Ever tried to describe to a coworker in a satellite office the contour line of an elevation? Or how to use layer masks to combine images in Photoshop? Sometimes an email or phone call isn’t the most efficient way to deliver instructions, describe a problem, or share knowledge.

Screen recording software is a useful tool to help your team communicate, simplify and document everyday tasks by recording whatever is happening on your screen and sharing it. While there are dozens of software options, the Loom app was suggested to Tim Watson, president/principal of Watson Engineering, by a business coach.

There are many ways a firm can leverage the Loom app. Watson Engineering is using the app to document processes within its office. “As our company grows and expands, we’re working to document many of our processes,” explains Tim. “In addition to recording some of our newer processes, we’ve also asked team members to document day-to-day workflows before they transition to other positions.”

With Loom you can capture all or parts of your screen (including webcam), audio, and any movements you made with your mouse cursor. The process doesn’t end with the recording. Post-capture editing features and handy exporting tools make your video easy to share.

All these features can seem overwhelming to new users but Tim and his coworkers have really loved using the app. “With any new tool there’s a bit of a learning curve, but Loom’s ‘how-to’ videos really do help. The ability to pause and resume recording is a nice detail for novice users like us.”

Users laud Loom’s ease of use, intuitive interface, and reliability. The app offers a free version for a user who needs to share videos. Paid versions offer more robust recording and editing tools, analytics, and multiple licenses.

Tim is really excited about finding other uses for the app. The ability to upload to Loom’s unlimited cloud storage is a big benefit for a firm who may want to use the tool for things like onboarding new employees, recording meetings, conveying complex ideas, and increasing collaboration.

It’s the next best thing to being in the same room!