Software to turn a manual into a video
Manual to Video is web-based software that turns an existing PDF instruction or assembly manual into an animated, captioned step-by-step video in your brand colours and logo. You upload the manual, get a free watermarked preview within 24 hours, and order the full film from $119 (excl. VAT).
- What it is
- Online software and service that converts a PDF manual (or a link to one) into an animated instructions video. Every step of the manual, in the same order.
- Who it's for
- Companies that sell products people assemble, install or set up: furniture, fitness equipment, bikes, appliances, electronics, toys, grills, garden products, machinery and kits.
- Price
- Preview free. Standard $119 (up to 60 s), Express $169 (up to 90 s). Packs from 5 films for $795. Excl. VAT.
- How long
- Free preview within 24 hours. Standard film delivered within 24 hours; Express is first in line.
- Input
- A PDF manual with steps and drawings, or a public link to it. No CAD files, no filming.
- Output
- A video without watermark, widescreen and vertical, captions included; voice-over, music and sound effects optional.
- Made by
- NorwAI AS, Oslo, Norway. Films are made with AI, checked against your order before delivery, and marked as generated in the file.
In short
Other tools called "PDF to video" or "instruction video makers" mostly do something else: they read a document aloud over slides with an avatar, or they turn a screen recording into a written manual. Manual to Video goes from a physical-product manual to an animated film of the steps, because that's what customers need when they are holding the parts.
How to turn a manual into a video, step by step
- Upload the PDF manual, or paste a link to it.
- Create a free account with Google or your email (no password).
- Your logo and colours are read from your company website; pick a style.
- Watch the free, watermarked preview of about 30 seconds, delivered within 24 hours.
- Order the full film (or skip the preview and order straight away). It arrives by email and in your account.
Is it software or a service?
Both. You use it like software (upload, pick a style, order, download) and there's no subscription or installation. Behind it, every film is checked against your order before delivery, which is where most pure software tools stop.
Alternatives, and when they're better
- A 3D animation studio: best for photoreal or campaign films; slower and priced per minute (see our comparisons).
- Freelance marketplaces: good for one-off creative pieces with your own 3D models.
- Work instructions software: best for factory stations with sign-offs and data capture.
- Narrated-slides PDF to video tools: best for reports and policies without physical steps.
How it works
- 1
Upload your manual
A PDF, or a link to it. One manual is enough to start.
- 2
Free account
Google or email, no password. We read your logo and colours from your website.
- 3
Preview, then the film
A free watermarked preview within 24 hours. Order the full film when you're happy.
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 +$12, Music +$4, Sound effects +$15. 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
What is the best software to turn a manual into a video?+
For physical products with an existing PDF manual, a tool that animates the manual's own steps works best, because customers need to see parts and movements, not a narrator. That's what Manual to Video does. For software tutorials, a screen-recording tool is the better fit.
Can AI turn a PDF manual into a video?+
Yes. Manual to Video uses AI to make the film from your manual, and every film is checked against your order before delivery. Films are marked as AI-generated in the file itself.
How much does it cost?+
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 +$12, music +$4, sound effects +$15. Prices exclude VAT.
Do I need to install anything?+
No. It runs in the browser. There's no subscription; you pay per film or buy a pack.
Is there a free trial?+
Yes: one free, watermarked preview of about 30 seconds per company, made from your own manual.
How long can the video be?+
Standard films are up to 60 seconds and Express up to 90 seconds, and you can add 30 seconds at a time. Up to 5 minutes online. Need longer? We make films of 12 minutes and more on request: longer films just take longer and cost more.
Can I ask for changes?+
Yes: one round of changes included with every full film. You watch the film in your account, pin notes to the moments you want changed, and we make the new version.
See your own manual as a film.
Upload it now. Your free, watermarked preview arrives within 24 hours.
Upload a manual