The Best eLearning Authoring Tools To Deliver Top-Notch Training Content (2023 Update)

The Best eLearning Authoring Tools To Deliver Top-Notch Training Content (2023 Update)
Summary: The best eLearning authoring tools help you create meaningful and engaging content for online learners. But it all hinges on the right platform for your team. Is it intuitive? Does it feature built-in assets that benefit your bottom line? Can it streamline the development process and alleviate the burden on your L&D department? Before deploying a top-notch online training program, you need robust authoring software to build a solid framework.

Explore And Compare The Top eLearning Authoring Tools

You might think that it’s relatively easy to pick the best eLearning authoring tools. After all, there are so many options to choose from. However, the abundance of choice makes it even more challenging to create a shortlist. There’s simply not enough time to vet all the vendors one-by-one or take test drives to see how they perform in the real world. Fortunately, our Top eLearning Authoring Tools List takes the stress out of software buying. All the vendors have earned their spot with stellar CX and standout features.

In fact, our list can help you determine which providers are RFP-worthy based on your evaluation criteria, such as which companies deliver all your must-have features and support services. This way, you can spend less time searching and more time implementing your new authoring tool solutions, as you should be. Below are just a few benefits our list can bring to your organization.

Check out eLearning Industry's Top List to:

  • Compile a shortlist of authoring tool vendors for your use case
  • Evaluate authoring software selling points
  • Analyze user reviews and ratings to establish social proof
  • Compare top authoring tool solutions to get top value for money
  • Check out pricing options to find the best software in your price range
  • Qualify vendors that specialize in your customer type

In the following list, we’ve gathered the top software for your needs. If you want to compare authoring tools side by side, go straight to our directory!

Top List: The Best eLearning Authoring Tools

The Best eLearning Authoring Tools To Deliver Top-Notch Training Content (2023 Update)

If your company is listed among the Best Authoring Tools, feel free to add this badge to your website!

Here Are The Top Authoring Software For eLearning

A Powerful, Yet Easy-To-Use Authoring Toolkit For Creating eLearning Courses

iSpring provides a comprehensive eLearning authoring toolkit that’s a perfect fit for both experienced and novice eLearning developers. It includes tools for creating courses, quizzes, video tutorials, role-plays, and more.

To explore all the capabilities of the authoring toolkit, get a free 14-day trial!

You can also check out iSpring Suite reviews in our directory. 

Highlights

  • Diverse eLearning content
  • Integrated Content Library
  • Online Space For Collaboration

Highlights

  • Diverse eLearning content

You can create online courses, quizzes, training videos, role-play simulations, and eLearning interactions with a single software.

  • Integrated Content Library

This authoring toolkit comes with over 89,000 ready-to-go slide templates, characters, locations, and icons that help you build courses even faster.

  • Online Space For Collaboration

You can work on courses with your colleagues in an online space to complete your eLearning projects without delay.

Plans And Pricing

iSpring offers two plans: iSpring Suite Basic ($770) and iSpring Suite Max ($970), both available as annual subscriptions. It also provides volume, academic, nonprofit, and other discounts.

2. Lectora
4.4/5 (17 reviews)
With Lectora, Build Any Learning Imaginable—Accessible, Responsive, Interactive

Create better learning experiences with ELB Learning. They offer tools for building learning games, VR training, eLearning courses, and video practice, as well as an LXP/LMS. Their team also offers strategy, custom dev, and staff augmentation.

Visit elblearning.com to get a free trial of Lectora or CenarioVR and start creating interactive learning today.

Care to see why users think it is one of the best eLearning authoring tools? Explore Lectora reviews in our niche directory.

Highlights

  • Accessible
  • Rapid Development
  • Mobile

Highlights

  • Accessible

The built-in accessibility settings in Lectora lead the industry. They give you the capabilities you need to ensure all your learners receive the most effective training possible.

  • Rapid Development

Cut dev time in half with pre-built course logic and templates. Quickly drop templatized interactions in. Themes and style packs instantly apply unified color schemes and styles.

  • Mobile

Lectora’s approach to mobile design gives you the most control over how your content displays across all devices. Content automatically adapts to the viewing device; you can adjust it as needed.

Plans And Pricing

Lectora is part of the ELB Learning Authoring Suites. Choose from three plans to meet your needs. All plans include Lectora desktop and Lectora Online, ReviewLink, and in-app access to the Asset Library. Other levels have full web access to the Asset Library and CenarioVR.

Design Amazing Courses In Minutes

Adobe is a global leader in digital media, digital marketing, and eLearning solutions. Their tools and services allow their customers to create groundbreaking digital content, deploy it across media and devices, measure and optimize it and achieve greater business success. Adobe Captivate is a rapid authoring tool that enables eLearning content developers to create mobile-ready, engaging, interactive courses in minutes.  

Ready to give it a spin? Click here for a free 30-day trial.

Curious to see why it is one of the best eLearning authoring tools?

Visit our directory to read Adobe Captivate Reviews.

Highlights

  • Jumpstart compliance and soft skills course creation with ready-to-go slides
  • Create future-ready eLearning courses using Virtual Reality and responsive design
  • Out-of-the-box assets, interactions, and quizzing

They empower their users to create, publish, and manage their eLearning content with their industry-leading, award-winning digital learning solutions, for trainers, Instructional Designers, educators, and business professionals.

Highlights

  • Jumpstart compliance and soft skills course creation with ready-to-go slides
    In Adobe Captivate, the ready-to-go slides allow eLearning content developers to simply plug and play their own content (text, images, videos, etc.) and rapidly create beautiful eLearning courses. Additionally, the Quick Start Projects enable them to increase their productivity by authoring just once for all devices.
  • Create future-ready eLearning courses using Virtual Reality and responsive design
    Virtual tours, crisis management, safety drills, first responder situations—you name it! Adobe Captivate helps authors create and deliver numerous kinds of immersive learning experiences. Additionally, the mobile-ready slides in the asset store and the customizable fluid boxes allow them to author just once and publish to all devices.
  • Out-of-the-box assets, interactions, and quizzing
    Adobe Captivate does the heavy lifting for the eLearning authors as it provides free access to 75000+ assets. Additionally, it enables them to create interactive courses without programming. From text to speech, quiz slides, and a host of plug-and-play interactions, such as drag-and-drop and click-and-reveal, it has everything one needs to create a stunning and engaging eLearning course.

Achievements/Case Studies

  • American Airlines
    “The ability to use Captivate has allowed our team to stretch and grow as well as increase requests from our business partners.” Shanté King, Instructional Designer
    Results achieved:
    • Easy deployment
    • High engagement
    • Responsive learning
    • Increased potential
  • ACCC Insurance Company
    “Adobe Captivate has allowed us to deliver eLearning courses with highly interactive content that cater to a multitude of learning styles.” Darren Jones, Learning and Development Project Manager, ACCC.
    Top benefits of using Adobe Captivate:
    • High engagement
    • Diversified content
    • High retention
    • Interactive content

Plans And Pricing

Adobe Captivate has flexible buying programs for individuals, small and large teams:

  • Individual Subscription: US $33.99/month
  • Perpetual License Price: US $1299
  • Student Teacher Edition: US $399
  • Upgrade Price: US $499

Team subscription

The Adobe Value Incentive Plan (VIP) is a subscription licensing program with simple and secure management capabilities, flexible terms, and discount levels.

Enterprise licenses

An Enterprise Term License Agreement (ETLA) is ideal for larger deployments across centralized organizations. Get cloud and desktop offerings and budget predictability over a 3-year term, with one annual payment due on the same date each year.

Empower Your Entire Team To Easily Create High-Quality eLearning Courses

Easygenerator empowers organizations to simplify and accelerate their learning development. They provide an award-winning eLearning authoring tool that helps enterprises enable employees to unlock and share their knowledge online.

Ready to fulfill 100% of your training needs? Get started with the easiest eLearning authoring solution today!

Visit our niche directory for Easygenerator user reviews. It will help you understand why it is one of the best eLearning authoring tools.

Highlights

  • PowerPoint Import
  • Auto-Translation
  • Customized Branding

Highlights

  • PowerPoint Import

With Easygenerator, you can transform your PowerPoint files into eLearning courses in just a few clicks. Make your courses stand out by taking advantage of the powerful benefits this authoring tool has to offer.

  • Auto-Translation

Auto-translate your Easygenerator-created courses to and from 75 languages in a few clicks with high-quality translation powered by Amazon AWS.

  • Customized Branding

Do you want to design pieces of training according to your brand guidelines? Easygenerator gives you the option to change colors and themes and add your logo to let your brand shine through.

Plans And Pricing

  • Pro Plan

Perfect place for the single creator to get started sharing knowledge.

  • Team Plan

Work together with your entire five-person team to create eLearning content.

  • Enterprise Plan

Create a company-wide knowledge-sharing culture with unlimited authors.

 

Creating Beautiful eLearning Has Never Been So Beautiful

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.

Highlights

  • Easy to use but powerful 
  • Cloud-based 
  • Create a single course that works for different audiences

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.

Highlights

  • Easy to use but powerful
    Intuitive to use, Gomo features a drag-and-drop interface that is full of powerful interactive features. Learning designers love its advanced features such as branching scenarios and question banks. 
  • Cloud-based
    This authoring tool can be accessed anywhere, anytime through any modern web browser, enabling global L&D teams to overcome traditional challenges of software downloads, working remotely, and across different timezones. 
  • Create a single course that works for different audiences
    Gomo allows you to build content efficiently. Supporting over 260 different languages and with options to localize content, your message remains relevant—wherever your learners are located.

Plans And Pricing

Gomo offers a range of annual subscription options that cater to all sizes, from smaller agencies to global enterprise organizations with 100,000+ learners. It offers content authoring-only packages, as well as a combined package with the authoring tool plus flexible delivery options. That includes their unique LMS Wrapper, which allows instant updates to your content across multiple LMSs. Authoring licenses start from $1,035. 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.

A Favorite Creator Platform To Easily Develop Online Training At Scale

Trusted by 98,000+ organizations worldwide, Articulate software, services, community, and content make it easy to create compelling courses for every device. Articulate 360 has everything eLearning professionals need for course development. The annual subscription includes the award-winning authoring apps Storyline 360 and Rise 360 with 6+ million course assets. Also, you get an easy-to-use project review app and live and on-demand online training with industry experts such as Tom Kuhlmann. It’s continuously updated with new features and assets.

To learn more, sign up for a free 60-day trial of Articulate 360.

Looking for more reasons to see what makes it one of the best eLearning authoring tools?

Read Articulate 360 user reviews.

Highlights

  • Multidevice eLearning, automatically
  • Ever-expanding asset library
  • Live and on-demand training with industry experts

Highlights

eLearning developers are asked to build many different types of learning projects. Articulate 360 gives them all the apps and resources they need for any project with the assurance that their courses will look and work perfectly on any device.

  • Multidevice eLearning, automatically

No matter what Articulate 360 authoring app a developer chooses, their projects will work automatically on any mobile device. It solves the mobile device problem so developers don’t have to.

  • Ever-expanding asset library

Many eLearning professionals build courses without the help of graphic designers or other design resources. With Content Library 360, they get access to more than 6+ million assets, including templates, characters, and stock images, illustrations, icons, and video. By leveraging all these assets, they can create beautiful courses quickly. Users can access these royalty-free assets right from within Storyline 360 and Rise 360. As a result, they don’t have to interrupt their workflow to hunt online for images!

  • Live and on-demand training with industry experts

Developing engaging and impactful training takes more than great authoring apps. eLearning professionals know they must continuously grow their skills to do their best work. Articulate 360 subscribers get exclusive access to live and on-demand training webinars with industry-leading eLearning experts that help them quickly get started with Articulate 360 apps to expand their eLearning expertise.

Achievements/Case Studies

  • iHerb: IT trainer April Lokar

The IT trainer at iHerb, April Lokar, uses Articulate 360 to quickly create internal eLearning courses for different departments across her company. April is the first training professional iHerb has employed in its more than 20-year history.

After so many years with no training team, iHerb had a glaring gap in its business. There was a near-complete lack of training on how to use the key apps and technology that iHerb relies on day to day. As a team of one tackling a large backlog, April needed an eLearning solution that would speed course development, without a tough learning curve.

April carefully researched a handful of eLearning apps. She quickly settled on it, because other solutions "couldn’t compete with the level of user-friendly design in Articulate 360."

She saw how simple it was going to be to get it up and running. April knew this tool would immediately help remedy iHerb’s long list of needed training. Storyline 360 and Rise 360 made it easy to apply her Instructional Design skills. With the authoring apps in Articulate 360, she managed to create great-looking responsive courses. She could deliver material that learners could reference from any device.

Key points

After a year of experience using Storyline 360 and Rise 360 for course authoring, April now praises Rise 360 as a “game-changer.” And she uses Storyline 360 to add custom interactivity to the fully responsive training courses she builds in Rise 360. April also records pro-quality screencasts quickly with Peek and fine-tunes videos. She uses them for platform walkthroughs and manager training with Replay 360. She then adds the training videos to her courses. A process she calls “very efficient” for one professional to do on their own.

Articulate 360 has saved April and iHerb countless hours developing eLearning courses. April explains that her last company had a “team of five that was lucky to complete one eLearning course each month using other tools. At iHerb, April has created 31 eLearning courses in 12 months—all on her own.

Plans And Pricing

This tool makes every aspect of eLearning course development simpler, faster, and less expensive. An annual subscription of Articulate 360 gives course developers everything they need to complete eLearning projects, from start to finish.

  • Articulate 360 is available on the Articulate website and through Articulate authorized resellers.
  • The Articulate 360 Teams plan is available for $1,299 per user, per year.
  • Personal subscriptions are perfect for freelancers and are available for $999 per user, per year (all prices USD).

Eligible educational customers receive a 50% discount on list prices.

4.6/5 (21 reviews)
Enabling Companies To Deliver Impactful Learning Experiences On A Global Scale

Elucidat combines enterprise-level tech, strategic consultancy, and a true partnership approach. They help customers capture internal expertise, control quality, and deliver people-centered learning that achieves real impact. Are you interested in harnessing the power of people-centered eLearning?

Book a demo on their website to take the first step.

Read submitted reviews for Elucidat

Highlights

  • Capture Expertise
  • Designed For Enterprise
  • Fully Supported Partnerships

Highlights

  • Capture Expertise

Elucidat enables authors of any skillset to create impactful eLearning. With streamlined workflows and globally set controls, enable anyone to create quality content and share their expertise.

  • Designed For Enterprise

Elucidat is designed for enterprise teams. With advanced admin workflows and fully granular user permissions, teams have complete control of content creation.

  • Fully Supported Partnerships

Elucidat is a fully supported solution. From technology to consultancy. Elucidat partners with customers to achieve their learning goals and provides unrivaled support.

Plans And Pricing

Plans for Elucidat are based on the number of users creating content and learners consuming content. They have four base plans; Basic, Team, Enterprise, and Scale. Each plan can be fully customized to meet your exact requirements. Please contact them for a tailored quote.

8. KREDO
4.5/5 (13 reviews)
A Tool That Helps Deliver Visually Rich Interactive Courses With Ease And Pace

Tesseract Learning is an award-winning organization that offers eLearning course development and products to meet varied digital learning needs, including its easy-to-use authoring tool, KREDO. Its mission is to help businesses like yours increase productivity, drive growth, and create a strong talent pool. Hence, they are an excellent partner to help you with all your digital learning needs!

Explore their digital learning solutions.

Check our directory to read reviews for KREDO.

Highlights

  • Easy Authoring
  • Advanced Functions
  • Easy-To-Use Template

Highlights

  • Easy Authoring

A no-code authoring tool enabling your SMEs, content writers, and developers to create visually rich and interactive courses using prebuilt templates and deliver on devices of learners' choice.

  • Advanced Functions

Intuitive course and assessment configuration, co-authoring and translation capabilities, text-to-audio and transcript capabilities, and more!

  • Easy-To-Use Template

KREDO comes with 50+ pre-built templates which can be used with ease to build interactive courses quickly—these templates cut across Content, Interactivity, Questions, Gamification, and Charts.

Plans And Pricing

Per authoring license: US $750 to US $1000 per user per annum based on the volume of licenses purchased.

Find The Best eLearning Authoring Tool
Take a deep dive into eLearning Industry's niche directory to explore and choose the best platform for custom eLearning content development.

What Were The Criteria That Determined Which Vendors Made The List?

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:

  • Customer support
  • Customer Experience
  • Software features
  • Software innovation
  • Customer reviews
  • Economic growth potential
  • Company’s customer retention
  • Employee turnover
  • Company’s social responsibility

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.

eBook Release: eLearning Authoring Tools Comparison Guide
eBook Release
eLearning Authoring Tools Comparison Guide
Explore and discover how you can choose the best platform for custom eLearning content development.

What Is An eLearning Authoring Tool?

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.

For example, transform outdated Flash files into fresh HTML5 training tools. In some cases, LMSs have integrated authoring tools. But there are also standalone authoring platforms that enable you to generate content that’s compatible with your current LMS.

Why Do You Need An Authoring Tool?

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. Every design element and online training activity aligns with your employees’ preferences and L&D objectives.

Furthermore, you can quickly update content using pre-built templates to keep up with trends and policy changes, whether it’s onboarding courses for new hires or compliance resources to mitigate risks.

Top Things To Consider When Choosing An Authoring Tool

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.

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What Are The Key Authoring Tool Features That Fit Your Online Training Needs?

The tricky thing about software selection is that your organization has unique needs and buying requirements. A tool that might work for one L&D team isn’t necessarily the best choice for an online training solutions company. 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.

Intuitive UI

Unique features won’t do any good if your team can’t use the tool to create engaging content for online learners. 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. The system should also feature the layout they’re most comfortable with. For example, it might include a ribbon layout with different tabs that allow them to switch between screens quickly.

Branching Scenarios

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.

Content Conversion

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. Thus, your learners can access the L&D library on any mobile device or browser. 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

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.

Assessment Engine

You must be able to evaluate learners to see how far they’ve come as well as how far they need to go to achieve the online training objectives. An integrated assessment or quiz engine lets you create exams in a fraction of the time. You can use pre-built templates that support multiple Q&A formats—ranging from true/false to open response.

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.

Multiple Interaction Types

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.

Authoring Tool Comparison: Desktop Vs. Cloud-Based Vs. Open Source

Whether you’re looking for locally installed or vendor-hosted platforms, there’s course authoring software for every preference. 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.

The Main Benefits Of Using A Desktop Authoring Tool

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. By leveraging this option, you’re in charge of the services and data protection protocols.

Another perk is that you don’t have to rely on a steady internet connection. 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. This means that you don’t have to foot a monthly bill for subscription fees. You’re locked in at that price. 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.

The Main Benefits Of Using A Cloud-Based Authoring Tool

Web authoring software that’s based on the cloud is accessible anytime, anywhere. Collaborators simply need to enter their username and password to create or update content. All the information is stored on the authoring tool vendors’ servers. 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. You also don’t have to worry about lost content, since everything is backed up on the cloud.

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.

The Main Benefits Of Using An Open Source Authoring Tool

Undoubtedly, one of the most significant advantages of authoring tools that are open source is creative control. You can modify every aspect of the software based on your L&D requirements. 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. However, you do have to make room for IT support, since they usually don’t include vendor assistance or online training resources. Most platforms do have active user communities for DIY troubleshooting though.

Who Can Effectively Use Authoring Software?

L&D Managers

L&D managers can use eLearning authoring software to design online training resources for staffers and external partners. They’re able to custom-tailor every aspect of the content to suit organizational objectives. Plus, they can also customize employee preferences and fix personal gaps. Another common application is onboarding training and certification paths.

Online Training Companies

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.

eLearning Freelancers

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.

SMB Owners

Start-ups or small business owners rely on authoring tools for in-house talent development. They may not have room in their budget to hire an L&D team. 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.

Corporate eLearning Instructors

Another group that benefits from web-based authoring tools is instructors and facilitators. It gives them all the assets, templates, and interactions they need to develop memorable online training experiences, even if they have no prior experience designing content. Especially if the platform has advanced customer support resources to help them master key functions.

Nonprofits

Charities and other non-profit organizations implement authoring software to educate volunteers and expand their reach. For example, design certifications and online courses to raise awareness for their cause, as well as attract new volunteers and donors.

What Defines A Top eLearning Authoring Tool?

Top authoring tools stand out from the tech crowd by building a solid track record. Users give them high marks and they handle constructive feedback with professionalism. Here are just a few ways to evaluate authoring tool vendors and compare top authoring tools:

Industry Expertise

Your new authoring tool vendor must stay ahead of trends and learn about the latest eLearning technology. Namely, how it applies to your use case. For example, top-notch vendors update their tools regularly to include new functions or tech specs. Maybe there’s a new mobile device or browser you need to support.

In many cases, these software providers are industry thought leaders who publish articles or social media posts with valuable insights.

Social Proof

Is the vendor active on social media? Do they have favorable ratings and reviews? It’s crucial to establish social proof for your next authoring tool provider. They must have a track record and a positive online reputation to warrant your investment. A great place to qualify authoring vendors is an exclusive directory. Just make sure that there are fraud prevention measures in place to avoid sponsored reviews.

Support Services

The best authoring tool software is backed by reputable vendors who value CX. For example, they offer email and phone support as well as an online knowledge base or help center. Many vendors even have live chats and user communities where you can resolve issues on your own.

Get Even More Insights From This Top List: Authoring Tools Directory And Extra Tips

Even if you have a clear budget and implementation timeline in place, the selection process can be stressful. It’s not an easy task to choose the best authoring tool type of deployment: cloud-based deployment, open source license, desktop.

That’s why we compiled this Top Authoring Tool List to help you every step of the way. We’ve carefully selected each vendor based on our comprehensive evaluation criteria. This saves you the time and expense of conducting an exhaustive online search.

It features all the buying essentials to choose an authoring system that aligns with your specific needs. After you put the platform through its paces, we encourage you to submit an authoring tool review to our niche directory.

We also welcome authoring tool vendors to create a free listing in our top authoring tool directory. In just a few minutes, you can set up an account and launch your product landing page. With thousands of visitors every month, your software gets maximum exposure for minimal investment.

Last, but not least, a test drive is always necessary in order to evaluate authoring tools firsthand. Take a look at our eLearning authoring tools with a free trial. After all, trials and demos are the best way to assess the UI, features, and functionality before taking the plunge.

I hope this comprehensive list gave you a better idea of the best eLearning authoring tools in the market.

Looking For More eLearning Development Resources?

There’s the matter of finding a tool that has the ideal pricing models and specification support, not to mention, customer type and must-have features. Simply put, there is a variety of factors to consider. So many tools and so little time.

That said, if you’re in the market for a new LMS or a training outsourcing partner, we have eLearning Top Lists for those as well. See which vendors made the cut and how they can help you develop more effective online training for your team.

Whether you need a new Learning Management System for mobile users or an eLearning content provider to help you translate content, we’ve got you covered.