How to Make an Apple Computer Tutorial
There are many reasons you might want to create an Apple computer tutorial. For instance, you might want to teach co-workers, family members or students how to perform a specific task on an Apple computer (which also is known as a "Mac," referring to the Macintosh line of computers). Or you might be tired of demonstrating a certain complex process. Maybe you need to provide distance-based tech support over email. Whatever the reason, it's a rewarding process that can make Mac-related tasks a snap.
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Instructions
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Design the Steps
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Think through the process before you start writing. Take detailed notes and write a script if you're planning to make a video or narrate. Practice the action and narration several times. Identify key objectives and write/create your tutorial with them in mind.
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Consider the unique programs, hardware and other aspects of the Mac that would be of greatest interest to your users and include them in the tutorial. If it's for a general audience, consider highlighting features exclusive to Mac OS X such as Finder, iLife suite and Safari. If your audience is specialized, gear your presentation toward pro applications such as Final Cut, Aperture or Logic. Finally, if kids are your target group, GarageBand is always a winner.
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Insert plenty of graphics or videos into your tutorial for purposes of illustration and to make it easier to understand. Why tell someone to "Open System Preferences" when you can show it?
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Take screen shots to illustrate your content. You can take screen shots of your Mac's entire screen by pressing the combination shift-command-3. If you only want to select a portion of the screen, use shift-command-4 and then draw a box around the area you want to be captured. Finally, if you want a certain window only, press shift-command-4, press the space bar and then click in the desired window. Picture files named "Picture 1," "Picture 2" and so on will be automatically generated on your Desktop.
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Use third-party software such as Snapz Pro X to take videos of your Mac in action; this will illustrate complex processes even better than screen shots alone. Snapz Pro X can record videos and take advanced screen shots.
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Share your tutorial with others and receive feedback. Ask them if it makes sense and if any steps could be improved or eliminated. Ensure that others can perform the objectives you have set. Revise your tutorial accordingly.
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Present your tutorial in a manner appropriate to your audience. Use a Keynote or PowerPoint presentation if it's for a small or large group. If you plan to write a documentation-oriented tutorial, present the tutorial using word processing software such as Pages or Microsoft Word. If your tutorial is going to be viewed in an always-on loop (as in a museum or gallery-type setting), use the "Export Movie" feature of Keynote.
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Tips & Warnings
Try the free trial version of Snapz Pro X to see if it's right for you. The full version costs $69, so make sure you really need it before buying.
