches on mute.

Screenify features that help

Auto-Zoom

Tutorial viewers need to see exactly where you click. Auto-zoom magnifies the click target automatically, creating a professional 'directed attention' effect without manual editing.

Cursor Highlight

A highlighted cursor draws the eye to your mouse position. In a tutorial, this is critical — viewers are trying to follow your exact mouse path through unfamiliar UI.