How to Create A Software Product Demo Video in ActivePresenter (Super Easy)

Last Updated On: April 22, 2025

Just 3 steps: record, edit, and export, you have created a software product demo video super quickly in ActivePresenter. 

So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into crafting an amazing software product. Now comes the crucial part: showing the world just how awesome it is! While written descriptions and static screenshots can help, nothing quite captures the magic like a dynamic demo video.

But the thought of complicated video editing software and hours spent editing might feel daunting. Fear not, fellow creator! In this post, I’m going to show you how incredibly easy it is to create a software product demo video using ActivePresenter. You can quickly watch my guide in the following video, or read till the end of the post for a more detailed tutorial.

ActivePresenter is a powerful eLearning authoring tool that excels not only as a screen recorder but also as a video editing software. Its versatile features allow users to produce videos from basic to advanced levels. And the best part? You don’t need to be a video editing expert to get professional-looking results.

Why ActivePresenter for Software Product Demo Videos?

Before we dive in how to do, let’s quickly review why ActivePresenter is a great choice for this task:

• Screen Recording Made Simple: Capturing your software in action is a breeze with its intuitive recording features. You can record specific windows, full screens, or even custom regions.
• Built-in Annotation Tools: Highlight key features, add callouts, text labels, and shapes directly onto your recording. No need to jump between different software!
• Zoom and Pan Effects: Draw attention to specific areas of your interface with smooth zoom and pan effects, guiding your viewers effortlessly.
• Cursor Effects: Make your mouse movements clear and easy to follow with customizable cursor highlights and click effects.
• Voiceover and Audio Editing: Record your narration directly within ActivePresenter or import existing audio files. Basic to advanced audio editing features are also included.
• Transitions and Animations: Add subtle transitions between slides or animate objects to keep your audience engaged.
• Export to Various Formats: Easily export your video in popular formats like MP4, AVI, WMV, and more.
• Free Version Available: You can get started with the free version, which offers a robust set of features for creating impressive demo videos.

So, if you have not tried this free video production tool, download it for your Windows and macOS now so we can start creating a mind-blowing product demo video. 

Let’s Get Started: Easily Create A Software Product Demo Video in ActivePresenter

Ready to create a mind-blowing software product demo video? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Planning is Key 

Before you even open ActivePresenter, take a few moments to plan your demo.

• Identify the Key Features: What are the most important aspects of your software you want to showcase?
• Outline Your Workflow: What steps will you take to demonstrate these features? Keep it concise and focused.
• Write a Script (Optional but Recommended): A script will help you stay on track and ensure a clear and consistent message.

Step 2: Recording Your Software in Action

1. Open ActivePresenter: Double-click on the ActivePresenter icon to open the app after you have finished downloading the software. 
2. Choose “Record Screen as Video”: On the start page, choose Record Screen as Video option.
3. Adjust Recording Settings:
   • Record Area: Select the specific window/ application, or choose Full Screen.
   • Webcam Input: Select if you want to record the screen with your webcam on or off.
   • Audio Input: Choose your microphone if you plan to record a voiceover simultaneously. You can also record system audio if needed.
   • Other Settings: Adjust frame rate and other options as desired (the defaults usually work well).
4. Start Recording: Click the red Record button (or press the designated hotkey). Perform the steps you outlined in your plan.
5. Stop Recording: Once you’ve demonstrated the desired features, click the stop button on the recording bar hidden at the bottom right corner of your screen, or use the hotkeys to end (Ctrl+End for Windows or Cmd+End for macOS)

Step 3: Enhancing Your Recording with ActivePresenter’s Magic

Now comes the fun part – making your software product demo video shine!

1. Trim and Cut: Use the timeline at the bottom to trim any unnecessary parts during your recording. You can also split clips and remove sections in the middle.
2. Add Annotations: Go to the Insert tab and explore the various annotation options:
   • Callouts: Highlight specific UI elements and add descriptive text.
   • Text Caption: Add simple text overlays.
   • Shapes: Use rectangles, circles, arrows, and more to draw attention.
3. Apply Zoom and Pan: To apply the Zoom-n-Pan effect, go to the Insert tab to add zoom and pan effects. This is great for focusing on specific areas of the video
4. Customize Cursor Effects: Choose the video on the canvas. In the Properties pane of the video next to the canvas, you can customize the appearance of your mouse cursor, add click sounds, and visual click indicators.
5. Record or Import Voiceover:
   • Record Narration: Select a slide and click the Record Narration icon on the Timeline pane.
   • Import Audio: Or choose to import audio by going to the Insert tab > Audio to add pre-recorded voiceovers or background music. You can then adjust the audio timing on the timeline.
6. Add Transitions and Animations: Select slides on the timeline and explore the Transitions tab to add visual transitions between different parts of your demo. You can also animate individual objects within a slide using the Animations tab.

Step 4: Preview and Export

1. Preview Your Video: Click the Play button on the Timeline pane or go to Export tab >  Preview > Demonstration to review your entire demo and make any necessary adjustments.
2. Export Your Masterpiece: Go to the Export tab and choose Video. Configure the export settings as needed and click Export.

Super Easy, Right?

And there you have it! Creating a professional-looking software product demo video doesn’t have to be a headache. ActivePresenter provides an intuitive and powerful platform to capture, enhance, and share your software’s brilliance with the world.

So, forget about the complex editing suites out there and give ActivePresenter a try. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can create engaging and effective demo videos that showcase your product in its best light. Now go ahead and show the world what you’ve built by using ActivePresenter right away!