15 Best eLearning Course Authoring Tools (2024)

15 Best eLearning Course Authoring Tools (2024)

New technologies have changed how organizations produce and deliver digital learning experiences, with content authoring tools becoming a must-have L&D tool for instructional designers and training managers creating training content.

A content authoring tool is essential for creating engaging, effective eLearning content and courses. However choosing the right elearning authoring software for your organization can be a challenge, and requires L&D teams to consider their needs, desired outcomes, feature needs, technical skillsets, integrations, and other buying decision considerations.

In this article, we’ll explore eLearning content authoring software, break down their core capabilities and features, and showcase the best eLearning content authoring tools on the market.

What Is the Best eLearning Course Authoring and Creation Software?

  1. Whatfix
  2. Raptivity
  3. Panopto
  4. aNewSpring
  5. QStream
  6. Axonify
  7. Edapp
  8. iSpring Learn
  9. Master-O
  10. Zunos
  11. Hoopla
  12. AdaptiveU
  13. Docebo
  14. Cornerstone
  15. Articulate Storyline 360

What Is eLearning Course Authoring Software?

eLearning course authoring tools are software applications or platforms that enable educators, instructional designers, and training content creators to develop, design, and publish digital learning materials and courses for online, blended learning environments. These content authoring platforms provide a user-friendly interface and content creation features that simplify the process of creating engaging, contextual, interactive educational content.

6 Types of eLearning Authoring Tools

Here are the 6 types of eLearning authoring tools.

1. Cloud-based authoring tools

Cloud-based eLearning authoring tools are web-based platforms that enable users to create, edit, and publish eLearning content over the internet. These tools offer the advantage of accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection and often support collaboration among team members in real-time. 

Examples of cloud-based content authoring software include:

  • Adobe Captivate
  • Articulate 360
  • Rise 360

2. Open-source authoring tools

Open-source eLearning authoring tools are freely available software that allows developers to modify and extend the tool’s functionality. These tools are highly customizable and often come with a community of developers and users who contribute to their improvement. 

Examples of open-source eLearning authoring tools include:

  • Adapt
  • eXeLearning
  • H5P

3. Microlearning authoring tools

Microlearning platforms are specifically designed for creating short, focused, and bite-sized eLearning content, known as microlearning modules. These tools often prioritize mobile-first design and are ideal for creating quick, interactive, and engaging lessons that can be consumed quickly.

Examples of microlearning authoring platforms include:

  • EdApp
  • SmartUp
  • OttoLearn

4. LMS course authoring tools

Learning management systems (LMS) are core organizational learning systems that have built-in course authoring features that allow training content creators to build and manage eLearning content within the same platform where they deliver and track courses. This integration streamlines the course creation process and facilitates easy deployment. 

Examples of corporate LMS tools include:

  • iSpring Learn
  • SAP Litmos
  • Docebo
  • Moodle
  • Blackboard
  • Canvas

5. Simulation and scenario-based authoring tools

These specialized authoring tools are designed for creating realistic simulation training and scenario-based learning experiences. They are commonly used in industries such as healthcare, aviation, and manufacturing for training purposes. Simulation and scenario-based authoring tools enable the development of immersive, interactive learning content that replicates real-world situations. 

Examples of simulating training content creation tools include:

  • SimTutor 
  • iSpring Suite

6. Digital adoption platforms

Digital adoption platforms (DAP) are no-code content creation tools that overlay other applications and web apps, providing in-app guidance and self-help user support to technology end-users. DAPs provide contextual, guided learning and support experiences at the moment of need for end-users, walking them step-by-step through processes.

whatfix flow

DAPs empower L&D content creators with a no-code editor to create in-app content such as product tours, task lists, interactive flows, tooltips, field validations, pop-ups, self-help wikis, and more. These in-app experiences are tailored to the end-user, allowing L&D professionals to build role-based training experiences depending on the employee, their business unit, their technology proficiency level, where they are in an application, and their individual tasks and responsibilities.

DAPs also enable L&D teams to analyze these in-app experiences with user behavior analytics, custom event tracking, and in-app surveys for post-training feedback – empowering training content creators to make data-driven decisions when building L&D content and authoring new courses.

Enable your employees, drive software adoption, and accelerate digital transformation with a digital adoption platform.

With a digital adoption platform like Whatfix, enable your employees with in-app guidance and contextual self-help IT support to accelerate the adoption of new software implementations, employee onboarding, change initiates, and more. Whatfix’s no-code editor enables IT teams with a no-code editor to create product tours, interactive walkthroughs,  task lists, smart tips, pop-ups, self-help wikis, and more. Analyze and measure user engagement and software usage to identify friction points, measure digital adoption, and improve employee digital experiences.

15 Best eLearning Course Authoring Software

Choosing the right eLearning authoring software for your business depends on many factors, including your technical expertise, how sophisticated you would like your learning experience to be, the volume of corporate eLearning content you need to produce, the size of your team, your budget and whether you require translation.

Here is a list of the top course authoring tools for instructional design teams to create learning courses, modules, and lessons:

oracle fusion

1. Whatfix

  • Type: Interactive course authoring software
  • G2 Review Rating:
  • Pricing: Upon request

Whatfix is an interactive digital adoption platform that helps accelerate time to proficiency on your applications with in-app training and contextual on-demand support.

While it’s not a full-fledged LMS, Whatfix functions as a mini-LMS and helps in making eLearning interactive via engaging formats such as video, slideshows, and PDFs – all while empowering users to achieve proficiency in record time. The platform also provides a task list widget that is extremely useful to streamline employee training. The widget displays all the relevant tasks needed to be done, in the form of guided interactive walkthroughs. This delivers a seamless user experience across the application to reduce friction, increase stickiness, and delight users. 

Additionally, Whatfix analytics offers actionable data on user behavior within your applications, consumption of help content, and real-time feedback on in-app experiences.

whatfix-user-guidance-gif
Raptivity-logo

2. Raptivity

  • Type: Interactive course authoring software
  • G2 Review Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  • Pricing: $0 – $249

Raptivity is an authoring tool with more than 190 customizable interactions. It provides interaction models like brainteasers, interactive diagrams, interactive questions, software simulations, surveys, and more. Within each of these models, there are “Flavors” which are mainly built-in templates like a jigsaw interaction, flashcards, wild cards, etc., making it easier for you to assemble your eLearning courses to be more dynamic and interactive.

Raptivity integrates with most training tools like Adobe Captivate, Storyline, Lectora, and others.

A highlight of this eLearning tool is that you can browse various instructional design models like Bloom’s taxonomy, and experimental learning and create training courses to fit these models.

panopto-logo

3. Panopto

  • Type: Blended learning authoring software
  • G2 Review Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  • Pricing: N/A – reach out for custom quote

When it comes to eLearning tools for blended learning, videos are an essential element. Panopto is a video platform built for employee training and onboarding. It is a searchable portal using which you can share and manage all the videos you would use for training and knowledge-sharing purposes.

Using Panopto, you can easily organize, store, and deliver videos across your organization. Businesses are generating interactive training videos and internal communications at an exponential rate. Instead of having it spread across multiple internal portals, Google Drive, YouTube, Vimeo, etc., you can centralize all your video lectures in Panopto’s secure, searchable video content management system.

Beyond this, Panopto offers multiple features like webcasting and recording, live streaming, and social learning. It also integrates with your LMS, enterprise software like SharePoint and Salesforce, and more.

aNewSpring-logo

4. aNewSpring

  • Type: Blended learning authoring software
  • G2 Review 
  • Pricing: N/A – pricing model is based on the number of learners.

aNewSpring is a blended learning platform that helps you create and deliver diverse learning courses. You can create assignments, tests, assessments, and even surveys using the online editor. The learning content you create can be managed online and easily updated without the threat of duplication.

This eLearning authoring tool can help you create multiple course types, such as demos to give employees a quick preview, social learning, and more. It integrates with other eLearning tools like Adobe Captivate, Storyline, Slideshare, Panopto, and more.

One of the highlights of aNewSpring is its adaptive learning algorithm which matches courses by addressing the subjects that require training and assessing the employee’s goals.

Qstream

5. QStream

  • Type: Microlearning platform
  • G2 Review Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
  • Pricing: N/A – reach out for custom quote

Following a model of 3-minute courses, the QStream authoring tool offers a simple and engaging platform to train, onboard, and share knowledge with your employees. The training content can be pushed to the employees’ mobile devices or even to the CRM they’re working on.

Training is driven by a point-based gamified system for demonstrating knowledge on relevant topics. QStream’s data-driven coaching hub engages managers and other stakeholders and provides a graphical dashboard with valuable insights that instantly identify who needs to be coached on what.

Sales leaders can view capabilities data in unlimited ways with real-time heat maps, progress trends, team comparisons, and coaching activity reports

Axonify-logo

6. Axonify

  • Type: Microlearning platform
  • G2 Review Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
  • Pricing: N/A – reach out for a custom quote

With Axonify, you can create your training content as small chunks of information that take only a minute or two to complete.

eLearning authoring tools like Axonify offer a personalized and adaptive learning experience that helps create engaging training content. With the continuous learning approach that such platforms adopt, you can build, sustain, and measure employee knowledge.

Edapp

7. Edapp

  • Type: Microlearning platform
  • G2 Review Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
  • Pricing: $0.00 – $5.95/user/month. Request a quote for enterprises.

EdApp is a free microlearning platform with an integrated authoring tool. With features such as spaced repetition, gamification, rewards, and analytics, the platform makes learning fun and engaging, which helps improve learning retention. Edapp enables mobile learning that brings benefits such as push notifications for lesson reminders, cloud distribution, and translation, plus the ability to deliver microlessons directly to learners’ pockets.

8. iSpring Learn

  • Type: Microlearning platform
  • G2 Review Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  • Pricing: $2.82 – $3.66/user

iSpring Learn has a built-in authoring tool that can be used to create responsive microlearning courses with knowledge checks that work perfectly on smartphones and desktops. The tool allows starting a microlearning program and tracking results in just one day — without fine-tuning complex settings or involving IT staff. You can create training material from your existing content, such as videos, slides, or articles.

Master O

9. Master-O

  • Type: Microlearning platform
  • G2 Review Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
  • Pricing: N/A – Reach out for a custom quote

Master-O is an easy-to-use eLearning authoring tool that enables you to repackage existing content into byte-sized sales playlists, including game-based assessment and microlearning interactions. With titles ranging from improving retail sales, and boosting dealer or distributor productivity to enhancing negotiation skills, Master-O is preloaded with researched sales training content that is easy to learn and apply on the job.

Zunos

10. Zunos

  • Type: Gamified course authoring tool
  • G2 Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Pricing: N/A – reach out for a custom quote

When there are points, incentives, and rewards in play, everything gets a lot more exciting. With eLearning authoring tools like Zunos, gamifying your training programs becomes easier.  

With their leaderboards and virtual rewards, you can spice up employee onboarding and training by making it more engaging and introducing an element of friendly competition. It also offers a collaborative platform where employees can share progress and thoughts with their peers.

Hoopla

11. Hoopla

  • Type: Gamified course authoring tool
  • G2 Review Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  • Pricing: N/A – reach out for custom quote

Hoopla! Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? This eLearning software helps create an interactive and engaged culture with real-time progress, friendly competition, and recognition.

The Hoopla TV lets you broadcast live updates on TVs across your organization, giving instant visibility into the employee progress. It mimics a live sports event display where your employees can “Face-off” with each other. You can create as many Hoopla Channels as you want and customize them with different themes, metrics, and even celebration songs and GIFs.

All in all, Hoopla provides a gamified way to engage with your employees and keep them motivated to reach their goals.

12. AdaptiveU

  • Type: LMS with course authoring features
  • G2 Review Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Pricing: $0-$50. Request a quote for enterprises.

AdatptiveU allows you to use content from anywhere on the web, such as YouTube, your favorite articles, etc., to create learning courses.

This eLearning software includes videos, quizzes, presentations, and more. To foster a friendly competitive environment, AdaptiveU provides a certain level of gamification with rewards points, virtual currency, and gifts. You can track and get alerts on the progress of all your employees and generate dynamic reports to easily understand how effective the challenges and courses are.

docebo

13. Docebo

  • Type: LMS with course authoring features
  • G2 Review Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
  • Pricing: N/A – reach out for custom quote

Docebo is an LMS that has a suite of apps and features from ILT classroom to gamification and Salesforce integration. You can deliver courses with the highest level of personalization using AI-powered technology.

It is equipped with a wide range of course tracking features that help you save report specifications and track employee performance quickly. With the MyTeam feature, you can instantly monitor your team’s activities, progress, and uncover skill gaps. This form of high-level metrics can help you improve the visibility of your team’s performance.

cornerstone LMS

14. Cornerstone

  • Type: LMS with course authoring features
  • G2 Review Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
  • Pricing: N/A – reach out for a custom quote

Cornerstone LMS enables you to create and provide media-rich learning courses. Using this eLearning tool, you can deliver tailored and targeted training depending on your employees’ goals.

Cornerstone offers a suite of products to create social learning programs, get predictive workflow analytics, robust reporting, and more.

articulate 360

15. ​​Articulate Storyline 360

  • Type: LMS with course authoring features
  • G2 Review Rating: 
  • Pricing: N/A – reach out for custom quote

Articulate Storyline is a windows desktop course authoring tool that leverages powerpoint’s look and feels – and overall well-known UX/UI. It has a modest learning curve considering the flexibility it offers. The tool can be used to develop interactive courses that work on every device without any manual adjusting.

Articulate storyline supports most eLearning formats – AICC, SCORM, xAPI (TinCan), and Windows. Also, the responsive player dynamically adapts to tablet and smartphone screens, providing an optimal view of every device and supports touchscreen gestures like drag, pinch-to-zoom, etc., on tablets and mobile devices.

Capabilities and Features of eLearning Authoring Tools

Let’s discuss a few features you must consider before choosing your ideal eLearning authoring tool.

eLearning_authing_tools_features

1. Course authoring capabilities

The most important feature of any eLearning authoring tool is the ability to create lessons. The course authoring capabilities of a tool include adding or editing slides, images, text, audio or video, animations, and any other elements on-screen.

These features enable you to bring your training lessons to life.

2. Ability to integrate interactivities and multimedia

Interactivities give eLearning courses an edge over traditional employee training methods by allowing users to interact with the course content rather than simply consuming it. By letting them actively participate in the learning process, interactivities enable learners to acquire knowledge by discovering information or solving real-world problems.

Multimodal learning, such as with videos or interactive guidance, has recently been recognized as an effective training method. The engaging format of videos is excellent for explaining complex concepts and can closely imitate the experience of an instructor-led session. At the same time, learning a new skill by watching a quick video is more convenient and less time-consuming for learners than reading lengthy, text-heavy documents.

Make sure that your authoring software allows you to easily add interactivities such as pop-ups, triggers, variables, and scrolling panels and enables multimedia content to make your training more engaging than an instructor-led training session.

3. Collaboration capabilities

Many organizations use eLearning to provide a standardized training experience for their distributed workforce. Chances are if the rest of your workforce is distributed, even your instructional designers work from different locations.

Here is when an eLearning authoring tool that is connection and collaboration-friendly can help you. Effective collaboration produces better learning courses. With collaboration capabilities, you can get the best instructional designers in the world to work on your course content or simply help your existing designers connect with subject matter experts living in a different city. For your distributed workforce, look for authoring tools that support multiple users building, reviewing, and amending courses at the same time.

4. Multiple language support

Another feature to look for in an eLearning authoring tool for a distributed workforce is multi-lingual support. The feature will allow you to convert the course content into different languages while retaining the template and structure of your course. Multi-lingual support allows you to deliver a standardized learning experience in various languages across many geographical locations.

5. Pre-loaded learning templates

Most eLearning authoring tools come pre-loaded with course templates that enable you to add consistency to your course material design. Consistent designs make learners more likely to pay attention to the content. It is especially advantageous when developing multiple courses for the same audience.

In-built templates and the ability to import prebuilt themes from other programs, such as PowerPoint, are among some of the most demanded features in authoring tools.

6. Assessment tools

Assessment features enable you to track how employees interact with the training course material and how much material they can retain.

While simple quizzes work great in this aspect, advanced assessment capabilities such as negative marking, shuffle questions, question banks, and awards and badges enable you to gather more in-depth data about learners.

7. Learning content management and publishing capabilities

Different organizations have different publishing needs when it comes to eLearning courses. Some standard formats include PDF, HTML5, Flash, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

If you are using an LMS, make sure the authoring tool you choose is compliant with it. The most common compliance standards are SCORM and Tin Can API.

Related Resources

Benefits of Using eLearning Course Authoring Software

Here are the most significant benefits of eLearning course authoring software.

1. Time and cost efficiency

eLearning course authoring software significantly reduces the time and costs associated with developing and delivering training materials. Traditional classroom-based training can be expensive and time-consuming due to factors such as travel, printing, and in-person instructor costs. With eLearning authoring tools, you can create and update content quickly and deliver it to learners across geographies, saving on logistics and materials costs.

2. Scalability and flexibility

eLearning authoring software allows organizations to scale their training programs easily. Whether you have a small team or a global workforce, you can create and distribute training materials to a large number of learners efficiently. Additionally, you can update and adapt content rapidly to meet changing needs, ensuring that training remains relevant and up-to-date.

3. Enhanced interactivity and engagement

eLearning authoring tools offer features that enhance learner engagement. You can incorporate multimedia elements such as videos, animations, and interactive quizzes to make the learning experience more engaging and enjoyable. Interactive simulations, branching scenarios, and gamification elements can immerse learners in the content, increasing retention and comprehension.

4. Data-driven insights and assessment

eLearning course authoring software provides built-in assessment and tracking capabilities. You can create quizzes, assessments, and surveys to gauge learner progress and understanding. Additionally, these tools generate data and analytics that offer insights into learner performance and engagement. This data-driven approach enables organizations to identify areas of improvement and make informed decisions for course enhancements.

5. Consistency and standardization of content

eLearning authoring tools ensure consistency and standardization of training content. By using templates and predefined formats, organizations can maintain a uniform look and feel across all training materials. This consistency helps learners navigate content more easily and ensures that key messages and information are conveyed consistently to all participants.

How to Choose Your eLearning Course Authoring Tool?

Here are a few factors to consider while choosing an eLearning course authoring tool.

1. Integration with LMS and other L&D software

The ability of an eLearning content authoring tool to integrate seamlessly with your Learning Management System (LMS) and other L&D software is crucial. Integration ensures you can easily upload, manage, and track your eLearning content within your LMS. This means learners can access courses, complete assessments, and receive certifications all in one cohesive platform. Compatibility with other L&D tools like analytics software or content repositories can further enhance the effectiveness of your eLearning program.

2. Intuitive user interface

An intuitive user interface is essential for user adoption and productivity. Look for an eLearning authoring tool with a user-friendly interface that is easy for instructional designers and content creators to navigate. A well-designed interface streamlines the course creation process, making it easier to create engaging content without a steep learning curve. The tool’s ease of use also contributes to faster content development and updates.

3. Deployment

Consider how the eLearning authoring tool deploys courses to learners. Does it support various delivery methods, such as web-based training, mobile learning, or offline access? Ensure that the tool allows you to publish courses in formats compatible with different devices and operating systems. The flexibility in deployment options is critical to reach a diverse audience.

4. Scalability

Scalability is essential, especially if your organization plans to expand its eLearning initiatives. A scalable eLearning content authoring tool should accommodate both small-scale and large-scale course development without compromising performance or functionality. It should also support the addition of new content creators and learners as your eLearning program grows.

5. Support and training

Access to reliable customer support and comprehensive training resources is vital when choosing an eLearning content authoring tool. Consider the vendor’s responsiveness to support inquiries and the availability of documentation, video tutorials, and user communities. Adequate training options, including online courses or workshops, can help your team become proficient in using the tool effectively. Strong support and training resources ensure that you can address issues and maximize the tool’s capabilities.

whatfix-rebrand-illustrator
How to Develop an Effective Employee Training Program

Business Use Cases for eLearning Authoring Tools

Here are a few common uses cases for eLearning content authoring tools.

1. Compliance training

Many industries require employees to undergo compliance training to meet regulatory standards and maintain legal and ethical practices. eLearning authoring tools make it easy to develop compliance courses with built-in assessments and tracking capabilities. By creating interactive and up-to-date compliance modules, organizations can ensure that employees understand and adhere to relevant regulations.

2. Employee onboarding and training

eLearning authoring tools are valuable for employee onboarding and training programs. Organizations can create comprehensive onboarding modules that introduce new hires to company culture, policies, procedures, and job-specific skills. These tools allow for the development of engaging and interactive content, such as orientation videos, interactive modules, and quizzes, to ensure that new employees quickly become familiar with their roles and responsibilities.

3. Employee development

eLearning authoring tools are valuable for employee development initiatives beyond initial onboarding. Organizations can use these tools to offer ongoing professional development opportunities. Courses on leadership, technical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific knowledge can be created to foster continuous learning within the workforce. Personalized learning paths and assessments help employees grow in their roles and careers.

4. Customer support training

Customer support and service teams benefit from eLearning authoring tools that enable the creation of training modules. These customer support training modules can cover a range of topics, including customer service best practices, effective communication, product troubleshooting, and conflict resolution. Interactive elements allow support teams to practice real-world scenarios, improving their skills and ability to assist customers effectively.

5. Product and sales training

eLearning authoring tools are well-suited for creating product knowledge and sales training materials. Organizations can develop courses that provide sales teams with in-depth product information, sales techniques, and customer engagement strategies. Interactive content, including product demos, simulations, and role-playing scenarios, helps sales teams enhance their product knowledge and sales skills.

Enable Employees With In-App Guidance and Self-Help Support with Whatfix’s Digital Adoption Platform

Implementing an eLearning authoring tool for your organization facilitates employee onboarding, employee training, and employee development without excessive costs and loss of productivity. 

However, selecting a suitable authoring tool for your organization can be challenging. There are many things to consider while choosing your ideal tool –  technical expertise, features required for training, the volume of eLearning content to produce, the size of the team, budget, learning curve, etc. 

If you are wondering where to start, try implementing a digital adoption platform such as Whatfix to create the most effective employee training programs for your organization. Whatfix empowers you to build engaging, interactive, and helpful content from the ground up without the need for code or IT involvement. Employees can learn in the flow of work with in-app guidance, such as interactive walkthroughs, step-by-step tutorials, task lists, smart tips, and more. With Whatfix, you also bring your documentation, knowledge base, intranet, and external links into your employees’ applications – allowing them to find the right support and training material without leaving the application they’re using.

Intrigued to learn more? Schedule a free demo with us today!

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