Find the Top 10 Best eLearning Authoring Tools

E-learning is now the preferred mode of learning across educational institutions and organizations. While learning management systems are getting more complex and feature-rich, their jack-of-all-trades approach does miss out on advanced features that an e-learning authoring tool possesses. If you are on the lookout for the best tools out there, this blog post is for you. So, read on.

What is an eLearning Authoring Tool?

An e-learning authoring tool is software that allows you to create multimedia-rich digital training content. The list includes lessons, training modules, assignments, scenario-based training, simulations, and more.The highlight of these tools is that most do not require prior knowledge of coding. Instead, they come built with pre-designed templates and drag-and-drop features that allow you to create immersive courses in a fraction of the time.

Do You Need an eLearning Authoring Tool?

The answer to this is subjective. If your training needs are simple, i.e., basic video lessons and assessments, you don't really need one. That said, if your needs go beyond the ordinary, you probably need an e-learning authoring tool. Here is a simple checklist that can help you decide if you really need one.

1. If you don't have or can't afford an in-house instructional designer or a developer to design and develop the courses you need.
2. If time is of the essence and you need to churn out a lot of training content fast.
3. You have a rapidly growing team, and scalability is the need of the hour to keep up with the training needs.

Features of eLearning Auth2horing Tools

E-learning authoring tools come in every color of the rainbow. Each has its own strengths and focuses on certain aspects more than others. That said, a few features are common across the board, such as:

• Content Authoring : An obvious point, but the best e-learning authoring tools offer the ability to create content in multiple formats and offer the ability to infuse high levels of creativity and interactivity into the content.
• User Friendly : These tools are meant to be user-friendly with a minimal learning curve. They come with a host of inbuilt templates and support drag-and-drop content creation.
• Built for collaboration : E-learning authoring tools are built with collaboration in mind, be it between creators and the content management teams or with LMSs and end users.

What Are the Different Types of Authoring Tools?

Authoring tools can classified into a number of types or sub-types based on various factors. They are primarily classified as:

• Stand-alone or inbuilt authoring tools
• Desktop or cloud-based e-learning authoring tools
• SCORM compliant authoring tools
• Mobile-friendly e-learning authoring tools
• Rapid authoring tools

Each has its own pros and cons and comes with different pricing models.

The Ten Best eLearning Authoring Tools

GyrusAIM or dominKnow



GyrusAIM is a feature-rich LMS system with an e-learning content authoring partnership with dominKnow. Extremely easy to use, features drag-and-drop content creation, and has support for gamification. Schedule a demo with them to learn more.

Pricing

• Starter package @ $3000 pa
• Enhanced package @ $7000 pa
• Enterprise package @ $10,000 pa

Reviews

• G2 User Rating : 4.5 out of 5
• Elearning Industry :4.5 out of 5

Pros

• All-in-one LMS system
• Easy to use
• Support for 35+ languages
• SCORM compliant

Cons

• Not a dedicated authoring tool

Articulate Storyline 360



Articulate Storyline 360is one of the top e-learning software in the market today to create learning content. While it does not offer a lot for its price point, it also comes with a steep learning curve.

Pricing

• $1399 /user/annum

Reviews

• G2 User Rating :4.5 out of 5
• Elearning Industry :4.4 out of 5

Pros

• Compressive e-learning authoring feature set
• Multiple pre-designed templates.
• A vast library of media

Cons

• Lack of pricing options
• Expensive
• Steep learning curve

iSpring Suite



iSpring Suite is an easy e-learning content authoring tool that works best for anyone dipping their toes into content authoring or for those not looking for a full-fledged tool. It is designed to be used with Microsoft PowerPoint.

Pricing

• iSpring Suite - $770
• iSpring Suite Max - $970
• iSpring Suite Premium - $1970

Reviews

• G2 User Rating :4.7 out of 5
• Elearning Industry :4.7 out of 5

Pros

• Ability to create quick and easy content
• Easy to use if familiar with PowerPoint
• Affordable e-learning authoring tool

Cons

• Only supports local installation
• Lacks advanced features

Adobe Captivate



Adobe Captivate is a cloud-based content authoring tool that can create everything from video-based to responsive e-learning, gamification-based e-learning, realistic simulations, and more. All this does come at a price, as it is one of the more premium offerings in this niche.

Pricing

• Starting price: $33.99/mo

Reviews

• G2 User Rating :3.9 out of 5
• Elearning Industry :4.6 out of 5

Pros

• A host of advanced features
• Mobile-friendly e-learning tool and support for both MAC and Windows
• Intuitive user interface

Cons

• Complex workflow with a steep learning curve
• Requires a lot of computing power

EasyGenerator

EasyGenerator, as the same suggests, is a simple and straightforward content authoring tool aimed at novice content creators. They also have an extensive knowledge base and a help center to aid users in creating e-learning content with ease.

Pricing (No of authors/No of courses/No of learners)

• Pro - $108 per month (1/10/100)
• Team - $541 per month (5/unlimited/unlimited)
• Enterprise - Custom Plans (unlimited)

Reviews

• G2 User Rating:4.7 out of 5
• Elearning Industry:4.5 out of 5

Pros

• Easy to use
• Drag and drop e-learning tool
• No coding skills are required, and a shallow learning curve

Cons

• Issues with mobile compatibility
• Limited features

Elucidat



Elucidat is a cloud-based e-learning authoring tool that focuses on advanced users who need to create people-focused and high-quality courses. It has extensive support for localization of content and a number of advanced features.

Pricing

• Contact them to know more.

Reviews

• G2 User Rating:4.4 out of 5
• Elearning Industry:4.4 out of 5

Pros

• Mobile friendly
• Vast resource library
• Specialized gamification tools

Cons

• Lacking on the integration front

Lectora Online



Lectora Online is an online e-learning authoring tool that excels at creating immersive and multimedia-rich courses that can be multilingual as well as localized based on specific needs.

Pricing

• $1398 per author per year

Reviews

• G2 User Rating:4.1 out of 5

Pros

• 30-day free trial
• HTML5 and SCORM compliant authoring tool
• Easy to use and with numerous features

Cons

• One of the most expensive tools in the market

Evolve



Evolve is a robust HTML5 learning tool that can create intuitive learning content in no time. It has support for simulations of a wide range of assessments and exports files directly in HTML5 format.

Pricing

• Standard - $576 pa
• Agency - $756 pa
• Enterprise - Get in touch with them.

Reviews

• G2 User Rating:4.2 out of 5
• Elearning Industry:4.3 out of 5

Pros

• Has a free trial
• Features to create realistic simulations
• Real-time visibility for changes

Cons

• Can only export content in HTML5 format

isEasy Author



isEasy Author is an easy-to-use authoring tool that is cloud-based and can help you create content in minutes. The highlight of this tool is the ability to create learning content that is 80% compatible with AAA WCAG guidelines.

Pricing

• Free Plan
• Professional - $68 pm
• Business - $196 pm
• Enterprise - Contact them

Reviews

• G2 User Reviews:4.9 out of 5
• Elearning Industry:4.5 out of 5

Pros

• Has a free trial
• Affordable e-learning authoring tool that includes hosting
• Offers diverse distribution options

Cons

• Lacks advanced features

H5P



H5P is an online e-learning authoring tool that is open-source and free to use. Best suited for the creation of small courses, it allows you to create interactive HTML5 content straight from your browser.

Pricing

• Free

Reviews

• G2 User Rating:4.5 out of 5
• Elearning Industry:4 out of 5

Pros

• Large community base for support
• Support for xAPI

Cons

• Lacks the features set of paid tools

Summing up

There you have it, the top e-learning authoring tools. Choosing the right e-learning authoring tool can be a daunting task, but it's important to do your research and choose a tool that works best for your specific needs and matches your budget. The ten tools discussed in this blog are all great options, so take some time to explore them and find the one that is right for you.

FAQs

Is learning software different from an authoring tool?

Yes, learning software, otherwise known as Learning Management Sytems, is designed to manage and distribute e-learning content. Authoring tools, on the other hand, are designed to create e-learning content.

Why do you need an eLearning authoring tool?

You need a dedicated e-learning authoring tool if your needs go beyond the basic, i.e., you need to create a variety of learning content fast and need the ability to scale.

What to consider before choosing an eLearning content creation tool?

Deciding on an e-learning authoring tool requires careful consideration of the following:

• Your budget,
• Learning objectives,
• And features that matter the most to achieve said objectives.

What types of content can I create with your e-learning authoring tool?

E-learning authoring tools are capable of creating lessons, training materials, quizzes and assessments, simulations, and more.

Can I customize the appearance of my e-learning courses?

Yes, e-learning authoring tools allow high degrees of customization when creating content. It is only limited by the capability of the tool you are currently using.