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Articulate Storyline 2, Adobe Captivate 9 & Lectora Inspire 16: The Infinity War

In my previous blog, E-learning Authoring Tools: The Civil War, we have seen the comparison between the top three preferred e-learning rapid authoring tools – Articulate Storyline 2, Adobe Captivate 9, and Lectora Inspire 16. We looked at each feature such as their ease of use, possibilities in animations, developing software training simulations, built-in interactivities and the ease of customizing them, flexibility of characters, recording and editing audios/videos, creating assessments, and publishing options. These features will help you identify the strengths of these tools.

In this blog, we will see a few pros and cons of the three tools. This will help you zero-in on the tool that could best fulfill your needs.

Articulate Storyline 2

Pros Cons
Easy-to-use interface Not backward compatible with Storyline 1
Simple slide layers Not completely responsive
Converts static slides into free-form interactivities
  1. Cannot publish to video
  2. Cannot upload to YouTube
Easy import of PowerPoint presentations High cost
Auto recovery of unsaved work in case your files crash  
  1. Motion path animations
  2. Timeline triggers
 
Easy-to-develop software simulations  
Customizable illustrated characters  
Publishes to HTML5 and Android  
Variables & triggers eliminate the need for programming knowledge  
Free mobile app to view content on iPad and Android devices  
Flexible to customize components  

Articulate Storyline 2 has become quite strong than its first version and has many advantages compared to its rivals. But its few cons cannot be overlooked.

Adobe Captivate 9

Pros Cons
Specializes in creating software simulations Users require training to get acquainted with the software
Library of characters Import a character every time you want to its change pose/expression
Collection of templates No slide layers
Converts text to speech No motion path animations
Supports audio recording & editing No video editor
Built-in templates No mobile app to view content on iPad and Android devices
Gives responsive output Not so easy to customize components

Adobe Captivate 9 seems quite balanced in terms of its advantages and disadvantages, but the ability to create software simulations with this tool is unmatchable.

Lectora Inspire 16

Pros Cons
Variety of quizzing options Requires more training than Storyline & Captivate
Transition effects No slide layers
Library of characters Import a character every time you want to its change pose/expression
LMS-compliant options No motion path animations
Flash-based mini games No built-in templates
Ability to create interactivities manually Not flexible to customize components
  Low audio/video recording & editing ability
  Gives only HTML5 output

Considering the variety in assessments and the use of flash-based mini games, you might love to use Lectora Inspire 16.

These were the main advantages and disadvantages of the three most preferred e-learning rapid authoring tools. Hope you find them helpful in choosing the right tool for developing your online training courses. Do share your choice with us.

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