The Top 10 eLearning Authoring Tools for Creating Courses
- Author: Urban Rotar
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eLearning Authoring Tools – Crafting online courses can feel like assembling IKEA furniture—exciting at first, but overwhelming once you realize how many pieces are involved. Luckily, eLearning authoring tools are here to save the day, helping even non-techies build professional, engaging courses without the headache. When evaluating the best authoring tools, it’s important to consider features, pricing models, and suitability for different organizational needs.
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Now, let’s explore the top 10 eLearning authoring tools that can transform your course creation!
What is an eLearning authoring tool?
An eLearning authoring tool is software used to create digital courses, lessons, and training programs. It enables users to build interactive, multimedia-rich content without needing coding skills. These tools are commonly used in corporate training, academic settings, and non-profit education.
Do I need technical skills to use an eLearning authoring tool?
No, most eLearning authoring tools are designed with intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that require little to no technical expertise. They often include drag-and-drop functionality, pre-built templates, and multimedia integration.
Can I integrate an eLearning authoring tool with an LMS?
Yes, many eLearning authoring tools support integration with popular Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard, allowing you to track learner progress and manage courses seamlessly through SCORM or xAPI standards.
Top 10 eLearning Authoring Tools List
Tool | Features | Benefits | Cons | Entry Price |
CourslyAI | AI-powered course creation, customization, LMS integration | Saves time with AI-assisted creation, suitable for diverse learners | Limited advanced customization, relatively new in the market | Free plan, premium starting at $29/month |
Createaicourse | AI-based course builder, multiple content types, interactive quizzes | Easy content generation, customizable, engaging learning | May lack depth for complex course needs, new platform | Free plan, premium from $49/month |
Articulate Storyline 360 | Responsive design, drag-and-drop interface, multimedia support | Highly interactive, flexible design, large community support | Steep learning curve, expensive | $1,199/year per user |
Elucidat | Scalable, cloud-based, collaboration features | Great for teams, easy collaboration, cloud-based scalability | Higher price point, best for larger organizations | $2,500/year per user |
iSpring Suite | PowerPoint integration, quizzes, video editing | User-friendly, ideal for converting presentations into courses | Limited customization, less powerful than competitors | $770/year per user |
Adobe Captivate | VR and 360-degree media support, mobile-friendly, responsive | Immersive experiences, suitable for complex eLearning | Steep learning curve, expensive for individual users | $33.99/month |
H5P | Interactive content creation, open-source, HTML5-based | Free and easy to use, interactive content without technical skills | Limited templates, requires manual setup for LMS integration | $79/month |
Evolve Content Authoring | Intuitive interface, theme options, cloud-based | Good for team collaboration, fast content creation | Higher learning curve, not as flexible as competitors | $49/month |
Twine | Interactive storytelling, non-linear structure, open-source | Free and open-source, ideal for creating complex stories | Requires coding for advanced features, basic interface | Free |
BranchTrack | Scenario-based learning, easy branching, drag-and-drop interface | Perfect for scenarios and simulations, simple interface | Limited customization, not suitable for non-scenario-based learning | $83/month per user |
What is an eLearning Authoring Tool?
Definition of eLearning Authoring Tool
An eLearning authoring tool is software designed to help instructional designers, educators, and businesses create custom online courses, lessons, and training content. What sets these tools apart is their ability to enable users—who may not be coding experts—to craft professional-grade eLearning experiences through intuitive, often drag-and-drop interfaces.
For those developing training modules or academic content, eLearning authoring tools allow for a combination of text, multimedia (like video, audio, and images), and interactive elements (such as quizzes and simulations) to be seamlessly integrated. This significantly lowers the technical barrier to creating engaging digital learning content. Additionally, content authoring tools enhance learner engagement by making eLearning materials more accessible and interactive.
Importance of eLearning Authoring Tools in Course Creation
The rise of eLearning authoring tools has revolutionized the education and training landscape. Traditionally, building an online course required extensive programming knowledge or costly developers. Now, thanks to these tools, educators and trainers can independently create interactive and impactful courses in a fraction of the time and cost.
These tools are particularly valuable because they allow for the creation of highly customized content, tailored to specific learning objectives. Whether you’re building a course for employee onboarding, compliance training, or academic instruction, these tools can cater to diverse instructional needs. Additionally, by enabling multimedia integration, they keep learners engaged, which is crucial for effective learning outcomes. Selecting the right course authoring software is essential for updating teams and creating compliant, branded content.
Benefits of Using eLearning Authoring Tools
Increased Efficiency in Course Creation
One of the most significant advantages of using eLearning authoring tools is the efficiency they bring to the course development process. These course authoring tools often provide pre-built templates, enabling designers to focus on content rather than design or programming, and they are known for their ease of use and collaborative features. For instance, instead of manually coding each quiz or video embed, instructional designers can drag and drop interactive elements, saving countless hours.
This efficiency translates into faster production cycles for eLearning programs. For businesses, this means that employees can access training materials sooner, improving productivity. For educational institutions, it allows instructors to iterate on their course materials more frequently, ensuring that content remains relevant and up-to-date.
Improved Quality of eLearning Content
With eLearning authoring tools, the quality of online courses has vastly improved. These tools offer a wide range of features, from high-definition video support to interactive simulations, that enhance the learning experience. Incorporating these elements leads to more engaging content, which is essential for learner retention.
Courses that rely solely on text are often dry and difficult to engage with. By contrast, authoring tools allow instructional designers to embed multimedia elements that cater to various learning styles—whether it’s videos for visual learners or quizzes for those who learn best through interaction.
Enhanced Learner Engagement
Learner engagement is the backbone of effective education, and eLearning authoring tools have features designed specifically to keep learners motivated. Gamification elements like badges, points, and leaderboards can be integrated to make learning more enjoyable, encouraging learners to participate actively. Moreover, branching scenarios and simulations provide immersive experiences where learners can explore different paths based on their decisions.
These interactive experiences not only increase engagement but also improve knowledge retention. When learners are actively involved in the learning process, they are more likely to remember the material and apply it in real-world situations.
Key Features to Look for in an eLearning Authoring Tool
User-Friendly Interface
A user-friendly interface is crucial for any eLearning authoring tool, especially for users who may not have a technical background. The best tools provide intuitive, easy-to-navigate platforms where users can quickly grasp how to create courses. Features like drag-and-drop editors and customizable templates reduce the learning curve, enabling creators to focus on developing compelling content rather than wrestling with complex software.
Responsive Design
In today’s mobile-first world, it’s essential that eLearning content be accessible across all devices—desktops, tablets, and smartphones. A responsive design feature ensures that learners can access courses from any device without compromising on the quality of the user experience. As more learners engage with content on the go, choosing an authoring tool that offers responsive design capabilities is non-negotiable.
Multimedia Support
Support for multimedia elements is a key factor when selecting an eLearning authoring tool. Being able to integrate videos, audio clips, animations, and interactive graphics ensures that the course appeals to a wide variety of learning styles. The inclusion of rich media elements transforms static courses into dynamic, engaging experiences, helping learners stay focused and better absorb information.
Evaluation Criteria for eLearning Authoring Tools
Quality of eLearning Output
When evaluating an eLearning authoring tool, the quality of the output it produces is a vital consideration. Look for tools that allow for polished, professional-looking courses that include multimedia elements, interactivity, and responsive design. Higher-quality courses not only look better but also tend to be more engaging and effective in delivering their learning objectives.
Speed and Efficiency of Authoring
For organizations with tight deadlines or those that need to develop a large volume of content quickly, the speed and efficiency of authoring are critical. Authoring tools that come with pre-built templates, asset libraries, and automation features can significantly reduce development time, allowing instructional designers to churn out content without sacrificing quality.
Scalability
Organizations often need their eLearning content to grow alongside their business. As such, scalability is an important factor when choosing an eLearning authoring tool. A scalable tool should allow for the creation and management of multiple courses, as well as the ability to serve a growing number of users—whether it’s students in a school district or employees in a multinational corporation.
Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Seamless integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS) is another crucial factor. LMS integration allows organizations to track learner progress, generate reports, and manage content more effectively. Look for tools that support major LMS platforms like Moodle, Canvas, or Blackboard through SCORM, xAPI, or AICC standards.
Top 10 eLearning Authoring Tools
1. CourslyAI
Overview:
CourslyAI stands out as a cutting-edge eLearning authoring tool powered by artificial intelligence (AI). It helps users automate significant parts of the course creation process, making it ideal for companies and educators looking for rapid development without compromising quality. By inputting course structures and learning objectives, CourslyAI generates professional, interactive, and media-rich content in just minutes. The tool is particularly suitable for corporate training programs, providing the scalability and flexibility needed for large organizations.
Key Features:
– AI-powered course generation
– Pre-built industry-specific templates
– Support for interactive quizzes, multimedia, and assessments
– Cloud-based storage and integration with most LMS platforms
Pricing:
CourslyAI offers several pricing tiers to accommodate different users, from individual educators to large enterprises:
– Free Trial
– Starter Plan: $19/month, includes AI-powered course generation and basic LMS integration.
– Pro Plan: $59/month, adds advanced customization options, additional templates, and analytics.
– Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing, tailored to larger businesses with extensive needs, including premium support, additional storage, and onboarding services.
2. Createaicourse
Overview:
Createaicourse leverages artificial intelligence to simplify course creation, making it accessible to non-technical users. The platform provides a range of templates that can be easily customized to suit a variety of learning scenarios, from corporate training to academic coursework. With its drag-and-drop interface, Createaicourse minimizes the learning curve while still offering powerful features such as gamification, quizzes, and multimedia integration. The tool is perfect for users looking to build interactive courses quickly without sacrificing quality.
Key Features:
– AI-powered content recommendations
– Customizable templates for various industries
– Gamification features, including badges and leaderboards
– Mobile-friendly and responsive design
Pricing:
Createaicourse provides flexible pricing options depending on the user’s needs:
– Standard Plan: $49/month, ideal for individual users with basic content creation needs.
– Pro Plan: $249/month, adds more robust features like advanced gamification and analytics.
3. Articulate Storyline 360
Overview:
Articulate Storyline 360 is a popular tool known for its powerful, interactive course development capabilities. It allows users to create custom eLearning content with highly detailed, interactive elements such as drag-and-drop activities, simulations, and scenarios. The tool integrates smoothly with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like SCORM, AICC, and xAPI, which means you can track learner progress and performance with ease. Storyline 360 is part of the broader Articulate 360 suite, which includes other tools like Rise 360 and access to a vast content library.
Key Features:
– Interactive scenarios and simulations
– Multimedia support, including video, audio, and animations
– Responsive design for mobile and desktop devices
– LMS integration with SCORM, AICC, and xAPI standards
– Collaboration features within the Teams plan
Pricing:
Articulate Storyline 360 is available via an annual subscription that includes the full Articulate 360 suite:
– Personal Plan: $1,199 per user per year. This plan is designed for individual users, giving them access to all tools in the suite, including Storyline 360.
– Teams Plan: $1,499 per user per year. This plan adds features tailored for team collaboration, such as shared team slides and priority support.
– Education Discounts: Eligible academic institutions can get the Personal Plan at $899/year and the Teams Plan at $1,049/year.
4. Elucidat
Overview:
Elucidat is a cloud-based eLearning authoring tool designed for large-scale content production. It offers a collaborative environment ideal for teams working together to create professional-grade courses quickly. Elucidat stands out for its ease of use and is favored by corporate teams due to its scalability. With its pre-built templates and drag-and-drop functionality, even non-technical users can build responsive, interactive courses efficiently. Additionally, it offers real-time analytics to track learner engagement and performance.
Key Features:
– Cloud-based with real-time collaboration
– Pre-built templates and drag-and-drop interface
– Responsive design for mobile learning
– In-depth analytics for tracking learner engagement
– Integration with major LMS platforms
Pricing:
Elucidat provides custom pricing based on the size and needs of the organization, but their pricing typically starts at around $2,500 per year. This cost includes cloud hosting, support, and regular updates. Larger enterprises can negotiate for more advanced features and services, like personalized onboarding and priority support.
5. iSpring Suite
Overview:
iSpring Suite is a robust authoring tool designed for users who want to create professional eLearning content without a steep learning curve. Built as an add-on to PowerPoint, iSpring allows users to transform their presentations into interactive eLearning courses, complete with quizzes, simulations, and multimedia. This tool is particularly user-friendly and highly recommended for beginners or those who are already familiar with PowerPoint. It also offers a variety of multimedia elements, such as video tutorials, screencasts, and interactive role-play simulations, making it a comprehensive solution for corporate training or academic purposes.
Key Features:
– PowerPoint integration for easy course creation
– Multimedia support including video tutorials and screencasts
– Creation of interactive quizzes and role-playing simulations
– SCORM, xAPI, and AICC support for LMS integration
– 24/7 technical support
Pricing:
iSpring offers two main pricing tiers:
– iSpring Suite: $770 per year per user. This plan includes all basic eLearning creation tools.
– iSpring Suite Max: $970 per year per user. This plan adds access to a content library, cloud storage, and additional collaboration features, making it ideal for larger teams or companies.
6. Adobe Captivate
Overview:
Adobe Captivate is one of the most advanced eLearning authoring tools available, perfect for users looking to create highly interactive and immersive learning experiences. Known for its versatility, Captivate allows course creators to include interactive elements like virtual reality (VR), simulations, and complex scenarios. This tool is ideal for corporate training programs that require simulations or more in-depth interactivity. Additionally, Adobe Captivate is fully responsive, ensuring that your courses look great on any device, from desktop to mobile.
Key Features:
– Support for virtual reality (VR) and 360° media
– Responsive design for cross-device compatibility
– Ability to create software simulations and branching scenarios
– Integration with LMS via SCORM, xAPI, and AICC standards
– Quizzes, gamification, and interactive video support
Pricing:
Adobe Captivate offers subscription-based pricing:
– Monthly Subscription: $33.99 per month per user
– Perpetual License: $1,299 per user, billed once
– Enterprise Licensing: Custom pricing based on the size of the organization.
7. H5P
Overview:
H5P is a versatile, open-source platform that allows users to create, share, and reuse interactive multimedia content such as quizzes, presentations, videos, and more. It’s widely used in educational institutions and integrates seamlessly with popular Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard via LTI. This makes H5P a great option for educators or organizations looking to enrich their courses with dynamic, interactive content while benefiting from LMS integration for tracking student progress.
Key Features:
– 50+ content types for creating interactive content
– LMS integration with real-time tracking via LTI
– Cloud hosting and regular updates
– Mobile-friendly, responsive content
– Student accounts for tracking engagement and learning outcomes
Pricing:
H5P offers a flexible pricing structure depending on the number of authors and learners:
– Basic Plan: $948/year for 3 authors and up to 250 learners, with 69 GB of storage and 690 GB monthly data transfer.
– Custom Plan: Tailored for larger teams or institutions with more than 10 authors, with scalable pricing based on specific needs.
8. Evolve Content Authoring
Overview:
Evolve is a user-friendly, cloud-based authoring tool specifically designed for creating responsive eLearning content. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, along with various interactive features such as branching scenarios and quizzes, make it an excellent choice for companies prioritizing mobile-first design. Evolve focuses on team collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on a single course simultaneously, making it ideal for organizations with distributed teams or extensive content creation needs.
Key Features:
– Responsive design for mobile, tablet, and desktop
– Interactive components like branching, quizzes, and simulations
– Real-time collaboration for teams
– Advanced analytics for tracking learner performance
Pricing:
Evolve offers several pricing plans, which include:
– Standard Plan: $49/month per user or $588 billed annually. This includes access to all features, unlimited courses, and basic support.
– Team Plan: $2,340/year for up to 3 users, with additional collaboration features and priority support
9. Twine
Overview:
Twine is a free, open-source tool geared toward creating interactive stories, simulations, and scenarios, making it a popular choice among educators and storytellers. With its simplicity and flexibility, Twine allows users to create non-linear, branching narratives without requiring programming knowledge. Although primarily used for interactive fiction, Twine has grown in popularity as an eLearning tool for creating branching scenarios that engage learners in decision-making processes. It can export content to multiple formats like HTML and can be hosted or shared across platforms.
Key Features:
– Creation of interactive, branching narratives
– No programming knowledge required
– Exports to multiple formats (HTML, JSON)
– Ideal for decision-based learning and simulations
Pricing:
Twine is entirely free and open-source. Users can download and use it without any associated costs. For more advanced functionality, developers can integrate Twine projects into other platforms with minimal customization.
10. BranchTrack
Overview:
BranchTrack is a specialized tool for creating branching scenarios, a format that allows learners to make decisions within a course and see the consequences in real-time. This kind of interactive learning is particularly effective for corporate training in areas such as customer service, sales, or compliance, where decision-making and real-life scenarios are critical. BranchTrack’s intuitive interface enables users to create scenarios quickly and without any programming knowledge, making it a go-to tool for organizations looking to create immersive, decision-based training content.
Key Features:
– Drag-and-drop scenario creation
– Built-in analytics to track learner decisions
– Integration with LMS platforms via SCORM and xAPI
– Collaboration features for team-based content development
Pricing:
BranchTrack offers flexible pricing based on the number of active learners:
– Starter Plan: $83/month, includes up to 500 learners.
– Professional Plan: $299/month, supports up to 1,500 learners.
– Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing based on the number of learners and additional support needs.
Choosing the Right eLearning Authoring Tool for Your Needs
Assessing Business Needs
The first step in selecting the right eLearning authoring tool is to thoroughly assess your business needs. Begin by identifying the primary objectives for your eLearning courses: Are you focused on employee onboarding, compliance training, or academic instruction? Each of these requires different functionalities. For example, if you’re developing corporate training programs, you may need tools that support scenario-based learning or simulations, while academic institutions might prioritize quiz creation and assessment tools.
Additionally, consider the number of learners and the scale of the content you’ll be creating. Smaller organizations with a single instructional designer may prefer simpler, less expensive tools with basic functionality. Larger businesses might need a tool that can scale with the growth of content and users while offering collaborative features for teams.
Evaluating Tool Features
Once you have a clear understanding of your business needs, it’s essential to evaluate the specific features of different eLearning authoring tools. Look for tools that align with your learning goals and user preferences. If you require multimedia support, choose a tool that allows for seamless video, audio, and animation integration. For those building complex simulations or branching scenarios, prioritize tools that offer advanced interactivity features.
At this stage, it’s crucial to compare tools based on the features that matter most to your organization. For instance, some tools may offer rich interactivity but lack mobile responsiveness, while others might excel in collaboration but be less flexible in design customization.
Reading Reviews and Case Studies
Before committing to a tool, it’s wise to research user feedback. Reading reviews and case studies can provide valuable insights into the real-world applications of different eLearning authoring tools. Reviews will give you a sense of the user experience, potential limitations, and whether the tool delivers on its promises. Case studies, on the other hand, can showcase how similar organizations have implemented the tool and the benefits they’ve gained. These sources of information will help you better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each tool and its fit for your needs.
Industry Applications for eLearning Authoring Tools
Corporate Training
In the corporate sector, eLearning authoring tools are indispensable for developing training programs that can be delivered at scale. Companies use these tools to create onboarding programs, compliance training, leadership development courses, and more. The interactive features of many authoring tools—such as simulations, quizzes, and gamification—make training more engaging and effective. As many organizations now operate globally, eLearning tools allow for training consistency across different regions, ensuring all employees receive the same quality content.
Academic Institutions
Academic institutions have also adopted eLearning authoring tools to create engaging online courses. Whether used for K-12 education or higher education, these tools enable educators to develop interactive learning materials that enhance student engagement and retention. Features like quizzes, video lessons, and interactive assignments are commonly used in digital classrooms, making these tools ideal for blended and distance learning environments. The ability to track student progress through Learning Management Systems (LMS) integrations is a critical feature in academic settings.
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations often use eLearning authoring tools to deliver training to volunteers, staff, or beneficiaries. These tools provide a cost-effective way to disseminate knowledge on a wide range of topics, from health education to skill development. By leveraging interactive elements and multimedia, non-profits can create impactful training programs that are accessible globally, even in resource-limited settings.
Hosting Options for eLearning Authoring Tools
Cloud-Based Deployment
Cloud-based deployment is a popular hosting option for eLearning authoring tools due to its flexibility and scalability. With cloud-based solutions, users can access the tool from any device with an internet connection, enabling remote teams to collaborate on course development. This model also offers easy scalability, allowing organizations to add more users or increase storage as needed. Updates and maintenance are typically handled by the service provider, making this option ideal for businesses or schools that prefer minimal IT overhead.
On-Premise Deployment
For organizations that prioritize control and data security, on-premise deployment may be a better fit. In this model, the software is hosted on the organization’s own servers, giving IT departments full control over data management, security protocols, and customization. This option is more resource-intensive but may be necessary for industries that handle sensitive data or need to comply with strict regulatory requirements.
Hybrid Deployment
A hybrid deployment combines the benefits of both cloud-based and on-premise solutions. Organizations can host certain sensitive data on-premise while using the cloud for more scalable, flexible features like (AI) course creation and collaboration. This model offers a balance between control and convenience, catering to businesses with complex needs.
Getting Started with eLearning Authoring Tools
Tips for Selecting the Right Tool
Choosing the right eLearning authoring tool involves more than just comparing features. Start by selecting a tool that meets your immediate business needs and can grow with your organization. Look for scalability, especially if you plan to expand your course offerings or increase your learner base in the future. It’s also important to consider ease of use—if your instructional designers or educators aren’t particularly tech-savvy, opt for tools with a user-friendly interface and strong customer support.
Also, consider the level of interactivity you want to incorporate. If you need highly immersive content like simulations, make sure the tool supports these features.
Best Practices for Implementing eLearning Authoring Tools
Implementing an eLearning authoring tool successfully requires a well-planned approach. Start by training your team on how to use the tool effectively. Many providers offer webinars, tutorials, or live support to help users get up to speed.
Next, define clear goals for your eLearning programs. Determine how you will measure success—whether it’s through learner engagement metrics, completion rates, or post-course assessments. Finally, gather feedback from learners to refine your approach and improve the content over time.
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