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7 Out of the Box Authoring Tools for Flash to HTML5 Conversion

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There are a range of authoring tools in the market to meet your requirement of Flash to HTML5 conversion. Check this blog to find out the options in authoring tools for Flash to HTML5 conversion, apart from the most popular ones.

With Adobe Flash all set to be knocked out from eLearning development, many organizations are either contemplating or have already planned for Flash to HTML5 conversion for their existing online training programs. Needless to say, the choice of authoring tool is important when you plan to convert your existing Flash-based eLearning to HTML5.

Alternative Authoring Tools for Flash to HTML5 Conversion

Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and Lectora Inspire are some of the popular authoring tools for Flash to HTML5 conversion. Here are 7 other authoring tools that can be leveraged for Flash to HTML5 conversion.

  1. dominKnow | One
  2. Adapt
  3. Elucidat
  4. SmartBuilder
  5. gomo
  6. Easygenerator
  7. Composica

Articulate Storyline, Trivantis Lectora, Adobe Captivate and iSpring Suite are a few of the popular authoring tools in Flash to HTML5 conversion of eLearning courses. There are other authoring tools too, each with its own set of pros and cons. Interested to know about the other authoring tool options for Flash to HTML5 conversions? Here’s our take on some of the choices that are available.

1. dominKnow | One

dominKnow | One has emerged as the dark horse among eLearning authoring tools. A lot of improvisation has been done on authoring tools from the dominKnow platform. The latest, dominKnow | One combines the powerful course authoring features of dominKnow Claro with the responsive feature offered by dominKnow Flow, along with built-in support to create software simulations.

Pros Cons
  • Because this is a cloud-based tool, it offers a collaborative platform for multiple eLearning developers to work on eLearning projects. This results in a faster turnaround time for Flash to HTML5 conversion. Also, multiple reviewers irrespective of location can review the courses.
  • In terms of customization, the tool does allow the use of variables, triggers, and custom code, which can be used to recreate or rebuild Flash-based interactivities.
  • Learning objects can be reused, as it is possible to share resources in a central location on the cloud.
  • Support for audio and video editing is basic.
  • No built-in templates for gamification.

Going by the speed at which this tool is undergoing updates, we can expect dominKnow to come up with updated features soon.

2. Adapt

Adapt is an open-source rapid authoring tool that can be used by non-technical people who want to develop eLearning courses without having to write code.

Pros Cons
  • Features an intelligent design. Apart from being responsive, course content responds intelligently according to the device on which it is being accessed.
  • For example, an image with text placed alongside may be displayed on an iPad. But on a smaller device like a mobile phone, the authoring tool displays the image with a ‘+’ sign above. Learners can click the ‘+’ sign to view the text. The authoring tool automatically takes care of this for you. 
  • Adapt supports vertical scrolling, so your eLearning course can feature navigation that’s similar to a web page.
  • The Adapt authoring tool does have design limitations; you are restricted to the themes offered by the tool and will need to integrate coding if you require customization.
  • If you are looking at replicating a variety of animations in your Flash to HTML5 conversions, this tool may not be a good fit.
  • Learners are required to be connected to the Internet as Adapt does not support offline access of content.

Because Adapt is open source, developers can extend the code and build their own versions of the authoring tool.

3. Elucidat

Elucidat is a user-friendly tool that can be leveraged for Flash to HTML5 conversion. It’s easy enough for developers who are just getting started with eLearning development.

Pros Cons
  • If you are considering converting existing Flash-based eLearning to HTML5-based rapid eLearning, this tool offers support in the form of pre-built themes and interactions.
  • Its import/export feature supports eLearning course translations.
  • Does not offer screen recording, which is useful when you need to create eLearning courses on software simulations.

Since Elucidat is cloud-based, it supports collaborative development. But then, it does not offer all the features that you find in authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline.

4. SmartBuilder

SmartBuilder is a tool that’s capable of creating complex eLearning that integrates multimedia, text, interactions and quizzes. It is best suited for eLearning developers with some experience in content authoring. 

Pros Cons
  • SmartBuilder offers a range of ready-to-use interactions and also offers a lot of flexibility in terms of functionality and templates.
  • The tool offers complex features but then that makes the learning curve steep. Not a very easy tool to use compared to authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline or iSpring.

SmartBuilder lacks a screen recording and video editing tool. So, if you do not have the source files for Flash-based courses, the ‘Record’ strategy in Flash to HTML5 conversions is not an option with this tool.

5. gomo

gomo is an authoring tool that features an intuitive interface and lets eLearning developers work from anywhere, as this is a cloud-based authoring tool.

Pros Cons
  • Pre-built templates and quick start wizards can help you get up and running quickly with Flash to HTML5 conversion.
  • The tool features step-by-step guides for beginners in eLearning development.
  • Lacks advanced authoring features offered by tools such as Articulate Storyline and iSpring.

If you are looking for a lot of flexibility in design, gomo may not match your requirements. But the tool is cloud-based and suitable for multilingual eLearning course development.

6. Easygenerator

Easygenerator is an authoring tool that’s easy to use and apt when you are looking at eLearning development in-house.

Pros Cons
  • The advantage offered by the tool is its ease of use and mobile responsiveness.
  • Offers a variety of question formats and customizable quizzes.
  • Interactivities are limited. For example, in Flash to HTML5 conversion if you’d like to recreate a game that was included in your Flash-based eLearning, this tool may not be the right option.
  • Customization options are limited.

The wealth of interactions that you can make use of in authoring tools such as Storyline or dominKnow | One is missing in Easygenerator.

7. Composica

If you are looking for an authoring tool that lets team members work collaboratively, Composica is a good choice.

Pros Cons
  • Has built-in group development functionality which means multiple developers can work on the same project, but not on the same slide at the same time.
  • This tool does not have a very user-friendly interface.
  • It is not as robust as popular authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline or iSpring and lacks precision in detail. So, if you are looking for quick Flash to HTML5 conversion, this authoring tool may not be a good choice.

One reason why Composica hasn’t been quite successful in Flash to HTML5 conversion, as compared to other authoring tools is its lack of support to address queries of developers.

While all these tools can be leveraged for Flash to HTML5 conversion, keep in mind that most of these tools offer limited customization options or require additional investment in HTML5 coding to recreate interactivities present in your Flash-based eLearning course. While we have the expertise in popular authoring tools (Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Trivantis Lectora), we have not explored all the options available in a majority of the authoring tools mentioned in this blog. This blog is solely based on our experience in Flash to HTML5 conversion and our evaluation of authoring tools for the same. Each tool has its pros and cons and determining the right authoring tool for Flash to HTML5 conversion will depend on the requirements of the project.

Earlier on in the blog, I mentioned the Record strategy which can be used when the source files for your Flash-based eLearning course are unavailable. There are other Flash to HTML5 conversion strategies too. Find out more from our eBook on the 4 ‘R’ that matter in Flash to HTML5 conversions.

Rapid eLearning and the 4 Rs – Corporate Training Must-Haves
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