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.