What is the difference between an interactive walkthrough and a static SOP?

An interactive walkthrough guides users through a software process in real time — overlaying instructions directly on the application interface as they work. A static SOP is a standalone document with screenshots and steps that users read separately. Interactive walkthroughs are better for software adoption; static SOPs are better for complex procedures that require judgment.

How do interactive walkthroughs and static SOPs compare?

	Interactive Walkthrough	Static SOP
Delivery	In-app overlay, step-by-step tooltips	Standalone document (PDF, wiki page)
User experience	Guided — highlights next click	Self-directed — user reads and follows
Best for	Simple software tasks, onboarding flows	Complex procedures, decision trees
Tools	WalkMe, Pendo, Whatfix, Appcues	Notion, Confluence, Glyde, Scribe
Maintenance	Breaks when UI changes	Screenshots need manual updates
Offline access	Requires the live application	Available as PDF or printout
Context & rationale	Limited — focuses on "click here"	Can include "why" and business context
Cost	High (enterprise DAP pricing)	Low to free

When should you use each format?

Use interactive walkthroughs for:

• First-time software onboarding (new CRM, new HRIS)
• Simple, linear tasks that rarely change
• Customer-facing product tours
• High-volume, low-complexity tasks

Use static SOPs for:

• Multi-step procedures involving judgment calls
• Processes spanning multiple applications
• Tasks requiring background context ("why we do it this way")
• Compliance documentation that must be auditable

Many teams use both: an interactive walkthrough for the first time a user encounters a task, and a static SOP generated by Glyde as permanent reference documentation. The walkthrough teaches; the SOP serves as the ongoing reference.

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This answer is part of our guide to process documentation.