I lately saw a lot of software simulations (step-by-step tutorial on a software) that use "Zoom In" effect. This works really well when we want to show only the details of a part of the screen, after the entire screen is explained.
What are the applications/eLearning Tools that can enable this Zoom In effect automatically?
Thanks so much for sharing the wonderful resources. I really like the combination of Motion Path and Grow/Shrink effect. I will try to apply it in the software simulation.
The only thing that may not be "perfect" in software simulation is that: When using Grow/Shrink effect, the original screenshot is grown. This makes the image blurry. Is there anyway to improve this?
Since Articulate is not meant for screen capturing natively, I suggest you add some other software to the mix. My personal favourite is Camtasia but if you want it free, you can record a Screenr and import it as a web object. You will save a lot of time on zooming, timeline editing etc.
I appreciate your Screenr on ZoomIt. From your demo, it seems this is EXACTLY what I am looking for. I will go to the Miscrosoft Site and see if we could download and use it.
I use it for software training, when you need to show a close up of a menu item, or anything else on the screen. It works better than a full screen shot as you can get in really close. it's great! I'll zoom in, and then do a print screen of that image. Works much better than trying to manipulate the image after you've taken a full screen shot.
I also use it during WebEx training sessions for the same purposes. The end users like it a lot because the WebEx sharing screen is typically smaller than the actual computer screen. This allows the users to see exactly what you are trying to show them.
I also enjoy the ability to annotate directly on the screen.
11 Replies
Hi JW!
Here are some good resources for doing what you're looking for.
Joe Deegan has a post and some screencasts on creating zooming software sims:
http://joedeegan.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-to-create-zoom-and-pan-effect-in.html
https://player.vimeo.com/video/148901030
Motion Path example forum thread:
http://community.articulate.com/forums/p/2790/14948.aspx
Combination of Joe's technique and perspective effects:
https://player.vimeo.com/video/204930178
Hi David
Thanks so much for sharing the wonderful resources. I really like the combination of Motion Path and Grow/Shrink effect. I will try to apply it in the software simulation.
The only thing that may not be "perfect" in software simulation is that: When using Grow/Shrink effect, the original screenshot is grown. This makes the image blurry. Is there anyway to improve this?
Thanks again! This is very helpful!
Since Articulate is not meant for screen capturing natively, I suggest you add some other software to the mix. My personal favourite is Camtasia but if you want it free, you can record a Screenr and import it as a web object. You will save a lot of time on zooming, timeline editing etc.
Hi Brian
Thanks for your insights. It's a great idea to use Screenr and import it as a web object. I'll keep that in mind.
Hi J W - If you go with Screenr and still want to use zooming, consider using ZoomIt from Microsoft:
Hi David
I appreciate your Screenr on ZoomIt. From your demo, it seems this is EXACTLY what I am looking for. I will go to the Miscrosoft Site and see if we could download and use it.
Your resources are AWESOME!
David,
ZoomIt, what a nice resource! I hadn't heard of it, and will give it a "test drive".
@jenisecook
WOW! I am loving Zoomit! Awesome tool!
Hi Adam,
How have you used Zoomit?
Sounds like a great tool.
Helena
Hi Helena,
I use it for software training, when you need to show a close up of a menu item, or anything else on the screen. It works better than a full screen shot as you can get in really close. it's great! I'll zoom in, and then do a print screen of that image. Works much better than trying to manipulate the image after you've taken a full screen shot.
I also use it during WebEx training sessions for the same purposes. The end users like it a lot because the WebEx sharing screen is typically smaller than the actual computer screen. This allows the users to see exactly what you are trying to show them.
I also enjoy the ability to annotate directly on the screen.
This little program has tons of uses.
Thank you Adam. It sounds like it is worth downloading. If I have any questions, I will contact you for help.
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