Top 10 authoring software in 2023 - Compared and ranked!

Ready to explore the world of authoring software this 2023?

Online learning has turned out to be highly crucial for businesses, especially in today’s digital age, and these tools can make a big difference. They create flexible and accessible training opportunities, enhance employee skills, and allow organizations to adapt and thrive in rapidly evolving industries.

This authoring software comparison guide will show you the best tools, compare them, analyze their key features, and rank them. We’ll talk about the key features that make them the best in the market and how easy they are to use. By the end, you'll have all the information you need to pick the perfect tool for your training needs.

Authoring software - Definition and Importance for Businesses

Authoring software applications are designed to improve and simplify the entire process of digital learning content creation. These tools are easy to use and have many useful features, like course customization, gamification, and quiz creation. They're primarily used by experts, managers, and trainers looking to train, educate, and upskill their workforce.

The importance of authoring software for businesses cannot be overstated. Thanks to these tools, it’s now easier to develop and deliver customized training programs, educational courses, and employee onboarding materials – all without the need to go through tedious, expensive, and time-consuming processes. 

More of the reasons why your business needs to invest in authoring software include the following:

• Simplify content creation without extensive programming knowledge.
• Allow cost-effective and in-house development of elearning materials.
• Bring flexibility and scalability for evolving training needs.
• Offer detailed analytics and reporting for tracking learner progress and improvement.
• Create personalized learning experiences tailored to the workforce.
• Allow accessibility and convenience for anytime, anywhere learning.

Top 10 authoring software comparison guide - What is the best tool to use and why?

Now that we understand what authoring software is and its significance in today's business world, let's explore the top tools that deserve your attention.

At the forefront of the list is none other than SC Training (formerly EdApp), an award-winning LMS (learning management system) that stands out as the best authoring software today. With its powerful authoring features, user-friendly interface, and automation capabilities, it has become a popular choice in the industry. And on top of it all, it's absolutely free to use, making it even more appealing to use. 

For those with limited time, we've prepared a convenient comparison table for you. It serves as a handy guide to help you select the ideal authoring software, kickstarting your online learning initiatives.

Top authoring software #1 - SC Training (formerly EdApp)

SC Training (formerly EdApp) has a game-changing authoring software that takes course creation to a whole new level. What sets it apart? Science-backed design. 

Built on the principles of microlearning and mobile learning, SC Training (formerly EdApp)'s Creator tool and course templates are proven to boost retention rates by an impressive 70-90%. 

You don't need any coding or design expertise to use SC Training (formerly EdApp). With its intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, even those without an instructional design background can effortlessly create and publish engaging courses, and share them right away.

 And here's where it gets even more impressive: SC Training (formerly EdApp)'s Create with AI tool. Powered by artificial intelligence, this innovative feature acts as your brainstorming partner, generating entire courses from a single prompt. No more struggling with brainstorming sessions or waiting for inspiration to strike – simply add your branding and let the AI work its magic.

Pricing: Free (up to 10 users)

What to expect:

• Ready-made templates: Available
• SCORM compliance: Yes
• Mobile accessibility: Yes
• Course Translation: Available
• AI feature: Available
• User-friendly interface: High

Additional features you’ll love:

• Course creation services
• Powerful analytics suite
• Collaboration tools like discussions, assignments, and virtual classroom

Supercharge your eLearning content creation with SC Training (formerly EdApp) - the ultimate authoring software for engaging, interactive courses!

Top authoring software #2 - isEazy

If you’re only starting to dip your toe into the world of course authoring, isEazy is one of the good free online course creators that you can try. This elearning software has a 'What you see is what you get' editor plus in-built design prompts, making course creation a breeze. With preconfigured slides, you can effortlessly 'drag and drop' your content sections into place – no complex coding or design needed. 

What’s more, isEazy offers a unique feature that sets it apart from the rest – the choice between two course formats. Whether you prefer organizing your content into sections and subsections or opting for a vertical scroll format, isEazy Author gives you the freedom to tailor your course to your preferences.

Pricing: Free (with isEazy watermark)

What to expect:

• Ready-made templates: Available
• SCORM compliance: Yes
• Mobile accessibility: Yes
• Course Translation: Available
• AI feature: None
• User-friendly interface: High

Additional features:

• Two course formats
• Image bank

Top authoring software #3 - AdaptiveU

AdaptiveU is a free learning platform that empowers you to create dynamic and engaging courses in the form of videos, documents, and quizzes. With its flexible scheduling options, you can deliver training content on an hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or goal-oriented basis, tailoring the learning experience to your learners' exact needs.

But AdaptiveU doesn't stop at simple course creation. It goes the extra mile by offering fun gamification elements. Your team can learn badges, achieve self-paced learning targets, and accumulate points as they progress through the courses. This gamified approach keeps them motivated and engaged, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Pricing: Free (5 users only)

What to expect:

• Ready-made templates: Available
• SCORM compliance: Yes
• Mobile accessibility: Yes
• Course Translation: None 
• AI feature: None
• User-friendly interface: Medium

Additional features:

• Gamification elements
• Scheduling options

Top authoring software #4 - Lectora

Lectora is an elearning authoring tool built and designed by eLearning Brothers (ELB). One of the standout features of this tool is its extensive library of ready-made course logic and templates. No need to start from scratch – your in-house training programs will be up and running in no time. All courses are made to respond to any screen size – desktops, phones, and tablets.

But here's where Lectora takes things to the next level. It seamlessly integrates with CenarioVR®, a Virtual Reality (VR) training generator tool, also offered by ELB. With this powerful combination, you have the ability to deliver interactive training experiences that captivate learners like never before.

Pricing: 1,398 USD per year

What to expect:

• Ready-made templates: Available
• SCORM compliance: Yes
• Mobile accessibility: Yes
• Course Translation: Available
• AI feature: Available
• User-friendly interface: Medium

Additional features:

• CenarioVR® integration
• Collaborative authoring
• Built-in asset library

Top authoring software #5 - dominKnow

dominKnow is a cutting-edge e learning software that seamlessly combines two powerful modes in one integrated system. For beginners, there's Flow, a user-friendly authoring tool packed with a plethora of ready-made templates and customizable features. With Flow, you can effortlessly create visually stunning and engaging content without any hassle. 

Then, there’s Claro, the go-to tool for traditional course creation. Claro courses are HTML5-based, and they’re made to perfectly fit any screen size. Within these courses, you can include loads of interactions that’ll engage your learners, like timelines, games, interactive scenarios, progress buttons, and more. 

Pricing: Contact them for pricing

What to expect:

• Ready-made templates: Available
• SCORM compliance: Yes
• Mobile accessibility: Yes
• Course Translation: Available
• AI feature: None
• User-friendly interface: High

Additional features:

• HTML5-based courses
• Single-source authoring
• Loads of interactive elements

Top authoring software #6 - Whatfix

Similar to most authoring software on this list, Whatfix is also helpful when it comes to building engaging content from scratch – no coding or IT involvement is required. Overall, it’s easy to easy-to-use, intuitive, and compatible with major browsers, which checks out pretty much all the things you’ll need from a basic authoring software. 

But what’s unique about Whatfix is its task list widget. It streamlines the training process by presenting relevant tasks through guided interactive walkthroughs. Learners can easily track their training progress and complete tasks efficiently, boosting their productivity and knowledge retention.

Pricing: Contact them for pricing

What to expect:

• Ready-made templates: None
• SCORM compliance: Yes
• Mobile accessibility: Yes
• Course Translation: Available
• AI feature: Available
• User-friendly interface: Medium

Additional features:

• Task list widget
• Analytics

Top authoring software #7 - Qstream

Designed for today's hybrid and digital workforces, Qstream is built to deliver simple, efficient, and highly effective microlearning solutions. Their content authoring tools are intuitive with built-in best practice guidance. This makes sure that the entire course creation process is quick and easy for all instructional designers, regardless of experience levels. 

Qstream's authoring tool for e learning also allows you to create quick, just-in-time microlearning challenges that adapt to the unique knowledge needs of your employees. This smart learning approach guarantees maximum engagement and proficiency gains of over 35%.

Pricing: Contact them for pricing

What to expect:

• Ready-made templates: Available
• SCORM compliance: No
• Mobile accessibility: Yes
• Course Translation: None
• AI feature: None
• User-friendly interface: Medium

Additional features:

• Spaced repetition
• Scenario-based testing
• Analytics

Top authoring software #8 - TechSmith’s Camtasia

Planning to take your elearning to the next level with engaging video content? Then TechSmith’s Camtasia is probably right for you. It’s a powerful screen recorder and video editor that makes it a breeze to create engaging videos for online learning.

The process is simple. You can record your computer screen or webcam, or import video, audio, and image files. Then, seamlessly drop them into your project and update them as needed. 

To maintain a consistent look across all your video lessons, TechSmith has a range of templates at your disposal. These templates can help reduce your editing time while ensuring a cohesive and professional appearance of your elearning courses. 

Pricing: 179.88 USD per year

What to expect:

• Ready-made templates: Available
• SCORM compliance: Yes
• Mobile accessibility: Yes
• Course Translation: Available
• AI feature: None
• User-friendly interface: Low (video-editing experience might be needed)

Additional features:

• Video editor
• Asset library

Top authoring software #9 - Chameleon

Chameleon takes pride in its intuitive authoring software that promises a smooth learning curve for users of all levels, regardless of your course design expertise. One of its key features is its Parallax backgrounds, transforming an otherwise boring single-page scroll course into captivating layered animations, bringing your content to life. There’s also a rapid assessment building tool, making way for an efficient and effective evaluation of your learner's progress.

Collaboration is key, and Chameleon understands that. With its Review tool, you can easily collaborate with other instructors on course creation. Leave comments on modules, discuss feedback in real time, and work together seamlessly to deliver the best learning experiences for your workforce.

Pricing: 6,000 NZD per year

What to expect:

• Ready-made templates: Available
• SCORM compliance: Yes
• Mobile accessibility: Yes
• Course Translation: None 
• AI feature: None
• User-friendly interface: Medium

Additional features:

• Parallax backgrounds
• Assessment tools
• Review tool

Top authoring software #10 - Raptivity

Gone are the days of basic templates. Raptivity offers a wide range of visually engaging and sophisticated interactions that will captivate your learners. From impressive panning slides to vertical and horizontal parallax, layered displays, and even 360-degree interactions, the possibilities are endless.

But it's not just about visuals. Raptivity strikes the perfect balance between fun and learning with its game-based and quiz-based interactions. These elements inject excitement and enjoyment into the learning process, securing better knowledge retention and engagement.

Pricing: 30 USD per month

What to expect:

• Ready-made templates: Available
• SCORM compliance: Yes 
• Mobile accessibility: Yes
• Course Translation: None
• AI feature: None
• User-friendly interface: Medium

Additional features:

• Highly interactive templates
• Gamification elements