How do I turn a Loom video explanation into a written step-by-step guide?
Convert a Loom video to a written guide by watching it at 1.5x speed, noting each action as a numbered step, and screenshotting key moments. A faster approach: instead of transcribing the Loom, re-record the same workflow using a workflow capture tool that generates the written guide automatically with screenshots and step descriptions.
What is the manual conversion process?
If you need to convert an existing Loom:
- Watch at 1.5x — Note every action: "clicked X," "navigated to Y," "entered Z"
- Screenshot key steps — Pause and capture screens at decision points and important actions
- Write each step — Convert notes into clear instructions: "Navigate to Settings > Billing to view the current subscription plan"
- Add context — Include why each step matters, not just what to click
- Review — Have someone unfamiliar with the process follow the guide independently
| Method | Time Required | Output Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Loom transcription | 30-60 min per 5-min video | Good if writer adds context |
| AI transcription + editing | 15-30 min | Needs heavy editing for accuracy |
| Re-record with workflow capture | 5-10 minutes | Excellent — captures actual workflow |
Why is re-recording usually faster than transcribing?
Transcribing a Loom video is tedious because videos aren't structured the same way documentation is. The speaker may go back and forth, skip steps, or explain things in a different order than the actual workflow.
Re-recording the same process using Glyde takes the same time as performing the task once. The tool captures every click, navigation, and input as structured steps with screenshots — no manual note-taking or screenshotting needed. The output is a formatted guide ready to edit and share.
If the Loom was made by someone else and you can't re-record the workflow yourself, then manual transcription is the only option. In that case, focus on the actions, not the narration — documentation should describe what to do, not what the speaker said.
This answer is part of our guide to standard operating procedures.