Businesses and educational institutions are increasingly adopting new methods to engage learners. The era of relying solely on instructor-led training is over. In today’s digital world, it’s essential for learners to access courses and content anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
To facilitate this shift to digital platforms, schools, universities, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers, and companies are turning to online solutions. eLearning development software allows organisations to design interactive and engaging courses.
In this article, we compare eLearning authoring tools to find the top solutions for educational and corporate instructional designers.
What is eLearning Authoring Software?
eLearning authoring software is a specialised tool for creating digital learning content like online courses, assessments, activities, and interactive training materials. Key features often include multimedia elements like audio, video and animation, support for various assessment types, and responsive design for mobile learning across multiple devices.
Also known as eLearning creation software, these tools are used by instructional designers, educators, and subject matter experts to create interactive and engaging learning experiences. eLearning content design can also use various formats, created with specialised media tools, course designers, LMS authoring tools, and assessment software.
Best eLearning Authoring Tools and Software Providers
Cloud Assess is an all-in-one solution for RTOs, VET providers and companies looking for a learning management system (LMS), content creation software, assessment management and more. They offer eLearning development tools that help organisations create interactive courses and training materials, conduct versatile assessments, and support various training activities. These include features for recognition of prior learning and third-party reports.
The platform’s drag-and-drop content designer is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for instructional designers to build out online courses and training materials in minutes. Their AI assessment generator and AI marking assistant save even more time and effort, while workflow automation reduces administrative burden. Cloud Assess also offers a content digitisation service to help organisations convert existing documents into interactive courses, supporting efforts to go paperless and embrace digital tools.
- Video
Want to Learn More About Content Design?
Cloud Assess integrates with over 5000 tools, simplifying data sharing across your tech stack and ensuring you have all the information you need for data-driven decision-making. They also provide extensive customisation options across the platform, from branded courses to personalised dashboards and reporting features.
Key Features
- LMS features
- Student management system features
- Interactive eLearning content creation
- Multimedia support
- Content digitisation
- Microlearning features
- Social learning tools
- Accommodates various types of assessment
- AI assessment generator
- AI marking assistant
- Mobile-friendly design
- Certification management
- Compliance management
- Advanced reporting and real-time analytics
- 5000+ integrations
- SCORM and xAPI compliance
Pros
- Supports VET and corporate training needs
- User-friendly interface makes content creation quick and easy
- Promotes online and offline learning
- Extensively customisable to meet any company’s training requirements
- Comprehensive reporting features with real-time analytics
Pricing
Cloud Assess offers one all-inclusive plan for training organisations and workplace training, priced as a flat fee per learner from $12. Every feature is included from day one, with no upgrade paths or feature gates. Visit our pricing page for an accurate quote.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp, Software Advice)
#2 Articulate Storyline 360
Articulate Storyline 360 is a popular course authoring software example known for its robust and versatile online training features. It allows users to create highly interactive and engaging content with ease. The platform supports various multimedia elements and offers extensive customisation options, making it a favourite among instructional designers.
However, Storyline 360 is part of the larger Articulate software, and cannot be purchased separately. This makes it less convenient for institutions that already have another Learning Management System and training software.
Want to explore other platforms like Articulate 360?
Find the best alternatives for workplace learning.Key Features
- Slide-based content creation
- Interactive elements and branching scenarios
- Multimedia support
- Responsive player for mobile learning
- Integration with Articulate 360 suite
- Template library
- Content importing
Pros
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Highly customisable and versatile
- Strong community and support resources
- Seamless integration with other Articulate tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Limited collaboration features within the tool
- Cannot buy Articulate Storyline 360 on its own
Pricing
Articulate offers pricing for companies, freelancers and academic use. Their academic pricing, in particular, includes a Personal Plan for $899 per year, or a Teams Plan which costs $1124 per user per year.
Rating
4.7/5 (average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp and Software Advice)
#3 Lectora
Lectora is a powerful eLearning development tool known for its compliance with accessibility standards and its ability to create HTML5 content. It provides comprehensive features for developing interactive and engaging learning modules. Lectora is favoured for its robust capabilities in creating complex branching scenarios and assessments.
However, some reviews suggest that the platform is text-heavy and the interface isn’t as user-friendly as alternatives.
Key Features
- HTML5 content creation
- Interactive elements and quizzes
- Responsive design support
- SCORM, xAPI, and AICC compliance
- AI content creation
- Template library
Pros
- Strong accessibility features
- Highly flexible and customisable
- Supports complex interactions and branching scenarios
- Robust reporting and analytics capabilities
Cons
- The interface can be complex for new users.
- Reviews suggest that the platform doesn’t work for Macs.
- Can feel clunky and be difficult to design eLearning courses in.
Pricing
Lectora’s Studio Gold Suite pricing plan starts at $117 per month with an annual subscription. They also offer a Learning Creation Studio bundle of apps which starts at $799 per month.
Rating
4.3/5 (average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp and Software Advice)
#4 iSpring Suite
iSpring Suite offers a range of comprehensive and interactive eLearning content and course creator tools that integrate seamlessly with PowerPoint. It allows for quick and easy eLearning course creation, and its intuitive interface makes it a good option for subject matter experts and instructional designers alike.
For those who don’t use PowerPoint, however, the platform can be more difficult to use. It lacks the customisation and collaborative learning features that many alternatives offer.
Key Features
- PowerPoint integration
- Interactive courses, quizzes and assessments
- Video lectures and screencasts
- SCORM, xAPI, and AICC compliance
- Responsive design for mobile learning
- LMS integration with iSpring Learn
- AI assistant
Pros
- Easy to use with a familiar PowerPoint interface
- Fast content creation process
- Good range of interactive features
- Great customer support and resources
- Comprehensive suite of tools that integrate well with each other
Cons
- Limited advanced customisation options
- Heavy reliance on PowerPoint
- Lower pricing tier isn’t cloud-based, making collaboration difficult
Pricing
iSpring Suite offers pricing for business, freelancing and academic purposes. Their Academic pricing starts at $470 per author per year. However, most features are only available on their iSpring Suite Max tier, which costs $670 per author per year.
Rating
4.6/5 (average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp and Software Advice)
#5 Camtasia
Camtasia is a specialised media tool for creating video-based content that can be used in eLearning courses and online training content. It is widely appreciated for its screen recording capabilities and user-friendly video editing tools. Camtasia is ideal for creating tutorials, video lectures, and software demonstrations.
However, the platform isn’t designed as a course authoring tool, and is heavily video-focused. This makes it more difficult to incorporate other multimedia elements into your training.
Key Features
- Screen recording and video editing
- Interactive quizzes within videos
- Annotations and callouts
- Multi-track timeline editing
Pros
- Excellent video editing features
- Easy to use with a low learning curve
- Great for creating engaging video content
- Supports interactive elements within videos
Cons
- Limited capabilities for non-video content
- May require additional software for more complex eLearning needs
Pricing
Camtasia offers pricing for individuals, teams, businesses, education providers and government agencies. Their education pricing starts at $299.99 per user for small teams. However, the cost is for a perpetual licence, rather than monthly or annual. They also offer discounted rates. Visit their website for more details.
Rating
4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp and Software Advice)
#6 Elucidat
Elucidat is a cloud-based authoring tool for eLearning that emphasises collaborative content creation and scalability. It helps teams produce high-quality, responsive eLearning content efficiently. Elucidat’s user-friendly interface and strong support for mobile learning make it a popular choice among large organisations.
However, the platform offers limited offline functionality and fewer customisation options than many competitors.
Key Features
- Cloud-based authoring
- Responsive design for mobile learning
- Collaboration and review tools
- Template library for quick content creation
- SCORM and xAPI compliance
- Multi-language capabilities
- AI course creation
- PowerPoint integration
Pros
- Strong collaboration features
- Easy to use with pre-built templates
- Scalable for large institutions
- Excellent mobile learning support
Cons
- Limited offline learning capabilities
- Customisation options may be limited for advanced organisational needs
- eLearning courses created on Elucidat’s Pro and Growth pricing tiers will carry Elucidat branding.
Pricing
Elucidat offers four tiers of pricing: Pro, Growth, Team and Enterprise. Pricing isn’t available on their website directly, but you can contact them for more information or to book a demo.
Rating
4.6/5 (average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp and Software Advice)
#7 Gomo Learning
Gomo Learning is another cloud-based eLearning authoring tool known for its strong support for responsive design. It allows for engaging and interactive content development, ensuring courses and training materials work seamlessly across multiple devices. Gomo Learning’s collaborative features also make it easy for teams to work on eLearning projects together simultaneously.
However, some reviews suggest that the platform’s functionality can be limiting, while technical expertise is required to use advanced features.
Key Features
- Cloud-based authoring
- Course wizard
- Responsive design for multi-device compatibility
- Interactive content and course creation
- Collaboration and review tools
- SCORM and xAPI compliance
- Theme library
- Single sign-on (SSO) functionality
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Strong responsive design capabilities
- Excellent collaboration features
- Easy to publish and share content
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than some competitors
- May require technical expertise
- Limited offline capabilities
- May lack some advanced interaction options
Pricing
Gomo Learning offers Small, Medium and Enterprise pricing tiers. Pricing is available upon request along with options for a free trial and demo.
Rating
4.6/5 (average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp and Software Advice)
#8 Adobe Captivate
Adobe Captivate is a powerful eLearning authoring tool known for its advanced features and capabilities. It supports the highly interactive and responsive eLearning course creation, and supports software simulations, quizzes, and virtual reality (VR) content that elevate learner experience.
Adobe Captivate is favoured by course designers who are already familiar with products like Adobe Learning Manager, Photoshop and InDesign, since the Adobe suite is well integrated. However, it can come with a steep learning curve for those who are unfamiliar with the environment.
Key Features
- Responsive content creation
- Pre-built template library
- Software simulations and screen recordings
- VR content support
- Interactive quizzes and assessments
- SCORM, xAPI, and AICC compliance
Pros
- Advanced features for experienced designers
- Helps companies create training materials with interactive elements
- Strong mobile learning capabilities
- Integrates well with other Adobe products
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Reviews suggest occasional stability issues with complex projects
- Requires more technical expertise than many competitors
Pricing
A single subscription for Adobe Captivate costs $33.99 per month. The platform offers pricing for enterprises and education purposes, however you need to contact them directly to learn more.
Rating
4.3/5 (average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp and Software Advice)
#9 Easygenerator
Easygenerator is an AI-powered eLearning authoring tool designed for instructional designers with little to no technical background. It uses artificial intelligence in training to allow companies to create interactive and engaging eLearning content quickly. Easygenerator’s simplicity and ease of use make it a popular choice for those new to eLearning content creation.
However, the platform’s features, while easy to use, can be too basic for many organisational needs. Easygenerator is also significantly more expensive than some of the other options in this list.
Key Features
- AI course creation
- Drag-and-drop content creation
- Interactive quizzes and assessments
- Template library
- PowerPoint import
- Multi-language translation features
- SCORM and xAPI compliance
- Collaboration and review tools
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Quick content creation with AI or templates
- Ideal for subject matter experts and instructional designers
- Strong support and resources
Cons
- Limited advanced customisation options
- Reviews suggest that features lack depth for complex eLearning needs
- Comes in at a higher price point than many competitors
Pricing
Easygenerator’s pricing starts at $108 per month, making it one of the more expensive platforms. This includes one author, 10 courses, 100 learners and a limited feature list. Team pricing, for up to 5 authors, costs $541 per month, with Enterprise pricing available on request.
Rating
4.8/5 (average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp and Software Advice)
#10 domiKnow | ONE
dominKnow | ONE is a comprehensive eLearning authoring suite that combines multiple tools into a single solution. It includes a content creator, management platform and cloud-based publishing service, and supports a wide range of content types. These include both traditional online training modules and adaptive learning features. dominKnow | ONE’s collaborative features and robust reporting capabilities make it a good choice for large teams and organisations.
Smaller institutions and those that use other software for course management and publishing may find domiKnow | ONE too extensive for their needs.
Key Features
- Multi-tool authoring platform
- Responsive and adaptive content creation
- Collaboration and review tools
- SCORM, xAPI, and AICC compliance
- Extensive reporting and analytics
Pros
- Highly versatile and comprehensive toolset
- Strong collaboration features
- Supports a wide range of content types
- Robust reporting and analytics
- Well suited to large institutions with variable needs
Cons
- Complex interface for new users
- Requires a high level of initial setup and configuration
- Features may be too advanced for smaller educational institutions
Pricing
There are two pricing tiers available for domiKnow | ONE – Business and Enterprise. Visit their website to enquire about pricing or to request a free trial or demo.
Rating
4.5/5 (average rating from Capterra, G2, GetApp and Software Advice)
eLearning Authoring Software Buyer’s Guide
When performing an elearning authoring software comparison, there are a few key considerations to bear in mind:
- Pricing Structure. Some platforms are paid for on monthly or annual subscriptions, while others like Camtasia offer perpetual licences.
- Core Features. Some features are non-negotiable when it comes to eLearning authoring tools. Template libraries make developing content significantly easier, while SCORM and xAPI compliance will simplify integrations with your LMS. Responsive eLearning authoring tools also ensure content can be viewed on any device. Make sure that the authoring tool you choose has the features you need.
Learn How Cloud Assess Simplifies Assessor Admin
Watch our free webinar today.
- Differentiators. Beyond the core features that top eLearning authoring tools offer, it’s also important to consider what sets the platform apart. Cloud Assess, for example, offers tools that simplify course creation. However, it’s also a flexible all-in-one solution that includes LMS features, assessment management and student management features.
- Support. Make sure that you fully understand the methods and level of support that an eLearning authoring platform offers. Some authoring tools provide email support only, while others integrate chatbots, help libraries, and even onboarding support.
- Integrations. Well-integrated technology makes it easier to collate data and see the full picture of your training initiatives. Be sure to check the integrations that your chosen authoring tool provides.
eLearning Authoring Software FAQs
What is the best eLearning authoring tool?
The best eLearning authoring tool for your organisation will depend on your unique training needs. If you need course authoring for workplace training, the right eLearning authoring tool should provide interactive templates and support compliance with industry regulations. If you’re looking for eLearning software to boost your RTO’s training efforts, seamless student management system integration will be critical, along with AVETMISS reporting and assessment mapping.
What is the difference between eLearning authoring and course creator software?
eLearning authoring software focuses on creating individual learning modules or interactive content, such as quizzes, simulations, and multimedia presentations. It can also support other training activities like creating third-party reports, evaluations for recognition of prior learning and more.
Course creator software is designed to manage course structure, schedules, student enrolments, and assessments. While eLearning authoring tools primarily create content that can be used within courses, course creator software handles the content and the administrative aspects of course delivery.
Can I integrate eLearning authoring software with my Learning Management System?
Most eLearning authoring software can be integrated with Learning Management Systems. These tools typically export content in standard formats such as SCORM, xAPI (Tin Can), or AICC, which are widely supported by LMS platforms. This integration allows seamless content delivery, tracking, and reporting within the LMS environment.
What are the benefits of using eLearning authoring software?
Using eLearning authoring software offers several benefits, including simplifying the content creation process, improving learner engagement, boosting knowledge retention, and streamlining organisational processes. These tools also make training easily scalable, supporting growing companies and vocational education and training providers. They ensure consistency in training materials, allow for easy distribution across multiple devices, and provide analytics and tracking capabilities to monitor learner progress and effectiveness.
