Best authoring tool

Secondly, they needed it to support multiple languages. Thirdly, it should enable employees with various disabilities and learning needs. Fortunately, they began their trial of Adapt in March The design and development team of six has built over pieces of content using Adapt. One that could be accessed by learners across PCs, smartphones, and tablets with just one version.

With Adapt, they also replaced the book-based, page-turner traditional eLearning module. They created a Learner Experience far more in sync with how we all now use the Web. An experience that truly enhances knowledge and skills. Adapt Learning adopts a scrolling layout. It's interesting how it harnesses the latest thinking in web design to the world of eLearning.

By doing so, it delivers a host of learner benefits. Feedback on the program shows that it has been extremely effective. Specifically in training frontline staff with the necessary skills to refer for neuromuscular disorders as early as possible. The healthcare professionals who have completed the training were surveyed:. That system focused on retail sales assistants and supervisors in their store estate.

It offered content covering a variety of topics, for example, company policy, service, processes, and soft skills. In , The Entertainer realized that there needed to be a more efficient and effective learning approach across the business.

Following a full market review, they selected Learning Pool. A track record in providing blended learning solutions that would meet their current needs lead to this decision. This move also offered plenty of scopes to expand into additional learning opportunities in the future. The resulting engagement levels are impressive with around 30, mandatory and 70, discretionary course completions.

The above was recorded in the first 18 months of platform availability. The Entertainer has further used the new solution to create and distribute step-by-step process guides for core business processes. For example, using the Narrative component in Adapt Builder was very efficient. They trained out the stages of cashing up at each store at the end of the day. The Entertainer is now finally able to ensure that all staff follows the same process.

Plus, employees can now be retrained on demand on any process changes quickly and consistently. By using leading-edge, open source technology, Adapt Builder gives you complete control.

You can create, edit, and brand great content in minutes. All content created in Adapt is fully responsive. Thus, allowing users to complete their learning on the computer, tablet, or smartphone. They will never notice a reduction in quality, but they will appreciate the flexibility that you've given them. As a course creator, Adapt allows you to build content in collaboration with your colleagues. Plus, it comes with a built-in comment and review tool.

Streamlining your workflow to ensure key stakeholders can provide feedback throughout the process. Raptivity by Harbinger Knowledge Products is a leading rapid interactivity builder. This tool allows higher ed educators to create SCORM compliant learning interactions without any programming. It also helps corporate trainers create effective workplace learning experiences. Want to give it a try? Start your Raptivity Free Trial! Care to see what actual users have to say about why this is one of the best eLearning interactions building tools?

Read Raptivity user reviews. Adeptly is an online authoring tool for rapidly building serious learning games. Thus, it is ideal for recording, assessing, and influencing learner behavior. It is one of the first to ever combine multiple styles of learning into a user-friendly and engaging interface. Learn how you can evolve your training. Read Adeptly user reviews in our directory. Adeptly offers a monthly subscription pricing model. Gomo is an easy-to-use eLearning authoring tool. Yet, it still offers all the advanced features that your learning designers love.

This cloud-based eLearning software encourages collaborative working. At the same time, it allows content to be quickly updated and instantly distributed. Start your Gomo free trial. Don't forget to take a look at Gomo Learning reviews in our directory.

Gomo empowers you to create courses that are tailored to your brand. In this way, your teams can work effortlessly on any device. After all, its responsive eLearning comes as standard. They also offer strong multi-language and localized content options.

Thus, making this tool a perfect fit for global networks of learners. Gomo takes the hard work out of creating visually stunning courses that your learners can access anytime, on any device. It offers content authoring-only packages, as well as a combined package with the authoring tool plus flexible delivery options.

All packages feature onboarding support via Gomo Academy, which is full of microlearning videos to get you moving quickly. Enterprise customers receive an enhanced support package with a dedicated customer success manager.

It has been used since by more than customers globally, including, among others, plenty of first-class companies. Visit their website for more info or read user reviews for Netex contentCloud in our directory. Netex Learning has been involved in content authoring for global corporate and EdTech clients since Their training solution capabilities are built around two key tools:. Editora Moderna wanted to provide an innovative proposal for the educational market in Brazil for the academic year of In order to do this, they decided to digitize all their book collections for all subjects at the pre-university level.

They wanted to go beyond simply turning paper content into screen content by enriching the material and offering additional material on paper. Custom design templates: Initially, 3 basic templates were considered for generating HTML5 content, one for each study grade. However, the diversity of the collections and the actual needs required in the different subjects led to the combination of 26 templates. The digitization began in August The first step was to create solid and well-defined style guides, agreed with the client.

The next step was to implement a parsing system of the original contents in InDesign in order to access the plain text with a reference to pagination. Then, they began the process of pedagogical organization and adaptation of the didactic content to the screen mainly by applying the elements and styles they considered necessary for correct visualization.

Finally, they included resources such as images, videos, audios, interactive activities, etc. Netex also created a system to continuously check content. Their team did so to validate and correct the contents they generated efficiently and quickly. After six months of intense work, a total of books were delivered. More than , pages were digitized.

Plus, more than 4, resources were added, including audios, videos, and interactive activities. Editorial Moderna continues to produce thousands of pages each year.

This success story has been the key to expanding the use of contentCloud in Grupo Santillana books production, mainly to other Latin American countries such as Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Chile, and Argentina. They also provide flexible extra storage plans for those organizations that may have additional needs. Plugins such as Word import, math formula editor, or anti-plagiarism checker are available separately to fit each customer's needs. HowToo is an award-winning, AI-enabled upskilling platform, allowing teams to create professional-quality training courses in record time.

HowToo's cloud-based platform empowers everyone—no matter their prior experience—to create and share beautiful digital learning experiences that affect real change in your workforce. Start your free trial now. Visit our directory to see HowToo reviews. Do you want to put the power to create into the hands of your team's subject matter experts?

With this tool, you can bring back the joy of training with flexible and engaging training solutions. Integrate with your LMS or tap into HowToo's powerful all-in-one platform to create, share, and track your learning.

Coassemble is a powerful, all-in-one authoring tool and Learning Management System. This combination allows you to simply share knowledge with your team anytime, anyplace.

As a powerful LMS with seamless User Experience, Coassemble gives you all the tools you need, making it easy to manage your entire training program from a single platform. Giving you the opportunity to focus on your end learner.

After all, that's what really matters! Care to see why it is one of the best eLearning authoring tools? Click here to find out more or visit our directory to read user reviews for Coassemble - Authoring. An intuitive authoring tool like this helps you create mobile-responsive bespoke training content in minutes.

Easily done, by using drag-and-drop templates. You can also leverage enrollment links which offer the ability to share courses for self-enrollment. Coassemble provides award-winning support from real humans who are always happy to help. Coassemble is ideal for corporate training as it is an authoring and LMS all-in-one solution.

Globally recognized LMS experts, including C. Pappas, and our editorial team did a thorough review of each vendor's eligibility and relevant published content articles, eBooks, webinars. Our committee ranked the best authoring tool software based on the following 9 criteria:.

After exploring this top list, make sure to read our tips on what you need to consider when opting for an authoring tool to create your training content. An eLearning authoring tool wears many tech hats in your organization. First and foremost, it allows you to develop content from the ground up. Or even use built-in assets to save time and resources. However, you can also use feature-rich authoring tool software to repurpose existing content and convert legacy resources.

In some cases, LMSs have integrated authoring tools. One of the most notable benefits of authoring tools is that they help you design courses that align with current gaps and goals. For example, you can develop JIT support tools or certification paths to build relevant skills. The best corporate training authoring tools deliver all the features and functionality you need to maximize ROI. They should also come with support services and customer training resources to help you lower the learning curve.

For example, online training tutorials and demos that walk you through the setup process. First and foremost, all of this needs to happen within your budget. Here are the top things you need to consider when choosing an authoring tool for your business.

In order to watch this video you need to have advertising cookies enabled. You can adjust your cookie preferences here. The tricky thing about software selection is that your organization has unique needs and buying requirements. However, there are a few features every organization should add to their must-have list to get top value for money. Look for these key selling points to pick the right authoring tool solution without regrets.

For this reason, the best authoring tools are intuitive and user-friendly. Users can customize their dashboards and use built-in templates to cut development time. Plus, they can update existing content. For example, it might include a ribbon layout with different tabs that allow them to switch between screens quickly. Branching scenario authoring features include templates and predesigned branches that allow you to create immersive learning experiences. Another critical ingredient is the decision-making points.

In most cases, these authoring tools have placeholders that you simply substitute with your own content. You can also change the theme, layout, and images to suit the subject matter. One of the most valuable authoring tool features is content conversion as it gives you the opportunity to turn all those Flash legacy courses into modern HTML5 training experiences.

Some tools even include editing tools you can use to spruce up the final product. For instance, turn that hour-long webinar into a series of bite-sized JIT tools.

Drag-and-drop interactions transform static content into a dynamic online training resource. For example, you can develop a serious game wherein users must match policies to respective departments or products to their standout features and real-world benefits. The possibilities are endless. Simply put, this web authoring tool function boosts learner engagement and participation as it turns passive users into active participants.

An integrated assessment or quiz engine lets you create exams in a fraction of the time. Another tie-in feature to look for is customizable grading options. For instance, you can assign points to every question and specify the feedback type. There are 3 common interaction types: open, linear, and passive. Passive involves no user interaction, while linear formats guide users every step of the way.

On the other hand, open interactions are more interactive and dynamic, meaning learners can pave their own path. They can complete the course or activity in any order based on their needs. Different objectives call for different styles. Thus, you should look for authoring tools that support multiple interaction types. The key is knowing which systems deliver the most profitable authoring perks for your organization.

Below is a quick overview of the various deployment types and their benefits as well as a few downsides you should consider before making your final decision. Computer-based training tools that are locally installed typically have more customization options. Many organizations also opt for this deployment type because of the security measures. For example, you may have issues with the office WiFi.

In this case, your employees can still log into the platform offline and design or revise existing content. However, this can be a double-edged sword as remote users may run into accessibility issues.

Unless, of course, they have the software downloaded on their local device. Desktop authoring tools are often associated with one-time licensing fees, as well. So, price fluctuations are no longer a concern. That said, you should still count on maintenance fees, add-ons, and new versions of the tool.

Collaborators simply need to enter their username and password to create or update content. Therefore, designers, admins, and SMEs can all work together remotely. For instance, someone can log in and upload their part of the project, then get revision notes from instructors or facilitators. Most cloud-based authoring tools are based on a subscription model or SaaS. This means that you have to pay a monthly or quarterly fee to access the platform.

That brings us to the most notable downside, which is price increases. For example, the vendor might choose to raise their rates next year and you must reevaluate your software budget or look for another tool if the cost is too steep for your organization.

Undoubtedly, one of the most significant advantages of authoring tools that are open source is creative control. However, you do need some tech expertise to tackle the task.

For example, most open source eLearning authoring tools call for coding know-how. You must be able to dive into the back-end programming to make the necessary changes. Open source platforms are typically free since you have to put in most of the work. So, there are no licensing fees or subscription plans to factor into the budget. Most platforms do have active user communities for DIY troubleshooting though.

Plus, they can also customize employee preferences and fix personal gaps. Another common application is onboarding training and certification paths. Training companies that develop eLearning resources for clients use authoring tools to widen their profit margin, not to mention, improve client satisfaction scores. Rapid authoring tools are quite popular in this niche because they contain an asset library and templates.

This helps reduce turnaround time and achieve the best results. Freelancers are usually a one-person show or a small team of eLearning professionals. Thus, they need versatile tools that are cost-effective and packed with valuable features.

Especially if they take on diverse projects that call for different activities, JIT resources, and course interaction types.

Cloud-based authoring is usually the best bet, as it allows them to bring remote collaborators on board, for example, consultants or external SMEs. Our directory has plenty of authoring tools for freelancers. Start-ups or small business owners rely on authoring tools for in-house talent development. However, free self-authoring software makes it easy to design courses on a tight time frame and budget so that they can deploy online training to mitigate risks ASAP.

To make the search easier for you, we present a list of the best eLearning authoring tools on the market. An eLearning authoring tool is a type of software to create digital content such as video, images, online courses, online tests, audio, and games for training purposes. They can be either standalone or integrated into a learning management system LMS. You can develop custom training courses and assessments, add engaging quizzes, gamification, and even branding.

No, they are two terms used to refer to more or less the same product. In this sense, an authoring tool falls under eLearning software as the latter also takes care of digital content development. There are two main types of elearning software tools that perform authoring functions in one form or another. As the name suggests, these tools come as a standalone platform. Their primary purpose is to assist users in developing eLearning content.

These tools are suitable for eLearning developers who regularly create content in large volumes. They are crafted for purely authoring functions. An LMS can also be considered for authoring when it comes with a built-in authoring tool. Many of the current LMS software support this in-platform feature to offer complete online learning solutions. Compared to specially designed independent authoring tools, these LMS tools may not be that advanced. But they are worth it as they remove the need to switch between different tools for creating and managing content.

These tools assume significance particularly when you are creating a course , exam, or assessment from the ground up or by importing your existing materials. To put it in another way, unlike using ready-to-use content, creating content from scratch takes time and labor. This is where authoring tools can help you out. Make sure the tool you adopt comes with the following features:. When it comes to user-friendliness, what is true of all other tools is true for eLearning software tools as well.

No matter how feature-rich or affordable a tool is, if the user interface or UI is clunky, it will affect navigation, and you will be unable to perform tasks at the required speed. So, make user-friendly UI a primary condition for selecting an authoring tool. Online training assets prove incredibly handy during rapid eLearning authoring. They can be ready-to-use courses, templates, images, fonts, and characters. These resources can significantly reduce your eLearning development time through drag-and-drop.

So, this is another feature to consider. Depending on the audience type and your business needs, you should ideally have the freedom to build custom eLearning programs and tweak existing materials.

This will enable you to author personalized content and add branding. Make sure you get the most out of your authoring tool by choosing a customizable one. For example, when you create a master version of an image, you should be able to optimize it so that it appears flawlessly on different screens.

Built-in previewers in the tools let you test your eLearning designs for responsiveness and make adjustments, if necessary. This feature can save you ample time you would otherwise invest in creating new content every time. For example, the tool you choose should support the repurposing of PowerPoint presentations to create a mini-course or turn blog content into video content.

This way, you can use the same piece of content to deliver eLearning through various engaging mediums. There are many authoring tools with reporting features. By doing so, you can identify the overall effectiveness of your eLearning designs and improvement areas.

Tick this box while shopping for an authoring tool. Look for an authoring tool with exemplary service. This is because, at the end of the day, the quality of customer support determines whether you want to stay on or cut ties with a provider. Budgetary considerations are a must before hitting the buy button.

Even if you need to pay a higher price than you expected, the tool should add value to your eLearning efforts in the long term. Developing standard eLearning content is the first step towards a full-fledged and sustainable online training program. So, it is no wonder that businesses heavily rely on authoring tools to initiate the process. Authoring tools make it easy to develop quality online content collaboratively for workforce training.

In fact, these tools find maximum usage in companies for developing engaging, interactive, and relevant online training resources. It can be for any one of the following training types:.

It is not just employees that companies train regularly. They also train customers, channel partners, resellers, distributors, franchisees, and even consultants. These stakeholders become aware of products and services through standard training and develop healthy relationships with an organization.

So, authoring tools play an equally significant role here in creating product demos, video walkthroughs, manuals, and guides. Since this audience is generally remote, companies can deliver engaging content for quick uptake with the help of authoring tools. Volunteers working for a cause need constant motivation and engagement to continue to serve communities better.

Finding time to learn from their busy schedules can be stressful as it adds to the workload. For this, many nonprofit organizations plan and deliver volunteer training that their members can take on the go. Authoring tools help them create microlearning modules, such as short videos, flashcards, and infographics. This removes the need to sit for hours on end for an extensive training session but focus on one topic at a time. Explain could be a good fit.

Do you have a multinational team or customer base? Then this help authoring software might be of interest. It also supports various font faces, including Unicode, which makes it possible to create help documentation in, for example, Arabic or Chinese languages. Best for : ClickHelp is for teams who need a robust help authoring software but want to skip the complexities.

This cloud-hosted solution boasts support for rich topic content, such as quizzes, videos, and survey forms. Apart from single-source authoring, you can also reuse content across different projects. One handy feature is the conditional content ability to tag content for different users, meaning that you can save the more advanced help content for developers.

The tool also features convenient tools for external content creation and content review. The version control system makes it possible to work offline or edit remotely. The system checks out the topics as they are added and then adds them back in and compares them with the previous version when you finish editing.

Best for: Confluence is built for sharing your public and internal technical documentation. You also have the option of purchasing third-party apps and custom themes for extra features. Confluence is particularly attractive for teams who want a solution that integrates well with other tools. Depending on your needs, you can choose to host the software yourself or go for a cloud-based solution. While Confluence is a reliable option, it may be too advanced for smaller teams looking for a simple help authoring tool.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:. Many of the dedicated help authoring solutions focus on one thing: customer support. However, Helpjuice offers a powerful knowledge base that can do much more — it is a complete knowledge management solution. Try us out for free for 14 days.

Return To Blog. Written by: David Oragui Published: June 16 In this post, we'll discuss: What a help authoring tool is Why you should consider using help authoring tools The best help authoring solutions Some simple tips to get you started with creating useful help documents What Is Help Authoring Software? Some of the basic features you can expect from any help authoring tool include: Adding a source text that you can compile into different formats, called single-source authoring Import and export help documentation Editing text, code, or data Managing indexes, tables of contents, or images Adding multiple authors to collaborate on the same text Customizing the interface, so it fits your brand A few tools offer more advanced features, such as customization, increased security functions, and analytics tools.

Why Use Help Authoring Software? There are several advantages to using help authoring tools. You can: Save time with single-source and topic-based authoring. Write a text once, then compile it into different formats from the same source.

Easy to write, easy to edit, easy to update. Collaborate on documents. Let the team write, comment, and edit together in one document to get the best customer support material possible. No more wasting time searching for the latest document version or trying to gather scattered comments into one document.

Go multi-language. Serving customers in multiple languages can quickly turn into a headache. The right help authoring tool makes it easy to switch to the correct language — both for your team and for your customers. Skip excessive coding. No need to build and maintain a platform from scratch — instead, use a tool that already has all the features you need.