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How do you add context and explanations to an automatically generated workflow?
March 6, 2026·2 min read·Screen Recording to Documentation
After an auto-generated workflow captures the mechanical steps, add context by editing step descriptions to explain why each action matters, inserting tip callouts for common mistakes, and adding an introduction that explains when to use the workflow. Most capture tools like Glyde have an inline editor where you can modify text, add notes, and insert extra steps without re-recording.
What types of context should you add?
| Context Type | Example | Where to Add It |
|---|---|---|
| Why this step matters | "This field triggers the approval workflow — skipping it causes a 2-day delay" | Step description |
| Common mistakes | "Do not select 'Express' unless the customer has a premium account" | Tip or warning callout |
| When to use this SOP | "Follow this process for refund requests over $500" | Introduction paragraph |
| Decision points | "If the customer is international, skip to Step 8" | Inserted note between steps |
| Expected outcomes | "After clicking Submit, you should see a green confirmation banner" | Step description |
| Who to contact | "If the system shows an error, escalate to #ops-support in Slack" | End-of-section note |
How do you add context efficiently?
- Record the workflow first — Capture the raw steps without worrying about explanations. Get the screenshots and click sequence right.
- Review in one pass — Read through the generated guide. Identify steps that need the "why" and mark places where someone could make a mistake.
- Edit descriptions inline — Change "Click 'Approve'" to "Click 'Approve' — this sends the request to the finance team for final sign-off."
- Add notes for decision points — Insert text-only steps between captured steps to explain branching logic or conditional actions.
- Write a 2-sentence intro — Explain who should use this SOP and under what circumstances.
A 15-step auto-generated guide typically needs 5-7 descriptions edited and 2-3 notes added. This takes 5-10 minutes and transforms a mechanical click sequence into documentation that a new hire can follow independently.
This answer is part of our guide to screen recording to documentation.