21 SCORM Authoring Tools and Software: Choose the Best for You
21 minutes
In 2024, SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) celebrates its 24th anniversary since the release of SCORM 1.0. Over the more than two decades since its inception, a variety of authoring software products have emerged for creating SCORM-compliant content. This article aims to review the best SCORM authoring tools and offers insights to help you choose the one that’s right for your needs. The list of tools and software will include:
- Desktop SCORM authoring tools
- Cloud-based authoring tools
- Converters
- Wrappers and packagers
- SCORM players/testers
What are SCORM Authoring Tools?
A SCORM authoring tool is software designed to help you develop SCORM-compliant eLearning courses and training content from the ground up. Some tools focus on specific types of learning content, while others allow you to create various activities, like quizzes, role-play simulations, and video courses.
Instructional designers and course developers can use SCORM authoring tools to build interactive, multimedia-rich eLearning content without a need for programming skills. Once a course is ready, it can be published in the SCORM format, making it compatible with numerous learning management systems (LMSs).
Currently, two versions of SCORM are widely used: 1.2 and 2004. Each version has unique technical features; for example, SCORM 2004 offers enhanced reporting capabilities.
Most SCORM authoring tools today enable you to publish content to both SCORM 1.2 and 2004. But if you’re planning to design eLearning courses for a specific LMS, it’s crucial to know which version your platform supports.
Types of SCORM Authoring Tools
Broadly speaking, you will need to choose between two types:
- Desktop SCORM authoring tools: As the name suggests, these SCORM authoring tools need to be installed on your desktop and do not require internet access. These tools usually offer more advanced features and customization options.
- Cloud-based authoring software: These are SCORM authoring tools that you can run in a browser. They need internet access to function and are lightweight compared to the desktop alternatives. While most of them miss out on advanced features, they are better suited for remote teams.
How to Choose a SCORM Authoring Tool
With the abundance of SCORM eLearning authoring tools available, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Here are the key factors to consider:
Identify content needs. Determine the types of content you need to create, such as interactive simulations, video tutorials, or simple slideshows.
Assess user skills. Opt for a user-friendly option, especially if your team doesn’t have the coding skills that some tools require.
Consider development time. For tight deadlines, opt for SCORM authoring tools with templates and eLearning assets to speed up the content creation process.
Evaluate collaboration features. If working with a team and collecting stakeholder feedback is a priority, choose a tool that supports secure and easy collaboration.
Check technical support. Make sure that the vendor offers reliable customer service for any technical issues you might encounter.
The Best Desktop SCORM Authoring Tools
We have compiled a list of the top SCORM authoring tools that need to be installed on your desktop and highlighted their functionalities. Most of them offer a free trial account to try before committing.
Type: Desktop + cloud-based
SCORM versions supported: 1.2, 2004
OS: Windows
Price: from $970/year per author
iSpring Suite is a SCORM-compliant authoring tool that integrates into PowerPoint as an add-in. It includes a variety of apps designed for creating specific types of eLearning content, such as quizzes, role-plays, videos, e-books, and more.
Even if you’re new to eLearning content creation, you can start with this tool easily. Simply take an existing PowerPoint presentation, enhance it with interactive elements using the provided tools, publish it as a SCORM eLearning course, and upload it directly to your LMS.
Besides, it offers iSpring Cloud, a cloud-based service that includes an online tool for crafting simple scrollable courses and quizzes. It also includes iSpring AI, a built-in AI assistant that can do all the heavy lifting for you: offer course ideas, generate quiz questions, fine-tune course design, and more.
You can try it free for 14 days.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | Cloud-based course builder: Enables the creation of page-like lessons in no time with a built-in AI assistant. PowerPoint integration: Turns PPT slides into eLearning courses with all original effects preserved. Content Library: Provides over 100,000 ready-to-use characters, backgrounds, and templates for rapid design. |
| Key features | Role-play simulations: Allows you to build interactive role-plays with branching scenarios. Character Builder: Allows for the creation of customized illustrated characters. Text to speech: Converts text to natural-sounding multilingual narration. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | Collaboration space: Facilitates interaction with SMEs and online course sharing. |
Type: Desktop + cloud-based
SCORM versions supported: 1.2, 2004 (2nd, 3rd, and 4th editions)
OS: Windows
Price: $1,399/year per author
Articulate 360 is another comprehensive SCORM builder that integrates various tools, including a quiz maker and a screen recorder, among other features. Its primary component, “Articulate Storyline 360,” focuses on crafting interactive slides, which can be assembled into SCORM-compliant modules.
As a standalone app, it provides extensive capabilities for programming diverse learning scenarios. However, Articulate 360 requires a higher degree of user proficiency.
You can try it for free for 30 days.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | Cloud-based authoring tool: Enables the development of fully responsive modules right in your web browser. Content Library: Provides an extensive range of customizable templates, characters, and royalty-free media. |
| Key features | Advanced course builder: Features a powerful course builder, similar to a PowerPoint tool, but with capabilities specific to eLearning. Video recorders: Offers tools to record and edit screencasts and webcam videos. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | Review tool: Facilitates collaboration by allowing team members to gather feedback in a single place. |
Type: Desktop
Desktop SCORM versions supported: 1.2, 2004
OS: Windows / Mac
Price: $407.88/year per author
Adobe Captivate is a sophisticated SCORM course builder that works as an independent slide-based content creation tool. It includes a comprehensive quiz builder, a video editor, and a rich content library, offering functionalities similar to those found in Articulate 360 and iSpring Suite Max.
However, it stands out because of its advanced features, such as specific tools for building software simulations or creating interactive videos. While these powerful capabilities set Adobe’s authoring tool apart, they also introduce a steeper learning curve that requires more in-depth training compared to simpler apps.
You can try it free for 30 days.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | Asset Library: Comes with a rich library of ready-to-use characters, themes, backgrounds, and more. Interactive videos: Enables building interactive learning experiences by overlaying quizzes and additional information. |
| Key features | Advanced actions and variables: Lets you create complex interactions using conditional actions and variables. Software simulations: Allows you to build simulations for application training. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | VR (virtual reality) capabilities: Allows for the creation of immersive scenarios using 360-degree images and videos. |
Type: Desktop
Desktop SCORM versions supported: 1.2, 2004
OS: Windows
Price: Free
iSpring Free is a lightweight, intuitive SCORM creation platform that integrates with Microsoft PowerPoint. It allows educators and trainers to enhance their lessons with quizzes that include multimedia elements, customizable testing rules, and questions. Best of all, iSpring Free offers all these capabilities at no cost, making it an accessible choice for individuals and organizations that want to create SCORM content without a financial investment.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | PowerPoint integration: Easily turns presentations into online training while preserving all animations, triggers, transitions, and effects. |
| Key features | Quiz Builder: Enables the addition of quizzes to courses, and supports 3 question types: multiple response, multiple-choice, and fill-in-the-blank. Multi-device compatibility: Automatically adapts lessons to look perfect on smartphones, tablets, and laptops. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | Free SCORM authoring tool: Allows you to create online programs at no cost. |
Type: Desktop
Desktop SCORM versions supported: 1.2 and 2004
OS: Windows / Mac
Price: From $299.99/year per user (billed once).
Camtasia is a powerful screen recording and video editing platform. It has an intuitive interface that combines robust editing tools with the ability to add annotations, transitions, and effects.
Camtasia offers SCORM creation tools for making interactive quizzes and direct integration with video-sharing platforms. These features make the tool ideal for creating dynamic video content. You can also turn interactive videos into SCORM-compliant eLearning courses and export them to your LMS.
You can try it for free for 7 days.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | Asset Library: Includes royalty-free music, sound effects, and video assets. Interactivity and quizzing: Enables embedding quizzes and interactive elements. |
| Key features | Built-in video editor: Allows comprehensive editing, including cutting, merging, and adding effects. Screen recording: Offers high-quality capture of everything on your computer screen. Multi-track timeline: Supports complex edits with a multi-layer timeline. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | Green screen effect: Allows for creative background changes. |
Also read → The 6 Best Screen Recorders for a Windows PC
Cloud-Based SCORM Authoring Tools
Here you’ll find cloud-based SCORM authoring tools that allow you to create online training sessions right in your browser and enable real-time collaboration and sharing.
Type: Cloud-based SCORM authoring tool
SCORM versions supported: 1.2, 2004
Price: From $470/year per user
iSpring Page is an intuitive cloud-based SCORM authoring tool that allows users to create interactive online training content quickly and enhance it with multimedia, quizzes, and other interactive elements.
You can try it for free for 14 days.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | Collaborative course authoring: Lets team members co-edit and refine courses in real time. Multiple languages: Supports numerous languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, and Arabic. |
| Key features | AI-powered course creation: The built-in AI assistant does the heavy lifting for you, streamlining course authoring and saving you time. Brand customization: Allows you to customize lessons with brand-specific colors and fonts. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | Content sharing via link: Enables you to create courses online and share them worldwide with a link. |
Type: Cloud-based SCORM authoring tool
SCORM versions supported: 1.2, 2004
Price: From $1,296/year per author
Easygenerator is a cloud-based SCORM eLearning authoring tool designed to simplify the creation of interactive online training sessions. The program features an AI tool for generating content, content localization features, and collaboration capabilities.
You can try it for free for 14 days.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | User-friendly interface: It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that allows you to create lessons with no coding necessary. Collaboration tools: Multiple content authors can work on the content simultaneously. Multilingual support: Allows users to translate modules to and from 75 languages with the click of a button. |
| Key features | EasyAI: Comes with an AI tool that helps generate course content, optimize it, and suggests improvements. Text to speech: Can convert written text into spoken words. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | Accessibility: Allows learners to interact with content via its accessibility features. It complies with accessibility standards like WCAG 2.0 and Section 508. |
Type: Cloud-based SCORM authoring tool
SCORM versions supported: 1.1, 1.2, 2004 (3rd edition)
Price: From $1,404/year
Lectora Online offers a user-friendly interface that allows both novice and experienced developers to build multimedia-rich learning content. The tool comes with built-in AI, team collaboration features, and a comprehensive analytics suite.
You can try it for free for 30 days.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | Extensive asset library: Provides a rich library of templates, characters, and stock images. Team collaboration: Enables multiple users to work on a project simultaneously. |
| Key features | AI Course Wizard: Allows you to create SCORM content like courses within minutes with a built-in AI tool. Advanced authoring capabilities: Includes a wide range of interactive elements like quizzes, simulations, and games. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | Analytics and reporting: Has reporting tools to track learner progress and course effectiveness. |
Type: Self-hosted cloud-based SCORM authoring tool
SCORM versions supported: 1.2 and 2004
Price: Free SCORM tool (open source)
Adapt Learning is an open-source authoring platform that enables you to create SCORM content that’s responsive and works across multiple devices.
The tool supports a range of interactive components, such as quizzes, drag-and-drop activities, and multimedia elements. Its modular architecture and extensive plug-in library allow users to extend the tool’s functionality. Since it’s open source, you can customize it as desired, but you’ll definitely need advanced tech skills to do this.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | Free open-source software: Allows users to modify the platform to meet their specific needs. Responsive design: Creates SCORM content that automatically adjusts to fit any screen size. |
| Key features | Interactive components: Supports a variety of interactive elements, including quizzes, drag-and-drop activities, and multimedia content. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | Extensive plug-in library: Users have access to a wide range of plug-ins developed by the Adapt community. |
Type: Cloud-based SCORM authoring tool
SCORM versions supported: 1.1, 1.2, 2004 (3rd and 4th editions)
Price: Upon request
Knowbly provides a wide array of customizable widgets like quizzes, drag-and-drop activities, and interactive videos that can be added to programs. It also has an asset management system that helps organize multimedia resources so users can access them easily and reuse them across multiple projects.
Like many other web-based SCORM builders, Knowbly provides capabilities for collaboration on content. Team members can edit and review content in real time.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | Content widgets: Provides a variety of customizable widgets that can be easily integrated into any course. |
| Key features | Templates and themes: Comes with a wide range of templates and themes to allow you to start building courses quickly. Collaborative tools: Lets multiple users edit and review learning content simultaneously. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | Asset management: Includes an asset manager that helps users organize and access multimedia files and other resources efficiently. |
Type: Cloud-based SCORM authoring tool
SCORM versions supported: 1.2 and 2004
Price: from $90/year per user
Coassemble is an employee training platform that has an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, so users with no tech skills can create online programs with ease.
Once the training materials are ready, they can be assigned to learners via the Coassemble learning management system. Educators and trainers can monitor learner progress and optimize course content for better outcomes in the singular interface.
Coassemble offers a starter version that is free for life for individuals.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | Customizable templates: Offers a wide range of templates for creating various types of content, including lessons and quizzes. Real-time collaboration: Allows multiple users to work on the same course simultaneously. |
| Key features | Unified platform: Combines the functionalities of both a learning management system and a SCORM content creation tool. Integration capabilities: Integrates with third-party apps, such as Slack, Zapier, and Google Workspace. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | Tracking and reporting: Includes reporting tools that help instructors monitor learner progress. |
Type: Cloud-based SCORM authoring tool
SCORM versions supported: 1.2, 2004 (2nd, 3rd, and 4th editions)
Price: Upon request
dominKnow | ONE is a centralized platform for creating and distributing learning content. The tool comes with an LCMS and combines its traditional authoring tool, Claro, with its responsive authoring tool and simulation creator.
You can try it for free for 14 days.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | Real-time collaboration: Enables creators, reviewers, and approvers to work together on content with permission-based roles. Translation and localization: Allows you to translate modules quickly and easily. |
| Key features | Variety of content: Allows you to create program simulations, screen captures, and animated GIFs. LCMS: Provides a platform for creating, managing, and distributing eLearning content. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | Accessibility: Meets guidelines for WAI-ARIA, WCAG 2.2 Level AA, and Section 508 compliance for accessible learning content. |
Type: Cloud-based SCORM authoring tool
SCORM versions supported: 1.2 and 2004 (3rd and 4th editions)
Price: Upon request
Gomo Learning features an intuitive SCORM content editor with drag-and-drop functionality that makes it easy for users to build interactive learning experiences. Besides basic functionalities like adding media and interactive elements, the tool includes advanced capabilities that let you control the learner journey and create customized course designs.
You can try it for free for 21 days.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | Centralized resource library: Manages all digital assets in one place, with updates being reflected across all courses. Real-time collaboration: Supports team collaboration with features like co-authoring and task management. |
| Key features | Pre-configured screen layouts: Offers a variety of customizable screen templates to accelerate the design process. Branching scenarios: Enables the creation of complex learning paths based on the learner’s interactions. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | Analytics: Integrates with Google Analytics for the in-depth tracking and reporting of learner engagement. |
Type: Cloud-based SCORM authoring tool
SCORM versions supported: 1.2 and 2004
Price: Upon request
Evolve is another cloud-based SCORM authoring tool for creating interactive online courses. It features a user-friendly interface, so all users can build SCORM content quickly.
Evolve supports a wide range of multimedia elements, including videos, audio, images, and interactive components, such as quizzes and branching scenarios. It also provides responsive design capabilities, so content looks great on any device.
You can try it for free for 21 days.
Outstanding features:
| Core features | Complete brand control: Allows you to align content with brand guidelines by adding logos, colors, fonts, and styles. Reviewing and commenting: Enables commenting on any part of a course in real time and getting instant feedback. |
| Key features | Interactions: Comes with 50 building blocks like flip cards, carousels, flow charts, sliders, and responsive tables. Immersive simulations: You can create program simulations, product demos, and proof-of-concept projects. |
| What we love about this SCORM authoring tool | Live preview: It allows authors to see changes instantly as they build, edit, and update courses. |
Stand-Alone SCORM Software
The best SCORM converters
A SCORM converter is a tool that can turn files (PDF, PPT, DOC, etc.) into SCORM-compliant packages for uploading to an LMS.
Type: Desktop
Desktop SCORM versions supported: 1.2, 2004
OS: Windows
Price: $270/year per author
iSpring Converter Pro is designed to turn PowerPoint presentations into HTML5 and SCORM courses. When converting, it preserves all animations, transitions, and multimedia elements that are in the original presentation. The converted content looks perfect on any device and integrates easily with any SCORM-compliant LMS.
You can try it for free for 14 days.
Type: Desktop
Desktop SCORM versions supported: 1.2, 2004
OS: Windows
Price: $227/year per author
iSpring Flip is a lightweight tool that converts documents like Word, PDF, and PowerPoint into interactive e-books. These e-books can be viewed on any device and include features like page flipping and bookmarking. The converted e-books can also be uploaded to an LMS for tracking and reporting.
You can try it for free for 14 days.
Type: Cloud-based SCORM converter
SCORM versions supported: 1.2 and 2004
Price: $228/year
Scormify is another tool for transforming your Word, PDF, and PowerPoint documents into SCORM courses. Other capabilities include uploading and converting video files for streaming and adding quizzes to videos.
You can try it for free for 3 conversions.
Type: Cloud-based SCORM converter
SCORM versions supported: 1.2 and 2004
Price: From $348/year per user
ScormHero is an intuitive tool for converting PowerPoint presentations, PDF files, and videos to SCORM courses. It also allows you to enhance converted slide decks with quizzes and videos. The tool comes with an AI assistant for generating quiz questions and converting text to speech.
You can try it free for 3 conversions.
The best SCORM wrapper and packager
These tools don’t allow you to create programs or perform conversions. Instead, if available or applicable, ask your developers to use SCORM wrappers to make existing HTML content SCORM compliant. They do this by attaching SCORM API commands to specific events that occur when the content is viewed in a browser.
Type: Desktop
Desktop SCORM versions supported: 1.2 and 2004
OS: Windows / Mac
Price: Free
The Pipwerks wrapper is a JavaScript platform that’s designed to make HTML content SCORM compatible. But it is only beneficial for users with coding skills.
The best SCORM players and testers
Before uploading a SCORM file to your LMS, testing it for errors and ensuring that it sends accurate statuses is a good practice. SCORM testers are designed precisely for this purpose.
Type: Cloud-based SCORM tester
SCORM versions supported: 1.2, 2004 (2nd, 3rd, and 4th editions)
OS: Windows / Mac
Price: From $480/year. There’s also a free plan.
SCORM Cloud, created by Rustici Software, a worldwide leader in eLearning standards, is the premier choice for testing learning content. It provides detailed debug logs to assist in troubleshooting any reporting issues your content might encounter.
Besides, it can function as an alternative to traditional LMSs. The tool can host interactive learning modules and then dispatch them to facilitate distribution.
Type: Integrable software
SCORM versions supported: 1.2, 2004 (2nd, 3rd, and 4th editions)
OS: Windows / Mac
Price: Upon request
Like SCORM Cloud, Rustici Engine is also a product of Rustici Software. It integrates into your learning management systems, offering a unified API for launching, playing, and tracking content.
Rustici Engine is embedded in hundreds of LMSs globally and supports SCORM, xAPI, cmi5, LTI, and AICC content. This uniformity ensures a consistent experience for learners and administrators, regardless of which eLearning standards are associated with a course.
FAQ on SCORM Authoring Tools and Software
Here, you’ll find answers to the most common questions regarding SCORM authoring tools.
What is SCORM?
SCORM, or Sharable Content Object Reference Model, is a collection of standards for eLearning software. It ensures that eLearning courses can work in different LMSs seamlessly.
What is SCORM support?
SCORM support refers to platforms or SCORM authoring tools that adhere to the SCORM standards for eLearning. These can include tools for creating, delivering, and testing online training content.
Why is SCORM compatibility important in eLearning software?
SCORM compatibility ensures that eLearning content can be seamlessly shared, tracked, and reused across different learning management systems.
How do I know if an authoring software is SCORM compliant?
You can verify SCORM compliance by checking if the platform adheres to the SCORM standard. It will typically support versions like SCORM 1.2 or 2004.
To Sum Up
In this article, we explored various desktop and cloud-based SCORM authoring tools and highlighted the best SCORM platforms in each category.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution, consider trying iSpring Suite, which offers powerful tools for creating SCORM-compliant content. If you have suggestions for any other SCORM-compliant eLearning software, feel free to share them in the comment section.
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