8 Specialized Tools for DesignOps

8 Specialized Tools for DesignOps

Look beyond big-name software for highly specialized tools that do one repeated task extremely well. In the long run these will save you a lot of time and raise the quality of your work!

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1️⃣ Kap

  • Price: Free
  • What is it: Open-source screen recorder that’s simple and free. Easy to trim, highlight clicks, and export to multiple file types, including gifs. Useful for quick recording and editing, creating fun gifs, etc.
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2️⃣ Xnapper

  • Price: Free
  • What is it: Beautiful screenshots in one click. An easy way to add polish to documentation & presentations - set a shortcut and preset then you’re good to go. Includes some nice features like auto-redacting sensitive info.
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3️⃣ Mentimeter

  • Price: Free basic plan
  • What is it: Mentimeter (or competitor Slido) is a great way to get live feedback during a presentation or meeting. Conduct polls, quizzes, Q&A, and more based on live input, then have results displayed real-time in your presentation.
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4️⃣ Screen Studio

  • Price: $89 lifetime license
  • What is it: Another screen recorder!? Yes - the pull here is that you can quickly add smooth zoom-ins/zoom-outs in post to focus on key content. Super useful for internal trainings and recordings if you need to create a polished video. Lots of other features like smooth cursor movement, gradient background, mobile recording, etc.
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5️⃣ aText

  • Price: $30 lifetime license
  • What is it: Assign text macros, expansions, shortcuts, and so on. Very useful for comms if you ever need to define certain text templates, repeated comms, or something as simple as a shortcut for your email address.
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6️⃣ Descript

  • Price: $12/mo creator plan
  • What is it: Okay, one tool with AI features 😅 Edit your videos by using text transcripts. If you haven’t tried this yet, download the tutorial - it will blow your mind compared to traditional video editing! Add in stock footage, text, and more easily (all with text-based input).
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7️⃣ Shots

  • Price: Free
  • What is it: Quickly mockup devices, screenshots, or any visuals with a variety of layout options. Surprised this is still free! Also super useful for designers.

8️⃣ HyperIsland

  • Price: Free
  • What is it: Less a tool and moreso a resource - curated exercises to use with your team: warm-up energizers, team activities, leadership activities, and so on. Lots of good ones to try out that aren’t as generic as most online.

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