Content Authoring Tools for Online Training
A guide to content authoring tools for creating online training materials. Compare tools by use case, output format, and skill level required.
Content authoring tools let you create training materials without writing code. They range from simple slide converters to full development environments for interactive simulations. Choosing the right one depends on what you are building and who is building it.
Categories of Authoring Tools
Slide-Based Tools
These convert PowerPoint-style presentations into interactive courses. They are the fastest to learn and produce.
- iSpring Suite — Converts PowerPoint slides with added quizzes, interactions, and video narration.
- Adobe Presenter — Similar concept, integrating with PowerPoint for quick course creation.
Screen-Based Authoring
More powerful tools that offer a canvas-based editing experience with triggers, variables, and branching.
- Articulate Storyline 360 — The industry standard for interactive course development.
- Adobe Captivate — Strong at software simulations and responsive layouts.
- Lectora — Focuses on accessibility compliance and granular control.
Block-Based Web Tools
Cloud-based tools where you build courses by stacking pre-designed content blocks.
- Rise 360 — Clean, responsive output with minimal design effort.
- Elucidat — Designed for teams producing large volumes of content.
- Gomo — Multi-device authoring with built-in analytics.
Open-Source Options
Free tools that require more technical setup but eliminate licensing costs.
- H5P — Interactive content types for websites and LMS platforms.
- Adapt — Responsive course framework with a visual authoring tool.
Choosing by Output Format
Most modern tools export to HTML5, which runs in any browser. If you need LMS compatibility, look for SCORM or xAPI export. If you are sharing content outside an LMS, HTML5 output works best since you can host it on any web server.
Hosting Authored Content
After exporting your course, you need to put it somewhere learners can access it. For quick distribution without an LMS, upload your exported HTML5 or ZIP package to Linkyhost and share the link. You can also track who views your content and protect it with a password if needed.
Practical Recommendations
If your team already uses PowerPoint, start with iSpring. If you need advanced interactivity, go with Storyline 360. If budget is tight, H5P covers a surprising range of interactive content types at no cost. Match the tool to the complexity of what you are building rather than buying the most feature-rich option available.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying an enterprise tool for simple needs. If you are producing basic slide-based training or documentation, a full authoring suite like Storyline 360 is more tool than you need. Evaluate your actual project requirements before committing to a subscription.
Ignoring output format requirements early. Confirm whether your LMS requires SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, or xAPI before you start building. Switching tools mid-project because of format incompatibility wastes time and budget.
Overloading courses with interactions. Just because a tool supports branching, drag-and-drop, and animated triggers does not mean every slide needs them. Overbuilt interactions slow learners down and increase development time. Use interactivity where it reinforces learning, not for decoration.
Not planning for updates. Training content changes frequently. Choose a tool and workflow that makes revisions easy. Cloud-based tools like Rise 360 and Elucidat store projects online and simplify collaborative editing compared to desktop-only tools where files live on individual machines.
Authoring Tool Comparison Table
| Tool | Type | Pricing | SCORM Export | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iSpring Suite | Slide-based | ~$770/year | Yes | PowerPoint users |
| Articulate Storyline | Screen-based | ~$1,399/year (with 360) | Yes | Complex interactivity |
| Rise 360 | Block-based | Included with Articulate 360 | Yes | Quick responsive courses |
| Adobe Captivate | Screen-based | ~$33.99/month | Yes | Software simulations |
| Lectora | Screen-based | ~$1,299/year | Yes | Accessibility compliance |
| Elucidat | Block-based | Custom pricing | Yes | Large-scale production |
| H5P | Open-source | Free | Limited | Budget-conscious teams |
| Adapt | Open-source | Free | Yes | Technical teams |
Tips for Getting Started
- Start with a pilot project. Use a free trial to build one real course before purchasing. This reveals whether the tool fits your workflow better than a feature checklist can.
- Check your LMS compatibility first. Upload a sample package to your LMS and confirm it tracks correctly before building an entire course.
- Keep source files organized. Use consistent naming conventions and folder structures for project files, media assets, and exported packages.
- Test on the devices your learners use. If your audience accesses training on tablets or phones, test responsiveness early and often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I host authored content without an LMS?
Yes. Export your course as an HTML5 package and upload it to Linkyhost. Learners can access it via a direct link in their browser. You will not get LMS tracking features, but the content itself works perfectly. This approach is ideal for sharing previews with stakeholders or distributing standalone training modules.
What is the easiest authoring tool for beginners?
iSpring Suite is the easiest transition for anyone who already knows PowerPoint. Rise 360 is the easiest from scratch — its block-based interface requires no design or technical skills. Both produce professional-looking output with minimal learning curve.
How do I choose between SCORM and xAPI?
SCORM is the safer choice if you need broad LMS compatibility. Nearly every LMS supports SCORM 1.2 or 2004. xAPI (Tin Can) is more flexible and can track learning activities outside an LMS, but not all LMS platforms support it fully. If your LMS supports xAPI and you want richer analytics, use it. Otherwise, stick with SCORM.