The Complete Guide to the Best SOP Tools and Scribe Competitors
In any growing team or organisation, process documentation is critical for maintaining efficiency and smooth onboarding. Still, many organisations deal with disorganised notes and repetitive training queries. That’s where SOP tools and step-by-step guide generators come in—helping businesses capture workflows, create clear documentation, and train employees faster.
If you’re on the lookout for the right SOP tool or considering alternatives to Scribe, this guide compares the top-rated platforms available today—covering their pros and cons. From simplifying process capture to building detailed step-by-step manuals, this comparison helps identify the most suitable SOP software for your team.
1) Trails – The Simplified AI SOP Generator
Among the latest tools in this space, Trails is recognised for its ease of use and modern interface. It’s a simple web-based AI SOP creator built to make process documentation effortless.
What makes Trails special is its AI-powered voice transcription, allowing users to speak through a process rather than type it out. It automatically captures steps, blurs sensitive details, and neatly organises everything into shareable guides.
Key Features:
• Auto-records browser tasks
• Supports speech-to-text guide creation
• Automatic blurring of sensitive data
• Structured storage and permissions
• Easy sharing and embedding options
Pros: Clean interface, fast documentation creation, and flexible pricing for larger teams. Cons: Lacks desktop capture and detailed insights. Best For: Teams that want a simple, fast, and reliable AI SOP generator.
2) Tango – Digital Adoption and Process Support
Tango merges workflow capture with training assistance. It helps users not just document processes but also follow them directly within the application interface.
Its step-by-step pop-ups allow teams to embed guidance into their tools, making onboarding and process navigation more intuitive.
Key Features:
• Real-time user guidance
• Dynamic process steps
• Browser-based guide capture
• Built-in app overlays
Pros: Excellent for tool adoption and real-time employee support. Cons: Slightly higher pricing and a recent shift in focus away from core SOP functionality. Best For: Companies focusing on digital adoption and interactive onboarding.
3) Whale – Training-Focused SOP and Onboarding Tool
Whale combines SOP management with performance tracking. It’s particularly popular among field-based teams that need easy mobile best process documentation tool access to procedures.
Key Features:
• Mobile-friendly SOPs with QR code access
• Built-in AI assistant for instant answers
• Custom training paths and quizzes
Pros: Perfect for teams prioritising compliance. Cons: Initial setup can be time-consuming. Best For: Organisations focused on ongoing employee development.
4) Trainual – Structured Learning & SOP System
Trainual acts as a robust training and documentation platform than a simple SOP generator. It’s ideal for scaling teams with detailed documentation needs.
Key Features:
• Interactive SOP templates
• Role mapping and organisational structure visualisation
• AI-assisted content creation
Pros: Highly functional for large enterprises. Cons: May feel excessive for small teams. Best For: Organisations building structured knowledge bases.
5) Folge – Self-Hosted Process Documentation Tool
If you prefer working offline or managing documentation locally, Folge is a trusted choice. ai sop generator It’s a self-hosted process documentation tool that runs on your computer.
Key Features:
• Local, offline guide recording
• Pay-once usage
• Export guides to various formats
Pros: Ideal for independent professionals. Cons: Lacks collaboration tools and team sharing features. Best For: Freelancers and privacy-conscious users.
6) HubSpot Guide Creator – Free Chrome-Based Process Capture Tool
HubSpot Guide Creator is a simple Chrome-based extension for recording browser processes. It’s useful for quick tasks but not feature-rich.
Key Features:
• Screenshot capture directly within the browser
• Free to use for quick documentation
Pros: Completely free and straightforward. Cons: No video, blur, or collaboration capabilities. Best For: Individuals capturing simple web workflows.
7) Floik – SOP Tool for Product Demos and Marketing
Floik is geared towards creating visual assets from workflows. It lets teams repurpose workflow captures for marketing and onboarding.
Key Features:
• Multi-format output: guide, video, or live demo
• AI-generated voiceovers
• Custom branding tools
Pros: Great for creating polished client-facing materials. Cons: Pricier for smaller teams and more focused on external content. Best For: Product marketing and customer onboarding teams.
8) Guidde – AI Video SOP Creator
Guidde simplifies SOP creation through visual storytelling. It offers built-in video editing and branding capabilities.
Key Features:
• AI-driven video narration
• Frame-by-frame instruction builder
• Fully brandable outputs
Pros: Professional-grade results for public use. Cons: Overkill for internal-only documentation. Best For: Teams producing explainer videos for support, sales, or customer education.
Selecting the Ideal SOP Tool
Finding the most suitable SOP creator relies on your team’s objectives:
• For speed and simplicity: Choose Trails.
• For interactive in-app guidance: Go with Tango.
• For structured onboarding: Pick Whale or Trainual.
• Offline privacy? Go with Folge.
• Need visuals? Try Floik or Guidde.
• For quick, free tasks: Try HubSpot Guide Creator.
Conclusion
Every organisation’s documentation needs are different. While some prefer simple written SOPs, others demand visual walkthroughs. For most teams, a simple but smart SOP tool such as Trails strikes the right balance—user-friendly yet powerful.
Looking for a smarter SOP workflow solution, choosing the right SOP tool today will transform how your team works, learns, and grows—minimising confusion and streamlining collaboration.