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Why should I use a dedicated SOP Chrome extension instead of the Windows Snipping Tool?

March 6, 2026·2 min read·Screen Recording to Documentation

A dedicated SOP Chrome extension automates the entire documentation process — screenshots, annotations, step descriptions, and formatting — in one recording session. The Windows Snipping Tool only captures a single image at a time, requiring you to manually paste, annotate, and write descriptions for every step. For a 15-step guide, a Chrome extension saves over an hour of manual work.

How do they compare?

FeatureSnipping ToolSOP Chrome Extension
Screenshot captureOne at a time, manually triggeredAutomatic at every click
AnnotationsManual arrows and boxes in Paint or another editorAuto-highlighted with numbered overlays
Step descriptionsWrite from scratchAI-generated from the UI element
FormattingPaste into Google Docs or Word, format manuallyAuto-formatted numbered guide
ExportSave as image filesExport to Notion, Confluence, PDF, or link
Time for 15-step guide60-90 minutes5-10 minutes
Update processRedo everything from scratchRe-record in 5 minutes

When is the Snipping Tool enough?

  • One-off screenshot for a Slack message or email
  • Annotating a single screen for a bug report
  • Capturing a visual for a presentation slide

When should you switch to a Chrome extension?

  • Documenting any multi-step workflow (3+ steps)
  • Creating guides that other people will follow
  • Building training materials for new hires
  • Any documentation you expect to update or maintain

Glyde is free to start and install in under a minute. The switch from Snipping Tool to a capture extension is the single biggest time-saver for anyone who documents software processes regularly.

This answer is part of our guide to screen recording to documentation.

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