Clarify for Mac: Create Step-by-Step Guides with Screenshots

The Essential Role of Screen Capture Tools for Content Creators

Alongside text editing software, screen capturing programs are considered absolutely essential for writers at MakeUseOf – a fact readily apparent when reviewing our published content.

I’ve personally evaluated a wide array of screenshot utilities, ranging from Apple’s built-in Grab application to well-known third-party options such as Jing and the recently examined Skitch.

Generally, I rely on at least three distinct screenshot programs consistently, each offering specialized functionalities suited to the specific types of images I need to capture.

Introducing Clarify: A New Approach to Visual Documentation

Despite the abundance of available applications in this category, Blue Mango has developed a tool that distinguishes itself from competitors.

Drawing inspiration from their established professional application, ScreenSteps, they have launched the beta version of Clarify.

Clarify is specifically designed for creating detailed, step-by-step instructional guides.

These guides incorporate screenshots and annotations, facilitating rapid dissemination online.

The application excels at producing visual documentation for tutorials and guides.

It streamlines the process of combining images and explanatory text.

The Functionality of Clarify

Many sophisticated screenshot programs, such as Jing and Skitch, offer annotation features that are implemented following image capture. The utility of these tools is demonstrated in the image provided. Clarify also incorporates annotation capabilities, but extends its functionality beyond simple post-capture editing.

Clarify is designed to assist individuals who frequently need to create and share detailed guides. This includes writers, software developers, IT support professionals, and even those who provide technical assistance to family members.

Who Benefits from Clarify?

• Individuals needing to document software usage.
• Those who explain complex website processes.
• Professionals creating step-by-step instructional materials.

The software streamlines the process of developing and conveying instructions in a manner that is both easily understood and precise. It facilitates clear communication of technical information.

Clarify empowers users to effectively build and distribute guides, ensuring that recipients can readily follow along and achieve the desired outcome. It’s a tool for simplifying complex tasks through visual and textual guidance.

Unlike tools that focus solely on annotation, Clarify is built around the concept of creating complete, self-contained instructional documents. This makes it ideal for situations where detailed explanations are required.

Core Functionality of Clarify

Clarify functions as both a screenshot utility and a text editor. Documents are created directly within the application itself. These completed documents can then be shared through various methods, including email, PDF export, or via a complimentary online Clarify account.

Document Creation Process

To begin, a new topic or subject is initiated within Clarify. A concise description is then provided to contextualize the content. Following this, a sequence of screenshots is incorporated to effectively illustrate the points being conveyed.

Screenshot Capture Methods

Like many screenshot applications, Clarify offers multiple ways to initiate the capture process. The most frequently used method involves a default keyboard shortcut, which is customizable within the application’s Preferences. Alternatively, the camera icon located in the toolbar can be clicked.

Access to Clarify’s features is also available directly from the menu bar. This provides options for scheduled screen captures and automated uploading of screenshots to your Clarify online account.

Clarify Compared to Jing

In the realm of screen capture tools, Clarify shares similarities with Jing. However, a key distinction arises when attempting to capture dynamic elements. For instance, Clarify automatically conceals dropdown menu actions during capture, preventing their inclusion in the screenshot.

This limitation is a primary reason for my preference for Jing. The screenshot displayed below demonstrates a scenario where Clarify would be unable to capture the necessary information; Jing was required to achieve the desired result.

Annotation Tools

When utilizing Clarify to capture screenshots, the resulting image files are automatically incorporated and displayed within your document. This eliminates the need for manual file transfer from your desktop. Consequently, each stage of your instructions can be visually represented with a corresponding screenshot.

Clarify’s annotation tools provide a suite of options, including shapes, arrows, and text boxes, to enhance clarity.