Documentation & SOPs

How to create an SOP from a screen recording

By Explaino Team · Updated October 11, 2026 · 6 min read

Quick answer

To create an SOP from a screen recording, record yourself doing the task once while explaining each step, then convert the recording into a written procedure with numbered steps and screenshots. Tools like Explaino generate both the narrated video and the step-by-step document from the same recording, so the SOP stays easy to update.

Watch: Turning a screen recording into an SOP

Video walkthrough coming soon

This video is being made with Explaino from a single screen recording. You can make your own version in a few minutes.

Make this video free

Made with Explaino: recorded once, then narrated, zoomed and captioned automatically.

Step by step

1
Define scope and owner
Name the process, the trigger ('when a refund is requested'), the end state and the person responsible for keeping the SOP current.
2
Do the task once on screen
Record your screen while you complete the process for real or in a test environment, saying why you do each step, not just what you click.
3
Generate the written steps
Turn the recording into numbered steps with a screenshot per step. Explaino does this automatically from the same recording.
4
Add rules and exceptions
Write down the checks, thresholds and edge cases that the screen alone doesn't show, such as 'refunds over $500 need manager approval'.
5
Review with someone new
Ask a person who has never done the task to follow the SOP. Every place they hesitate needs a clearer step.
6
Publish and schedule a review
Put the SOP where people work (wiki, help center, Notion), link the video, and set a review date.

Why video plus document beats either alone

Written SOPs are searchable and easy to skim, but people often misread steps when they can't see the screen. Videos show exactly what to do, but are slow to scan when you only need step 7. Pairing them gives both: the document for quick reference and audits, the video for first-time learners.

Generating both from one recording also solves the biggest SOP problem: staleness. When the tool changes, you re-record and both formats update together.

A simple SOP template

Keep every SOP in the same shape so people know where to look.

Title and purpose (one sentence)
Owner and last reviewed date
Trigger: when to use this SOP
Steps: numbered, one action each, with a screenshot
Rules, exceptions and escalation
Link to the video walkthrough

Record it once. Explaino does the rest.

Turn one screen recording into a narrated video with smart zoom and captions, plus a step-by-step article, in 70+ languages.

Start free in Explaino Studio Get the Chrome extension

Free plan · no credit card required

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to write an SOP?

Record the process once and let a tool convert it to steps and screenshots, then edit. It is usually much faster than writing from memory and taking screenshots by hand.

Can I export the SOP?

Explaino can export the written guide so you can publish it in your help center or knowledge base, alongside the video.

How often should SOPs be updated?

Review them whenever the underlying tool or policy changes, and at least on a fixed schedule such as every six months.

How to create an SOP from a screen recording

Watch: Turning a screen recording into an SOP

Step by step

Define scope and owner

Do the task once on screen

Generate the written steps

Add rules and exceptions

Review with someone new

Publish and schedule a review