The 10 Best eLearning Authoring Tools, Platforms & Software (2025)

Written by
Kevin Alster
Published on
November 28, 2024
Table of contents

Turn your texts, PPTs, PDFs or URLs to video - in minutes.

Learn more

The Best eLearning Authoring Tools by Category:

What are eLearning authoring tools?

eLearning authoring tools are applications used to design, create, and publish digital learning content. These tools enable instructional designers, L&D professionals, and educators to develop interactive, multimedia-rich courses without requiring extensive programming skills. The resulting content is often delivered via Learning Management Systems (LMS) or directly through web and mobile platforms.

Types of eLearning authoring tools

Quick & Easy: Tools designed for rapid eLearning development, often with pre-built templates and minimal setup requirements. Ideal for creating straightforward courses quickly

Standalone: Comprehensive tools that work independently and offer robust features for creating complete eLearning courses with high levels of customization and interactivity

Video-based: Tools that allow you to create and edit video-based eLearning content. Video offers higher engagement and easier information consumption

PowerPoint-Based: Tools that extend PowerPoint’s capabilities, allowing users to convert presentations into interactive eLearning courses with quizzes and multimedia elements.

Simulation-Based: Tools designed for creating realistic, hands-on training scenarios, such as software simulations, medical procedures, or technical training

Interactive: Tools centered around creating interactive elements like quizzes, branching scenarios, or drag-and-drop activities, often to enhance existing learning content

How I selected the tools in this list

Which content authoring tools are commonly used by L&D practitioners in real-world settings?

In September 2024, we conducted a survey of more than 400 instructional design professionals to explore the key trends shaping the industry.

The participants were:

  • Learning & Development Managers, Learning Experience Designers (LXDs), and eLearning Developers
  • Instructional designers
  • Subject matter experts (SMEs) who also take on course design responsibilities

One of the questions we asked respondents was about their favorite content authoring tools. Explore the full instructional design survey for more insights.

This list is based on their responses.

What makes a good eLearning authoring tool?

I have evaluated each tool against key criteria tailored to the needs of L&D and instructional design professionals. The criteria are:

  • Ease of Use: Does the platform have a simple interface so that instructional designers can focus on the content, rather than complex software?
  • Features and Interactivity: Can I add quizzes, simulations, and branching to increase learner engagement?
  • Multimedia Integration: Does it let you seamlessly add videos, audio, animations, and images for dynamic courses?
  • SCORM/xAPI Compliance: This is helpful for compatibility with LMS platforms for tracking and reporting
  • Collaboration: Does the platform have real-time collaboration features to make teamwork easy for distributed L&D teams?
  • Responsiveness: Does the platform produce courses that can adapt automatically to mobile, tablet, and desktop screens?
  • Localization: Are there built-in translation tools to help create consistent multilingual content?
  • Speed and Efficiency: Are there templates and rapid development features to save time on tight deadlines?
  • Customization: Does it have advanced tools to allow tailored designs and unique course elements?
  • Integration: Does the platform smoothly connect with LMS platforms and complementary tools for seamless workflows?
  • Cost: Is it good value for money and affordable enough to fit into L&D budgets?

Best eLearning authoring tools by use case

Tool Pricing Information Key Features Ideal For
Synthesia Free plan available; paid plans start at $29/month. AI-generated avatars and voices, 140+ languages, customizable video templates, integrations. Creating engaging video content for eLearning courses.
Articulate Rise 360 Part of Articulate 360 subscription starting at $1,199/year per user; free 30-day trial available. Responsive design, pre-built templates, easy customization, integration with Articulate 360 suite. Rapid development of responsive eLearning content.
Articulate Storyline 360 Part of Articulate 360 subscription starting at $1,199/year per user; free 30-day trial available. Advanced interactivity options, customizable templates, branching scenarios, integration with Articulate 360 suite. Developing highly interactive and customized eLearning courses.
Camtasia Three plans: Essentials at $179.88/year, Create at $249/year, Pro at $499/year; 7-day free trial available. Screen recording, video editing, interactive quizzes, annotations, and callouts. Creating instructional videos and tutorials.
iSpring Suite Starts at $770/year; iSpring Suite Max at $970/year; premium option at $1,970/year; 14-day free trial available. PowerPoint integration, quiz creation, video lectures, dialogue simulations. Converting PowerPoint presentations into eLearning courses.
Evolve Author Plan: $33.33/author/month; Team Plan: $65/user/month; 21-day free trial available. Responsive design, pre-built components, customizable themes, SCORM/xAPI compliance. Developing interactive and responsive eLearning content.
Genially Free plan available; Pro plan at $15/month; Master plan at $25/month. Interactive images, infographics, gamification elements, platform integrations. Creating interactive and visually engaging content.
Vyond Essential plan at $49/month, Premium at $89/month, Professional at $179/month; Enterprise plan available for collaboration; 14-day free trial available. Animated video creation, customizable characters, lip-syncing, various templates. Creating animated videos for training and communication.
Adobe Captivate Standalone subscription at $33.99/month per user; free trial available. Team and enterprise plans have custom pricing. Software simulations, responsive design, VR capabilities, SCORM/xAPI compliance. Developing complex simulations and responsive eLearning content.

Sy‎nthesia

Synthesia is an AI-powered video creation tool that allows users to produce professional-quality videos with virtual human presenters. I found it particularly effective for creating localized training modules, onboarding videos, and explainer content. Its ability to generate realistic videos without the need for cameras, studios, or actors makes it a game-changer for teams looking to scale video production quickly and affordably.

One of the best things about Synthesia is its simplicity and speed. The platform has an intuitive interface that makes video creation incredibly straightforward. For a recent onboarding project, I created a training video in less than an hour by selecting a template, customizing the script, and choosing a virtual presenter. The entire process was simple and the final output looked polished and professional. This ease of use makes Synthesia particularly appealing for users without video production experience.

The AI avatars are the highlight of Synthesia. The tool offers a wide selection of realistic virtual presenters, each with customizable language, tone, and style. For a global training initiative, I used Synthesia to create localized versions of the same video in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, and Mandarin. The avatars delivered the script with natural-looking lip-syncing and body language.

The platform supports over 140 languages, accents, and dialects, making it ideal for organizations with diverse, global audiences. The platform’s text-to-speech engine generated clear and accurate audio, and I appreciated the ability to tweak pronunciation for specific terms or names. This localization capability saved significant time and costs compared to traditional translation and re-recording processes.

How to Make a Training Video (Using AI!)

Customization options in Synthesia are robust. The platform allows users to adjust backgrounds, add text overlays, and include branding elements such as logos and color schemes. In a product training video, I used Synthesia to showcase a virtual presenter in front of a branded digital background, interspersed with animated text and graphics. While these features are sufficient for most corporate use cases, users seeking highly detailed animations or intricate motion graphics will need to integrate Synthesia videos into tools like Adobe Premiere Pro for additional editing.

Synthesia’s templates are another timesaving feature. The platform offers a variety of pre-built layouts for common video types, including tutorials, how-tos, and promotional content. I used a tutorial template to create a step-by-step guide for using internal software, which ensured the final video adhered to a professional format.

Synthesia’s support for SCORM exports simplifies eLearning integration by allowing seamless uploads to LMS platforms. For a leadership training program, I exported Synthesia videos as SCORM packages and embedded them into Articulate Storyline modules, creating a cohesive and engaging learning experience.

Live collaboration features make it easy for teams to work on projects together. On a recent cross-departmental training initiative, my team was able to review, edit, and finalize videos collaboratively. The platform's Advanced Screen Recording capabilities, powered by AI, made it possible to capture and integrate step-by-step walkthroughs directly into videos.

Synthesia is particularly well-suited for scalable video production. For a sales enablement project, I created 20 personalized videos tailored to different client segments. This scalability would have been cost-prohibitive with traditional video production methods. The tool’s AI-powered automation enables teams to produce a high volume of consistent, branded content in a fraction of the time.

Pricing

Synthesia offers users a free plan and three paid plans starting at $29/month.

Ar‎ticulate Rise 360

Home page Templates Video

Articulate Rise 360 is a web-based eLearning authoring tool included in the Articulate 360 suite, designed for creating responsive, visually appealing courses quickly. I've used Rise 360 extensively for corporate training projects, and I’ve found it particularly effective for rapid development and mobile-friendly learning experiences. Its interface, templates, and responsiveness make it an excellent choice for teams looking to produce professional eLearning content without requiring technical expertise.

Rise 360’s greatest strength is its simplicity and ease of use. For a recent onboarding training project, I was able to use Rise 360’s drag-and-drop functionality to assemble a course in just a few hours. Pre-built components such as accordions, timelines, and tabs made the process smooth and allowed me to focus on content rather than technical design. The learning curve is minimal, making it ideal for users new to eLearning development or those on tight deadlines.

Rise 360 excels in responsive design. Every course created in Rise 360 automatically adjusts to fit any screen size, from desktops to smartphones. I tested this extensively during a mobile-first compliance training initiative, and the courses looked flawless on every device. This responsiveness is built-in, requiring no additional effort from the developer, which is a huge advantage compared to tools like Storyline 360, where mobile optimization needs to be manually designed.

The platform’s interactivity options are robust for template-driven tools. I’ve used its interactive elements like quizzes, interactive timelines, and process diagrams to enhance learner engagement. For example, in a product training module, I included a labeled graphic interaction that allowed learners to explore product features dynamically. While these components are effective for standard interactivity needs, they lack the depth of customization available in tools like Storyline 360 or Adobe Captivate.

Rise 360 also has real-time collaboration features. During a global sales training project, my team and I worked on the same course simultaneously, with each member handling a specific section. The integration with Articulate Review 360 further streamlined the feedback process, enabling stakeholders to review and comment on the course without the need for additional tools.

When it comes to branding and customization, Rise 360 provides basic options like changing colors, fonts, and logos to align with organizational branding. While this is sufficient for most projects, I found the customization somewhat limited. For a client requiring highly specific branding elements and layouts, the constraints of Rise 360’s templates became a challenge. Unlike Storyline 360, which allows complete design flexibility, Rise 360 works best when you can adapt your content to fit within its pre-defined structures.

Rise 360 supports SCORM, xAPI, and AICC export formats, making it easy to integrate with most LMS platforms. For a recent healthcare training program I worked on, I exported the course as SCORM 1.2 and uploaded it to Moodle without any issues. Additionally, the ability to host courses on the web is useful for organizations without an LMS, though it lacks the advanced tracking and analytics capabilities that some standalone platforms like Rise.com provide.

Multimedia integration is a piece of cake. I embedded videos, images, and audio narrations easily within the course structure. For a leadership development module, I used Rise 360 to combine videos from a recent leadership summit with interactive reflection questions. Advanced video editing or animation features would require external tools.

One area where Rise 360 shines is its support for microlearning. The modular nature of the platform allows you to create bite-sized, focused learning experiences that are easy for learners to digest. I used this feature during a product knowledge campaign, delivering short, targeted modules to sales reps that could be completed in under 10 minutes each.

Pricing

Rise 360 is available as part of the Articulate 360 subscription, which starts at $1,199 per year per user. The subscription includes all Articulate tools, but Rise 360 cannot be purchased separately.

You can get a free 30-day trial of Articulate 360.

Ar‎ticulate Storyline 360

Storyline 360: Vista previa de escenas y diapositivas seleccionadas -  Articulate Support

Articulate Storyline 360 is a popular eLearning authoring tool widely regarded for its ability to create highly interactive, professional-grade courses. Its interface is logical and feels similar to PowerPoint, making it accessible to new users while offering advanced features for experienced designers. The slide-based structure allows for straightforward content creation, but mastering more complex functions like triggers and variables requires time and practice.

Storyline’s strength is in its ability to build dynamic interactivity. I’ve used it to create branching scenarios, quizzes, and layered interactions that respond to learner input. For example, I once designed a customer service training course where the learner’s choices influenced the feedback they received, all powered by Storyline’s triggers and conditions. However, managing these features can become cumbersome in large projects, requiring careful planning to avoid errors.

Multimedia integration includes options to import videos, sync audio, and record screen demonstrations directly within the tool. The timeline feature makes it easy to coordinate animations and multimedia elements, though the built-in asset library is somewhat limited, often requiring additional resources. Exporting SCORM- and xAPI-compliant courses is hassle-free, ensuring compatibility with popular LMS platforms. I’ve never encountered issues integrating Storyline content into systems like Moodle or SAP Litmos.

Collaboration is a weak point for Storyline, as it's a desktop-based application and lacks real-time teamwork features. While Articulate Review is helpful for collecting stakeholder feedback, simultaneous editing isn’t possible, which can slow down distributed teams.

Storyline's mobile-responsive player ensures that courses function well across devices, although the design process itself isn’t fully responsive. Ensuring mobile usability requires deliberate planning.

For localization, Storyline’s ability to export and re-import text for translation is invaluable. I’ve used this feature to create multilingual courses, though re-importing often meant I had to make layout adjustments for languages with varying text lengths.

Storyline’s pre-built templates and slide masters are useful for saving time, but creating advanced interactivity or custom features still demands significant effort. Using variables and JavaScript, I’ve added features like progress trackers and dynamic feedback, which enhanced the learner experience but implementing these options might not be so easy for the less technically-inclined.

Simulation and scenario-building capabilities are excellent, making Storyline ideal for hands-on, practical learning experiences. I once developed a simulated CRM training where learners interacted with a mock interface to complete tasks and receive instant feedback. I have found that creating modules like this requires meticulous planning and setup time.

Gamification is possible but not straightforward. I’ve built gamified quizzes with badges and progress indicators, but creating leaderboards or other advanced game elements is quite tricky.

Pricing

Storyline 360 is also included in the Articulate 360 subscription starting at $1,199 per year per user, providing access to Storyline 360 and other tools like Rise 360 and Review 360.

You can get a free 30-day trial of Articulate 360.

Ca‎mtasia

Camtasia: software de edición de vídeo fácil y potente

Camtasia is a versatile screen recording and video editing tool that is widely used in eLearning development for creating video-based training content, software demonstrations, and tutorial videos. I'ved Camtasia extensively for corporate training and educational projects, I found it particularly effective for producing professional-quality videos without requiring advanced video production skills. Its intuitive interface and powerful editing features make it a popular tool for video-centric eLearning.

I found the interface simple and well-organized, with a drag-and-drop timeline editor that made assembling videos straightforward. For a software training module, I used Camtasia to record step-by-step walkthroughs of a CRM tool. The screen recording process worked well, and I like that it lets you highlight mouse clicks, keystrokes, and cursor movements.

Camtasia has decent video editing capabilities. You can use built-in tools to trim clips, add transitions, and overlay text annotations, such as callouts and captions. For an onboarding video, I added animations and visual effects to emphasize key points. The library of customizable assets, including intro and outro templates, music tracks, and icons, saved me a lot of time. While Camtasia’s editing features are excellent for most projects, it obviously doesn’t match the advanced capabilities of professional video editing tools.

Interactivity is another area where Camtasia adds value for eLearning. I created quizzes directly within videos, which allowed learners to engage with the content actively. For example, in a safety training video, I embedded multiple-choice questions that learners needed to answer before proceeding. These interactive elements were SCORM-compliant, making it easy to track learner performance through an LMS. However, the range of interactivity is limited compared to other fully-fledged eLearning authoring tools.

Camtasia supports multiple export options, including MP4, AVI, and SCORM, which ensures compatibility with most LMS platforms. I exported SCORM-compliant videos for integration into Moodle and SAP Litmos without any issues. I found the ability to export directly to platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive is also convenient for projects that don’t require LMS tracking.

The tool’s annotation and animation features are particularly useful for enhancing video engagement. In one project, I used annotations to guide learners through a software interface, highlighting specific buttons and menus. Camtasia’s animations, such as zoom-ins and pans, allowed me to focus the viewer’s attention on key areas of the screen.

Camtasia’s audio editing capabilities are also solid. I used the built-in audio recorder to add voiceovers and then cleaned up the recordings using noise removal and volume leveling tools. For a customer service training video, I synced narration with on-screen actions.

Collaboration features are limited in Camtasia. While it’s easy to share project files, the tool doesn’t support real-time collaboration. During one project, my team relied on file-sharing and email to coordinate edits and feedback, which seemed to me to be a pretty big disadvantage.

Pricing

Camtasia offers 3 annual subscription plans:

  • Essentials at $179.88/year includes basic recording and editing tools
  • Create at $249/year adds advanced features like AI-generated scripts and audio cleanup
  • Pro at $499/year provides premium features, including collaboration tools and access to over 100 million assets

They also offer a 7-day free trial.

iS‎pring Suite

iSpring Suite 11

iSpring Suite is a versatile eLearning authoring tool that builds on PowerPoint, making it an excellent choice for rapid course creation and eLearning content development. I’ve used iSpring Suite for a variety of projects, including compliance training and employee onboarding, where quick turnaround times and ease of use were top priorities.

Since iSpring functions as a PowerPoint add-in it's easy to get going. I created a compliance training module by repurposing an existing PowerPoint deck, enhancing it with interactive elements like quizzes, video narrations, and branching scenarios directly within iSpring. This drastically reduced development time compared to standalone authoring tools. However, its reliance on PowerPoint can feel limiting for more complex course designs.

I embedded voice-over narration and synchronized it with slide animations, which was simple thanks to the timeline editor. It also supports video narration and screen recording, which I used to demonstrate software functionality for a tech training course. The built-in content library, which includes templates, characters, and backgrounds, is helpful for speeding up the design process, though the assets are not as extensive as those in tools like Storyline.

The tool’s interactivity options are robust for a PowerPoint-based system. I created quizzes and drag-and-drop activities using iSpring’s quiz editor, which provides a range of question types, from multiple-choice to hotspot interactions. These features work well for most standard courses, but they lack the depth and flexibility of advanced interactivity found in tools like Adobe Captivate or Storyline. Creating complex branching scenarios required more a lot manual effort.

iSpring’s has decent responsive design capabilities. The tool automatically converts PowerPoint slides into mobile-friendly formats, ensuring that courses work seamlessly across devices. I tested this feature out and my courses displayed beautifully on smartphones and tablets without requiring additional adjustments. However, for true responsive design—where elements dynamically resize and rearrange—iSpring falls short compared to the alternatives.

iSpring has SCORM, xAPI, and AICC compliance, ensuring compatibility with LMS platforms. I exported courses to LMS platforms like Moodle and SAP Litmos, and the process was smooth, with no tracking issues. iSpring also supports direct publishing to platforms like iSpring Learn, which simplifies deployment if you’re using their ecosystem.

iSpring Suite doesn’t include built-in real-time teamwork features. I worked around this limitation by sharing PowerPoint files and collecting feedback manually, which worked reasonably well for smaller teams. For larger, distributed teams, this will cause bottlenecks.

Speed and efficiency are where iSpring Suite truly shines. For a time-sensitive compliance training project, I used its templates and pre-built interactions to deliver a polished course within a few days. The tool is perfect for rapid eLearning development.

Its ability to repurpose existing PowerPoint decks into SCORM-compliant eLearning courses is particularly valuable for organizations with a lot of pre-existing training material.

iSpring Suite includes additional tools like iSpring Cam Pro for screen recording and iSpring TalkMaster for creating dialogue simulations. I found these useful for creating scenario-based training.

Pricing

You can get access to the iSpring Suite starting at $770/year. For access to their content library and real-time collaboration features you'll need the iSpring Suite Max option which costs $970/year. They also have a premium option for $1,970/year. They offer a 14-day free trial.

Evolve

Registering users for training with registration keys - Evolve e-Learning  Solutions

Evolve is a cloud-based eLearning authoring tool developed by Intellum, designed to facilitate the rapid creation of responsive and interactive HTML5 content. It's a tool made for teams seeking to produce engaging learning experiences efficiently.

As a test I developed a compliance training module using Evolve's pre-built templates and themes. I liked the live preview functionality, enabling me to view changes in real-time and ensure the course's responsiveness across various devices.

Evolve excels in interactivity, offering over 50 interactive components such as flip cards, carousels, and simulations. For a leadership development program, I incorporated branching scenarios and quizzes to enhance learner engagement. The platform's flexibility allowed me to create complex interactions that catered to diverse learning styles.

Evolve supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple team members to work on the same project simultaneously.

All courses created with Evolve are inherently responsive, ensuring compatibility across desktops, tablets, and smartphones, and the platform's ability to publish content in various formats, including SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, xAPI, and web provides flexibility in deployment and integration with different Learning Management Systems.

I was able to incorporate videos, images, and audio files seamlessly into the courses. The platform's asset management system facilitated the organization and reuse of media assets across different projects.

Pricing

Evolve offers an Author Plan which costs $33.33 per author per month and includes unlimited reviewer accounts, 4GB of storage, and email support. The Team Plan is $65 per user per month and adds collaboration tools for teams.

A 21-day free trial is also available.

Ge‎nially

Genially is a versatile, web-based tool designed for creating interactive and visually engaging content, including presentations, infographics, eLearning modules, and gamified learning experiences. I found it particularly effective for producing visually appealing materials quickly with minimal technical expertise.

The platform offers a wide array of professionally designed templates. For a corporate onboarding project, I used a gamified learning template to create an interactive activity where learners answered questions and unlocked rewards. This template-based approach allowed me to produce polished content in hours rather than days, making it ideal for teams with tight deadlines.

I’ve used Genially to build quizzes, clickable infographics, and branching scenarios for various training programs. For a leadership development course, I designed an interactive decision-making activity using the platform’s clickable hotspots and animated transitions.

Genially’s templates are modern and eye-catching, with built-in animations and transitions that bring content to life. I have used its infographic capabilities to present complex data in an engaging and digestible format. Customization options can feel limited, especially for users with specific branding requirements or advanced design needs.

Genially supports real time collaboration so it's great for teams. It's also inherently mobile-friendly, with all content is designed to be responsive. I tested an interactive presentation across various devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones, and the content adjusted well to different screen sizes.

While Genially supports interactivity and gamification, it is not a full-fledged eLearning authoring tool. I used it to create standalone microlearning modules and interactive elements embedded within larger courses developed in an LMS. However, it doesn’t support SCORM or xAPI standards, which means tracking learner progress and analytics must be handled through external systems or add-ons like Genially’s analytics feature, available with premium plans.

Accessibility is an area where Genially could improve. While it offers basic accessibility features like alt text for images, it doesn’t fully support WCAG standards, making it less suitable for projects that require comprehensive accessibility compliance.

Pricing

Genially offers a free plan with essential features and several paid plans. For individual users, the Pro plan is available at $15 per month, providing access to premium templates and additional resources. The Master plan is priced at $25 per month.

Vy‎ond

Everything You Need to Make a Video in Vyond | Vyond

Vyond is a web-based animation tool designed for creating engaging video content, including explainer videos, training modules, and eLearning animations. Its ease of use, robust customization options, and character animation features make it a valuable tool for L&D professionals and instructional designers looking to enhance their courses with animated content.

Vyond’s character animation capabilities are unique. The platform allows you to create custom characters, choosing their appearance, outfits, and even movements. For a leadership training module, I created animated scenarios where characters acted out workplace challenges, such as giving feedback or resolving conflicts. The ability to sync character lip movements with voiceovers added a layer of professionalism to the videos. While the animations are highly effective, creating unique characters or highly detailed animations can be time-consuming.

The library of assets and templates in Vyond is extensive. It includes a wide range of pre-designed scenes, props, and actions that can be customized to fit various industries and topics. For a compliance training video, I used a template designed for office settings, then modified the characters and backgrounds to reflect the client’s branding. This saved a significant amount of time compared to building everything from scratch. For niche scenarios or highly specific visual styles, you may need to import custom graphics or assets, but otherwise the stock assets should be sufficient.

The platform supports voiceover recording, text-to-speech, and the import of external audio files. I recorded a voiceover directly within Vyond for a product training video and then used its tools to fine-tune timing and ensure the narration aligned perfectly with on-screen animations. I think that the text-to-speech feature is useful for quick drafts or placeholders, but it sounds a bit robotic.

Real-time collaboration isn’t supported. For team projects I had to exporte drafts and share them via email. Videos export in various formats, including MP4, making them easy to integrate into eLearning modules built in tools like Articulate Storyline, Rise 360, or LMS platforms.

Pricing

Vyond offers several plans. Essential starts at $49/month with basic features and a Vyond logo on videos, Premium at $89/month removes the logo and adds 1080p export, while Professional at $179/month includes a Shutterstock integration. An Enterprise plan is needed for collaboration features.

They offer a 14-day free trial.

Ad‎obe Captivate

TWO New Adobe Captivate: What does that mean? | eLearning

Adobe Captivate is a versatile eLearning authoring tool, particularly well-suited for creating responsive, interactive, and simulation-based courses. It offers powerful features, but it comes with a steeper learning curve compared to other tools like Articulate Storyline. The interface, while familiar in its ribbon-style layout, can feel overwhelming for new users, especially when exploring advanced actions or responsive design features.

I’ve used Captivate to create branching scenarios and gamified quizzes with advanced actions and variables. I developed a sales training module where learners navigated customer interactions, receiving dynamic feedback based on their choices. Mastering these advanced features requires significant effort and careful planning.

The platform has built-in screen recording and software simulation functionality, which I used extensively for software training. The asset library is somewhat limited, and I often had to rely on external resources to enhance the visual appeal of courses.

Captivate integrates seamlessly with LMS platforms. Exporting SCORM- and xAPI-compliant courses worked flawlessly. I can tracked detailed learner interactions using xAPI - helpful for identifying areas for improvement in the course.

Collaboration is a weak point for Captivate. It lacks real-time teamwork capabilities.

One of Captivate’s standout features is its responsive design capabilities. I created a mobile-first compliance course using its Fluid Boxes feature, which adjusted content automatically for different screen sizes. Fluid Boxes can feel restrictive when trying to maintain precise control over layouts, requiring additional tweaks to ensure consistency across devices.

Captivate allows you export and re-import text for translation, so you can create localized content, though re-importing translations is far from ideal.

The tool’s speed and efficiency depend on the project’s complexity. For simple courses, pre-built themes and interactions accelerate the process, but complex projects like simulations and branching scenarios still demand considerable time. I appreciated Captivate’s flexibility. Using JavaScript and advanced actions, I added features like dynamic score tracking and custom feedback loops, but these required a deep understanding of the tool’s capabilities.

Captivate’s simulation-building capabilities are among the best I’ve seen. I developed a CRM training module where learners practiced tasks in a simulated environment, complete with step-by-step guidance and test modes. This made it an excellent choice for technical training or scenarios requiring hands-on practice. Gamification is possible but requires manual setup. I created quizzes with scoring and progress tracking, but building advanced gamified elements like leaderboards took extra effort.

Pricing

Captivate is available as standalone subscription for $33.99 per month per user. They offer a free trial. They have custom pricing for their team and enterprise plans and licensees.

Other Options

Lectora Inspire

Lectora Inspire is a highly flexible eLearning authoring tool, known for its ability to create accessible, SCORM-compliant courses with advanced interactivity.

H5‎P

H5P is widely used in eLearning authoring to create interactive and engaging content, such as quizzes, timelines, drag-and-drop activities, and branching scenarios. As an open-source tool, it integrates seamlessly with platforms like Moodle, WordPress, and Brightspace, allowing educators and instructional designers to enhance their courses with multimedia-rich, SCORM-compliant activities. Its ease of use and extensive library of pre-built templates make H5P a go-to choice for adding interactivity to eLearning without requiring advanced technical skills or standalone software.

Gomo

Gomo is a cloud-based eLearning authoring tool ideal for creating responsive, mobile-friendly courses quickly. Its drag-and-drop interface and pre-built templates make it easy to use, while its cloud-based collaboration features streamline teamwork. Gomo is perfect for rapid course development, but it offers limited customization and interactivity compared to more advanced tools like Storyline or Captivate. It’s best suited for organizations prioritizing speed and scalability over complex design.

Moodle

Moodle itself is not primarily a content authoring tool but an LMS (Learning Management System). However, it does offer some basic content authoring capabilities, allowing instructors and course creators to develop straightforward learning materials directly within the platform.

Brightspace

Brightspace, developed by D2L, is primarily a Learning Management System (LMS) and, like Moodle, is not a full-fledged content authoring tool. However, it does offer some built-in authoring capabilities for creating basic eLearning content directly within the platform.

SimTutor

Specialized in creating simulation-based training, SimTutor excels in hands-on learning scenarios, particularly in healthcare and technical fields. It’s great for designing step-by-step guided interactions but has limited flexibility for broader eLearning needs.

Raptivity

Raptivity is a interactive content creation tool that offers pre-built templates for quizzes, timelines, and simulations. It's excellent for enhancing existing eLearning but lacks the depth and customization needed for standalone course authoring.

WalkMe

WalkMe is a digital adoption platform that provides on-screen guidance and training directly within software applications. Ideal for onboarding and user training, it’s more suited to in-app learning rather than full eLearning course creation.

Easygenerator

Easygenerator is a cloud-based authoring tool designed for rapid eLearning creation. Its templates and simple interface make it perfect for SMEs or L&D professionals creating quick, standardized content. However, customization and interactivity options are limited compared to advanced tools like Storyline.

faq

Frequently asked questions

What is eLearning software, and how is it used in training videos?

eLearning software enables organizations to create, manage, and deliver digital learning content. It is commonly used to produce engaging training videos for employee onboarding, compliance training, and skill development, combining multimedia elements like video, audio, and interactive quizzes.

How can eLearning software improve training outcomes?

eLearning software enhances training outcomes by providing accessible, self-paced learning experiences. Interactive features like quizzes and assessments help reinforce knowledge, while analytics tools allow tracking of learner progress and engagement.

What features should I look for in eLearning software for creating training videos?

Key features include video creation tools, customizable templates, content authoring capabilities, integration with learning management systems (LMS), and support for multimedia formats. AI-powered features, like Synthesia's video creation tools, can streamline content production.

Why is video an effective medium for eLearning?

Video content is highly engaging and memorable, making it ideal for explaining complex topics or demonstrating processes. It allows for visual storytelling and interactive elements, helping learners retain information more effectively than text-based materials alone.

How does Synthesia make eLearning content creation easier?

Synthesia simplifies video production with its AI-powered platform, enabling users to create professional, human-like training videos in multiple languages without expensive equipment or technical skills. It’s a versatile tool for scaling eLearning initiatives globally.