In today’s digital-first world, software explainer videos have become a cornerstone of customer education and marketing. These videos need to be clear, concise, and visually polished to make a lasting impression. While your video editor is the one who brings it all together, the foundation of a great explainer video starts with how you prepare for production. A streamlined pre-production process not only ensures a smooth editing workflow but also saves time and reduces the back-and-forth between your team and the editor.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up your video editor for success when creating screen-recorded software explainer videos.
1. Start with a Clear Script
Every great explainer video begins with a detailed script. A strong script does more than outline what to say—it provides clear, step-by-step instructions for navigating your software’s user interface (UI). This ensures that your on-screen actions align seamlessly with your voiceover.
Tips for Writing a Script:
Use plain, straightforward language to describe UI actions.
Include specific callouts for transitions, clicks, and hover moments.
Time the script’s pacing to match how quickly on-screen actions occur.
Include placeholders for branding elements like title screens or lower thirds.
By investing time in a polished script, you’re giving your video editor a roadmap to follow, making their job more efficient.
2. Record a High-Quality Voiceover
The voiceover is the backbone of your explainer video, guiding viewers through the content. A clear and professional-sounding voiceover elevates the production value and makes the editor’s job easier when syncing audio with visuals.
Voiceover Recording Best Practices:
Use a high-quality microphone to capture crisp audio.
Record in a quiet, controlled environment to minimize background noise.
Maintain a steady tone and pace to ensure the voiceover flows naturally.
Re-listen to the recorded voiceover while navigating the software to ensure timing alignment.
Syncing the voiceover with screen recordings during pre-production reduces the need for extensive editing later.
3. Nail Your Screen Recording Setup
A well-executed screen recording showcases your software in its best light. Before you hit record, take these steps to prepare:
Preparing the Software Platform:
Clean up your workspace: hide unnecessary tabs, notifications, and browser clutter.
Use a test account with demo data to ensure your software looks polished and user-friendly.
Technical Screen Recording Setup:
Resolution: Ensure your screen resolution matches the intended export format (e.g., 1080p or 4K).
Frame Rate: Record at a smooth frame rate, typically 30-60fps.
Cursor Movement: Avoid unnecessary or jerky cursor movements that can distract viewers.
Webcam Integration: If using a picture-in-picture setup, test your webcam resolution and placement.
By focusing on these details, you’ll provide your editor with clean, high-quality footage to work with.
4. Optimize Audio and Environment
Audio issues can be time-consuming to fix in post-production, so it’s important to get it right during recording.
Audio Tips:
Test audio levels before recording to ensure clarity.
Use a secondary device to record backup audio as a precaution.
Eliminate potential background noise, such as fans or outside traffic.
Environmental Considerations:
Record in a distraction-free space to maintain focus.
Disable notifications and alerts on your computer to prevent interruptions.
A clean audio track ensures that your video editor can focus on polishing the visuals rather than salvaging the sound.
5. Provide Context for Your Video Editor
A successful editing process relies on effective communication and organized assets. The more context you can provide, the better equipped your editor will be to deliver a high-quality final product.
What to Share with Your Editor:
The original script, including timestamps or notes for key moments.
Any brand guidelines, such as fonts, colors, or logos.
Screen recordings and voiceover files labeled clearly for easy reference.
Organizing Files:
Use a shared folder (e.g., Google Drive or Dropbox) to keep all assets in one place.
Include a checklist of deliverables and deadlines.
Providing context and staying organized reduces the risk of miscommunication and speeds up the editing process.
6. Final Pre-Production Checklist
Before handing off your materials to the editor, run through this quick checklist:
Verify screen resolution and frame rate settings.
Ensure UI interactions are smooth and well-rehearsed.
Double-check audio clarity and syncing.
Confirm that all brand assets and notes are ready for the editor.
7. Additional Best Practices
To make your explainer video even more effective:
Record a Master Shot: Capture the entire process in one take to give your editor flexibility for cuts and transitions.
Use Annotations: Highlight complex UI interactions with on-screen annotations to guide viewers.
Plan Cursor Movements: Keep cursor actions intentional and purposeful.
8. Conclusion
Setting your video editor up for success starts long before the editing begins. By following these pre-production tips, you can create a streamlined process that saves time, reduces revisions, and delivers a polished final product. Whether you’re creating an explainer video for onboarding, marketing, or customer support, investing in these best practices will make all the difference.
Need help bringing your software explainer video to life? Contact BRAEID Multimedia for professional video editing services that elevate your content.