An ngram alternative for manuals with physical steps
ngram and Manual to Video both turn a manual into a video. They make different kinds of video, so here's a fair look at which one fits your manual.
The short answer
ngram's manual to video converter takes a text-based PDF or pasted manual text and makes a narrated video with captions and motion graphics such as labels, simple diagrams and transitions, in your brand kit. It's built for HR, support, onboarding, policy explainers and product overviews, where the words carry the message.
Manual to Video is for manuals where the drawings carry the message: assembly, installation, set-up and maintenance. We turn each step and its drawing into an animated scene of the parts moving into place, in the manual's own order. Wordless manuals work too, because we read the drawings, not just the text.
| ngram | Manual to Video | |
|---|---|---|
| Input | Text-based PDF (up to 50 MB) or pasted text; scans should be converted to text first | Your PDF assembly or instruction manual, or a link to it; wordless manuals welcome |
| What it makes | Narrated video with AI voice, captions and motion graphics, one manual section per project | An animated, captioned film of every physical step, in your brand colours and logo |
| Best for | Training, policies, onboarding, help-centre and product overview videos | Assembly, installation, set-up and maintenance of physical products |
| Who makes it | You, in their editor | We make it; every film is checked against your order; one round of changes included |
| Pricing model | Free plan and paid tiers (see their pricing page) | Free preview; $119 or $169 per film, no subscription (excl. VAT) |
Other providers' figures are published starting rates or listings we checked, not quotes. Our prices exclude VAT.
Choose ngram when
- Your manual is mostly words: policies, procedures, product overviews
- You want a narrated explainer your team edits itself
- You need many short training videos from text
Choose Manual to Video when
- Your manual is mostly drawings and numbered steps
- People need to see which part goes where and which way it faces
- You'd rather order a finished film per product, with a free preview of your own manual first
Trademarks
ngram is a trademark of its owner. Manual to Video is not affiliated with or endorsed by ngram. What we say about ngram comes from its public pages, checked on 30.09.2026; features change, so check their site for the current details.
Price
Preview
Free
About 30 s, watermarked, one manual per company
Standard
$119excl. VAT
Up to 60 s, within 24 hours
Express
$169excl. VAT
Up to 90 s, first in line
Captions included. Voice-over +$2, Music +$2, Sound effects +$2. Packs from 5 films for $795. All prices are in US dollars and exclude VAT. VAT is added at checkout where it applies; businesses can enter their VAT number.
Full pricingQuestions
Is Manual to Video the same as ngram's manual to video converter?+
No. They are separate companies. ngram turns manual text into narrated motion-graphic videos; Manual to Video turns PDF assembly manuals into animated films of the physical steps.
Which is better for a furniture or fitness equipment manual?+
For assembly steps, an animated film of the parts shows more than narration over graphics, so Manual to Video is the closer fit. For a policy or training text, ngram is.
Can I try Manual to Video for free?+
Yes. The first preview is free: one manual per company, made from your own PDF.
What does a film cost here?+
The preview is free. A full film is $119 for a Standard film of up to 60 seconds, delivered within 24 hours, or $169 for an Express film of up to 90 seconds, first in line. Captions are included; voice-over +$2, music +$2, sound effects +$2. Prices exclude VAT.
See your own manual as a film.
Upload it now. Your free, watermarked preview arrives within 24 hours.
Upload a manual