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One comment I might add: no matter what program you do end up using, please avoid using JPEG format for screen captures ... unless it includes a lot of pictures (and even then, consider otherwise).
Because solid colors get smeared at the interfaces where color changes a lot (like in screen captures!). This is not very perceptible in pictures/images, but a disaster otherwise, and then simple graphics additions - your "numbers and arrows" - will not look good either!
Please try PNG format instead for a much better output in this scenario - I always use it for screen captures from Snag-It with excellent results.
Z
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+syed -dot- hosain=aeris -dot- net -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+syed -dot- hosain=aeris -dot- net -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Scott Turner
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2016 09:22 PM
To: Jim <jameswitkin -at- gmail -dot- com>
Cc: techwr-l <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Subject: Re: Recommendations on Drawing Programs?
I will add my recommendation for Snag-it Editor, as well. It is inexpensive, fairly simple to use, and effective. Oh, and cost effective.
> On Sep 12, 2016, at 15:29, Jim <jameswitkin -at- gmail -dot- com> wrote:
>
> Hello, I'm writing a user guide for a software program. Most of the
> graphics are screen captures of the software interface. I need to add
> simple graphics to the screen captures like numbers and arrows. The
> numbers will correspond to the number of the step in the instructions.
> The arrows will point to button or other drop down list referenced in the instruction.
> I'm using Microsoft Word (ugh) to create the document. I know Word has
> some basic graphics capabilities but I want each image to be a single
> jpeg which includes the screen capture, numbers and arrows. This way I
> know the screen image, numbers, arrows will always stay together in
> case the pagination changes and I can copy these images to use in other docs and presentations.
> Any suggestions on a good, simple drawing program that would work?
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