GuideLab vs Folge
Comparing two local-only tools for guide and user manual creation
A note from the author
Most comparison articles will show head to head feature comparisons, with checkmarks on their product and X marks on the competitor. My approach to these comparisons is different: I would much rather explain how the products differ in workflow and experience, than if one supports a certain kind of arrowhead or shape. If you want the nitty gritty, I highly suggest you download GuideLab and try it for yourself: The free version includes all editing and layout features, and only limits you by number of editable guides and export formats.
Folge vs GuideLab
Folge and GuideLab are very similar tools. Both built as layout-focused local only programs, they offer similar functionality with some key differences I will highlight in this article. Folge is a well loved tool for its flexibility, local-only model, and constant improvement with new features. So what would make someone choose GuideLab over Folge? The rest of the article will hopefully help you see the distinction between the two tools.
How does Folge and GuideLab manage step creation?
Folge and GuideLab start in essentially the same place: Capture steps either using a screenshot or a recorded flow, add annotations and captions, prepare your file and export. Steps in Folge are based around the bounds of the initial image you add to a step.
Folge's "Capture Mode" and GuideLab's "Record Mode" are essentially the same process. Each program tracks your clicks, creates a screenshot, and places a marker (with a suggested caption). GuideLab expands on this feature in a few ways:
- If you don't like your capture area after a recording is finished, you can adjust this using Focus Zoom. You can even zoom out!
- All recorded steps take 3 pictures: one before, one after, and one right as you click. This way, if your capture isnt representative of the moment (i.e. a fast UI change), you can recover it without having to go back and re-record.
- You can adjust callout or crop parameters across an entire selection of caaptured frames. This saves a lot of time, and makes for a more consistent, professional document.
Annotation
Folge and GuideLab have similar annotation tools: Shapes, Callouts, Magnifiers, Blur Boxes, and more. GuideLab has a few that Folge doesn't, though:
- Freehand lines, with beginning and end styles
- Tables on the image canvas
- Custom arrangement actions, so you can perfectly space out or center elements to each other
These extra tools enable even more possibilities when making content with GuideLab!
Page layout
Folge has some basic layout options - one step per page, fitting as many per page, and a two column layout. GuideLab by default allows all of this, and more using its custom layout engine. This engine allows you to drag and drop steps in any way you want. Have a step with a wide image, or a text only step? Let it take up the full width, while splittin glater steps into two columns below or above it. By default, GuideLab lays out guides in a single column layout, trying its best to put as many steps per page possible.
Ultimately, Folge and GuideLab have a lot of similarities, and they both offer free versions, so they are the easiest to compare! Download GuideLab here to try it out, and see the differences for yourself.
Curious about the price differences between GuideLab and Folge? Check out the handy price comparison tool, which compares GuideLab with 8 other popular tools.