Elearning Specialist
Elearning programmer

Best e-learning programs 2026

Concepts in the DUDUR method

Best e-learning programs 2026

E-learning and Authoring Tools

E-learning is an effective method for sharing knowledge and skills, and it's typically developed using what's called an authoring tool. In this post, we'll take a closer look at what an authoring tool is and give you a brief introduction to some of the most relevant tools on the market in 2026.

Here's an overview of the topics we'll cover:

What is an authoring tool?

An authoring tool is software that allows you to combine text, audio, images, and videos into multimedia presentations. You can also create interactive elements such as quizzes and publish content in the SCORM standard, so it can be integrated into various Learning Management Systems (LMS).

There are a large number of authoring tools on the market. Just a few years ago, there were already several hundred tools to choose from, and the number has likely only grown since then. Fortunately, the most relevant tools can quickly be narrowed down to a handful, which we'll review in this post.

Two types of SCORM authoring tools: Cloud or desktop?

When it comes to SCORM authoring tools, there are two main types: cloud-based and desktop-based tools. Let me give you a quick comparison:

Cloud-based authoring tools: Online and easy to use

Cloud-based authoring tools exist entirely online and are hosted on an external server. You don't need to download or install anything, and you can work on your e-learning projects from any computer with internet access. This gives you a high degree of flexibility and makes collaboration easy.

Desktop-based authoring tools: Local installation and more control

Desktop-based authoring tools are installed directly on your computer. They may require an internet connection for certain features, but many of them can work offline. With a desktop-based tool, you often get more control over your files and settings.

There are pros and cons to both types of SCORM authoring tools, so it's about finding the solution that best fits your needs and work style.

The most relevant authoring tools in 2026

There are two major vendors of e-learning authoring tools, plus a sea of smaller producers and open source products. In this article, we'll focus on the most relevant tools for e-learning in 2026, including Articulate Storyline, Articulate Rise, Camtasia, and Adobe Captivate. We'll also briefly mention other tools like Elucidat, Lectora, iSpring Suite, and Adapt, so you get a sense of the different options available.

Articulate Storyline: The most versatile solution

When it comes to e-learning authoring tools, Articulate Storyline is one of the most versatile and popular solutions.

Articulate Storyline: Strengths and advantages

Articulate Storyline is a desktop-based tool that gives you incredible flexibility and control over your e-learning content.

Here are some of the key advantages:

  • User-friendly: Storyline has an intuitive interface similar to Microsoft PowerPoint, making it easy for new users to learn and get started.
  • Interactivity: With Storyline, you can easily create interactive elements, quizzes, and simulations that make your e-learning content more engaging and effective.
  • Powerful and versatile: Although Storyline is easy to use, it can really do a lot. The tool can handle advanced functions and interactions, making it possible to create e-learning content tailored to different levels of users and learning needs.

If we should mention some limitations with Storyline, it would be that it's not quite as easy to develop in as Articulate Rise, and functionality and design are therefore more dependent on your skills as a developer. On the other hand, there are virtually no limits to what you can create. We think the balance between freedom and learning curve is really good.

Articulate Storyline is part of the Articulate 360 suite which also includes Articulate Rise.

Articulate Rise: The easiest choice with beautiful responsive design

When it comes to user-friendliness and quick creation of e-learning content, Articulate Rise is an excellent choice. This cloud-based authoring tool is particularly well-suited for those who want to create clean, responsive content without spending too much time on design and technical details.

Articulate Rise: Strengths and advantages

  • Very easy to use: Rise is known for its simplicity and user-friendliness. You don't need to be an experienced designer or programmer to create beautiful and engaging e-learning content with Rise.
  • Responsive design: Content created with Rise works well across different screen sizes and devices.
  • Template-based: Rise is based on a template system, making it quick and easy to create professional-looking courses.

Limitations: Template-based design

The template-based design in Articulate Rise can also have its limitations. While it makes it easy and quick to create content, it can also mean you have less creative control and flexibility compared to other, more advanced authoring tools.

Despite these limitations, Articulate Rise is an excellent choice for those who want to create beautiful, responsive e-learning content with minimal effort and time.

Articulate Rise is part of the Articulate 360 suite which also includes Articulate Storyline.

Vyond: An e-learning outsider with great value

Although Vyond (formerly known as GoAnimate) isn't technically an e-learning authoring tool, it deserves an honourable mention due to its versatility and ability to create engaging animated videos that can be used in e-learning contexts.

Vyond: Fast, easy, and creative

  • Easy to learn and use: Vyond is designed to be user-friendly and quick to work with.
  • Wide selection of elements: Vyond offers a large selection of backgrounds, objects, and characters, plus three different drawing styles.
  • Customisation and integration: You can create custom characters and upload your own graphics and sounds. The tool integrates well with other e-learning tools like Articulate Storyline and Rise.
  • Lively and interesting videos: We particularly appreciate how characters move and interact during a scene.

All in all, Vyond is a fantastic tool for creating animated videos that can enrich your e-learning projects.

Camtasia: The perfect tool for video-based e-learning

When it comes to video-based e-learning, Camtasia is one of the best tools on the market. It's a great solution if you want to create content that primarily focuses on video recording, screen capture, and light video and audio editing.

Easy and fast to work with

Camtasia is known for its user-friendly and intuitive interface. It's a desktop-based tool equipped with many practical features such as screen recording, effects and animations, quizzes and interactive elements, and more.

Flexibility and integration

Camtasia can export content in various formats and sizes. You can also integrate your Camtasia content with other e-learning tools like Articulate Storyline and Rise.

If you've already decided to buy the Articulate 360 suite, wait before buying Camtasia – check if you can manage with Articulate Replay, which is included in Articulate 360.

Adobe Captivate: An experienced alternative with its challenges

Adobe Captivate has a long history in e-learning tools, going back to 2002 when it was launched as RoboDemo.

From screen recordings to e-learning

Captivate started as a screen recording tool and has since expanded its functionality to include e-learning content. It's the closest alternative to Articulate Storyline.

Limitations: Overwhelming user experience

Adobe Captivate tends to have an overwhelming and inconsistent user experience. E-learning is only a small part of Adobe's large product portfolio, which means it can sometimes feel deprioritised.

A powerful tool, but not our first choice

Despite its limitations, Adobe Captivate is still one of the better e-learning tools on the market. However, our preferred tools are Articulate Storyline and Rise, due to their user-friendliness and cohesive design.

Adobe has released a newer version of Adobe Captivate that sits somewhere between Articulate Rise and Storyline in terms of what type of content it can produce. Like Rise, it produces responsive content, but it has more customisation options. We think Adobe Captivate falls between two chairs – Rise is ideal for non-technical users, Storyline can do (almost) everything for technically advanced solutions. Adobe Captivate can do more than Rise and less than Storyline – but is difficult to use for both groups.

Are there good free authoring tools?

We regularly research what authoring tools are available. We've looked at Adapt. Although Adapt is free and open-source, we've had poor experiences with it, especially regarding SCORM support.

Our conclusion is that none of the free products we've seen are worth the effort. What you save on a licence for Articulate 360, you quickly waste in lost productivity and poor quality.

Watch out for 'dirty tricks' from LMS vendors

When choosing an e-learning authoring tool, it's important to be aware of potential pitfalls when using content modules in Learning Management Systems (LMS). Just because an LMS vendor claims their platform can run SCORM content doesn't necessarily mean you can export what you create as SCORM.

Locked into an LMS vendor

If you can't export content as SCORM, you may end up locked into that particular LMS vendor.

Investigate LMS SCORM support

To avoid this situation, investigate whether the LMS you're considering supports SCORM content export before choosing a vendor. It's generally a good idea to create content in a separate authoring tool so you can easily export and import it to different LMS platforms as needed.

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