Scribe vs. Zight (CloudApp): Features & Pricing Comparison 2026
83% of remote teams report that switching between separate tools for video recording and process documentation increases workflow fragmentation and reduces productivity.
Scribe excels at generating static step-by-step documentation, while Zight (formerly CloudApp) focuses on quick video recordings and screenshots for async communication. For a solution that combines AI-generated video guides with documentation in one platform, Guidde offers the best of both worlds.
In 2026, the choice between static documentation and video communication is a false dichotomy; high-performing teams need both to capture complex workflows effectively without doubling their software stack.
The Battle for Asynchronous Communication
As we navigate the hybrid work landscape of 2026, the tools we use to share knowledge are critical. Scribe and Zight (formerly CloudApp) represent two different philosophies: Scribe focuses on automating written process documentation, while Zight champions visual communication through quick videos and screenshots.
This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, and use cases to help you decide whether you need a documentation generator or a visual messaging tool—or if a third option might solve for both.
What is Scribe?
Scribe is a process documentation tool that automatically generates step-by-step guides. By recording your browser or desktop actions, it creates a document with text instructions and screenshots. It is widely used for creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), onboarding manuals, and help center articles.
What is Zight?
Zight (formerly CloudApp) is a visual communication platform designed for quick screen recording, GIF creation, and annotated screenshots. It emphasizes speed and ease of sharing, making it popular among engineering, support, and product teams for bug reporting and quick feedback loops.
| Feature/Tier | Scribe | Zight (CloudApp) |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Basic (Web-only, branded) | Free (5 min limit, 720p, 50 items) |
| Pro Plan | $23/user/mo | $9/mo (Unlimited recording) |
| Team Plan | $12/seat/mo (min 5 seats) | $11/user/mo (min 2 users) |
| Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| Primary Output | Static Text & Screenshot Guides | Video, GIF, Screenshot |
| Desktop Capture | Pro & Enterprise only | Free (limited) & Paid |
| AI Features | Process to text generation | AI Titles, Summaries, Transcriptions |
Feature Deep Dive
Documentation vs. Communication
Scribe's strength lies in its ability to turn a workflow into a readable document instantly. It captures clicks and keystrokes to generate text, making it ideal for formal documentation. However, it lacks robust video editing capabilities.
Video Capabilities
Zight excels at video. It allows for quick webcam and screen recordings, instant GIF creation, and basic video trimming. While it has introduced 'Smart Actions' to summarize videos, it does not automatically generate detailed step-by-step guides with the same precision as Scribe.
AI Integration
In 2026, both platforms leverage AI differently. Scribe uses AI to refine the written steps it generates. Zight uses AI primarily to transcribe audio and summarize video content, making video messages searchable and digestible.
- Choose Scribe if: You need to build a knowledge base of written SOPs, training manuals, or customer help articles where users prefer reading over watching.
- Choose Zight if: Your primary goal is quick, ephemeral communication—like reporting a bug to engineering with a 30-second video or sending a quick visual feedback loop to a designer.
Scribe creates a higher barrier to entry for individual professionals with a $23/month Pro plan, compared to Zight's accessible $9/month Pro option. However, Scribe's Team plan ($12/seat) becomes competitive for larger groups focused specifically on documentation.
Zight offers a more traditional SaaS pricing model where you pay for storage and recording limits. The Team plan ($11/user) adds branding and analytics, which are essential for customer-facing teams.
Scribe Pros
- Automates tedious writing of SOPs.
- Polished, professional-looking output.
- Redaction features for sensitive data (Pro).
Scribe Cons
Zight Pros
- Fastest way to share a screen recording or screenshot.
- Excellent for quick, informal communication.
- Affordable entry-level pricing.
Zight Cons
If your team struggles with outdated written documentation, Scribe is the specialist you need. If your inbox is cluttered with 'quick questions' that could be solved with a video, Zight is the answer. However, most modern teams need both reliable documentation and engaging video content, often forcing them to pay for two separate subscriptions.
The Guidde Advantage: Why Choose One When You Can Have Both?
While Scribe and Zight force a choice between static text and raw video, Guidde eliminates this trade-off by offering an all-in-one AI platform. Both competitors share a critical limitation: they create content that is either hard to update (Zight videos) or less engaging (Scribe text).
How Guidde Overcomes Shared Limitations:
- Magical Video Documentation: Unlike Scribe's static pages, Guidde instantly turns your screen recordings into professionally narrated how-to videos and step-by-step written guides simultaneously.
- Editable Video: Zight videos are static recordings; if the software changes, you must re-record. With Guidde, you can simply edit the underlying workflow, and the AI re-generates the video and voiceover instantly.
- 11x Faster Creation: Guidde uses generative AI to write scripts, choose voiceovers, and design visuals, allowing you to create comprehensive training libraries 11x faster than manual recording or writing.
- Enterprise-Grade: With features like advanced blurring, AI translation into 30+ languages, and seamless integrations, Guidde is built for scale.
Don't settle for just text or just video. Experience the power of AI-driven, editable video documentation.
FAQs
What is the best alternative to both Scribe and Zight?
Guidde is the superior alternative because it combines Scribe's process documentation capabilities with Zight's video features, enhanced by AI editing and voiceovers.
Can Zight create written guides?
Zight's 'Smart Actions' can summarize videos, but it does not generate the detailed, step-by-step screenshot guides that Scribe or Guidde can produce.
Is Scribe better than Zight for tutorials?
Scribe is better for written tutorials users can read at their own pace. Zight is better for quick video demonstrations. Guidde is better for both.