23 Best Learning Design Software Reviewed For 2026
10 The Best Learning Design Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 23 tools reviewed.
Only those of us who have worked in instructional design truly understand how difficult it is to teach humans new things, which is why I'm extremely particular with my learning design software. It's hard enough to balance all the aspects that make training content effective, so the tools you use should make your design process as efficient as possible.
Speaking of learning new things, I've taken it upon myself to train myself on dozens of learning design software tools and narrow down the very best options. Here are the tools that earned an A+ from me, with all the relevant details you need to contrast and compare them all!
What Is Learning Design Software?
Learning design software (also known as instructional design software, or IDS) is a digital tool that facilitates the creation and delivery of digital learning experiences. Often used by educators, instructional designers, and corporate trainers, it supports the production of structured eLearning courses, interactive multimedia content, and comprehensive knowledge bases.
Important features of learning design software include:
- Gamification elements
- Customizability
- Content libraries
- Tutorial builders
- Interactive assessment builders
- Lesson presentations
- Video integration
Table of Contents
- Best Software Shortlist
- What Is Learning Design Software?
- Compare Specs
- Overviews Of The 12 Best Learning Design Software
- Other Notable Learning Design Software
- Selection Criteria For Picking the Best Learning Design Software
- How to Choose Learning Design Software
- FAQs
- Other Design Software Reviews
- Summary
- What Next?
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for interactive, multimodal eLearning content | 14-day free trial | From $720/author/year | Website | |
| 2 | Best for comprehensive eLearning development | 30-day free trial | From $1499 /user/year | Website | |
| 3 | Best for collaborative course design in the cloud | Free demo available | $1,200/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for streamlining content creation with robust authoring tools | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for creating knowledge bases and user manuals | 30-day free trial | $29.99/user/month. | Website | |
| 6 | Best for creating interactive eLearning content | 30-day free trial | $33.99/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for boosting productivity with on-demand training capabilities | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for PowerPoint authoring & LMS integration | 14-day free trial | $67/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for its rapid eLearning development feature | 30-day free trial | from $75/user/month (billed annually). | Website | |
| 10 | Best for creating immersive learning experiences | 30-day free trial | From $117 /month (annual billing) | Website |
Overviews Of The 12 Best Learning Design Software
iSpring Suite is an authoring tool that allows you to turn PPT slides, PDFs, or raw SME notes into interactive courses in record time. The tool functions right in PowerPoint, so you’re working in a familiar interface right from the beginning, with no learning curve.
Why I Picked iSpring Suite
Besides the user-friendly interface, I love iSpring Suite for the wide range of content formats available for quick development. You can put together beautiful slide-based courses, tutorial videos, role-plays, and interactive quizzes, all in one place. Plus, its adaptive player makes content look good on a variety of devices and screen sizes. The tool also features a built-in Content Library with 120,000+ ready-made assets, such as locations, characters, icons, and course templates.
iSpring Suite Key Features
In addition to its multimodal, interactive eLearning capabilities, iSpring Suite offers several other valuable features:
- Ability to Convert Presentations to SCORM Files: Open existing slides, enhance them with quizzes and other content, and get a ready-to-go SCORM course in seconds.
- Built-In Character Builder: Allows you to create custom characters that make your courses more relatable and immersive.
- Voiceover and Subtitles: Add voiceovers and subtitles to your courses to cater to diverse learning needs and preferences.
- AI Assistant: For instant content and image generation, as well as course translation (only on the premium version, iSrping Suite AI).
iSpring Suite Integrations
Integrations include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Salesforce, Shopify, Tilda, Udemy, Go1, LinkedIn Learning, and GoodHabitz. For custom integrations, users can utilize Albato or the iSpring LMS REST API.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- AI-powered image and voiceover generation, along with translation
- Real-time collaboration and teamwork
- A built-in AI assistant that speeds up writing, editing, and formatting
Cons:
- Lacks some compatibility with macOS
- Limited graphics compared to competitors
Articulate 360 is an ideal choice for professionals looking to create engaging e-learning experiences, particularly in corporate and educational settings. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to simplify the process of developing interactive courses, making it a valuable asset for instructional designers and training managers. By addressing challenges such as course interactivity and learner engagement, Articulate 360 empowers you to deliver impactful learning experiences with confidence.
Why I Picked Articulate 360
I chose Articulate 360 for its reputation as a complete solution for eLearning course development, providing everything you need to create interactive and engaging content. With its robust Storyline 360 tool, you can design custom courses that include quizzes, interactions, and multimedia elements. Additionally, Rise 360 allows you to build responsive courses that look great on any device, ensuring your learners have a seamless experience. These features make Articulate 360 a standout choice for those looking to enhance their learning design capabilities.
Articulate 360 Key Features
In addition to its core tools, Articulate 360 offers several features that further support your course creation efforts.
- Content Library 360: Access to a vast collection of templates, characters, and stock assets to enhance your course design.
- Review 360: A collaborative platform that allows you to gather feedback from stakeholders and streamline the review process.
- Articulate Live: Live training webinars and resources to help you master the software and improve your e-learning skills.
- Translation Support: Tools to easily translate your courses into multiple languages, expanding your reach to global audiences.
Articulate 360 Integrations
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zapier, and custom API options.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive tool suite for full-course development.
- Extensive asset library with customizable templates.
- Responsive design for seamless cross-device functionality.
Cons:
- Pricing could be a barrier for individuals or smaller organizations.
- Limited flexibility for self-directed learning styles.
- Might be overwhelming for users seeking simple solutions
Elucidat is a cloud-based learning design software that caters to large organizations looking to enhance their training programs. Its platform supports collaboration and scalability, making it ideal for teams needing to create engaging digital learning content. With features designed to simplify course creation and management, Elucidat helps deliver high-quality learning experiences across various industries.
Why I Picked Elucidat
I picked Elucidat because of its exceptional capabilities in collaborative course design through its cloud-based platform. This tool allows your team to work together seamlessly, offering features like real-time editing and version control to ensure that everyone is on the same page. The platform's analytics provide deep insights into learner engagement, enabling you to refine your content based on real data. Additionally, its responsive design tools ensure that your courses look great on any device, catering to the modern learner's needs.
Elucidat Key Features
In addition to its collaborative course design capabilities, Elucidat offers several other features that make it a standout choice:
- Learning Accelerator: This feature helps streamline the content creation process by providing pre-built templates and themes, allowing you to produce training materials faster.
- Auto-Translation: With support for over 75 languages, this feature ensures your content is accessible to a global audience without the need for extensive manual translation work.
- SCORM Compliance: Elucidat's compatibility with SCORM ensures that your courses can be easily integrated with various learning management systems, maintaining consistency and tracking learner progress.
- Advanced Analytics: The platform provides detailed analytics that offer insights into learner behavior and course effectiveness, helping you make data-driven decisions to improve your training programs.
Elucidat Integrations
Integrations include Moodle, SAP Litmos, Cornerstone, Degreed, Docebo, SuccessFactors, Saba, TalentLMS, Absorb LMS, and LearnUpon.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Collaboration-friendly with real-time updates.
- Cloud-based for ease of access from any device.
- Easy-to-use interface with no programming knowledge required.
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced customization features.
- Users may experience a learning curve due to a wide range of features.
- The high cost may not be affordable for small businesses
Best for streamlining content creation with robust authoring tools
DominKnow is a highly versatile eLearning tool designed to simplify the process of content creation. With a range of authoring features at its core, it allows you to create, share, reuse, and collaborate on courses and learning materials in a streamlined way, making it especially effective for those looking to optimize their content creation process.
Why I picked DominKnow: I chose DominKnow for its ability to transform the eLearning landscape by offering a comprehensive suite of robust authoring tools. Compared to other learning design software, DominKnow stands out for its ability to simplify content creation, turning complex tasks into manageable ones. That's why I believe it's best for streamlining content creation.
Standout Features & Integrations
DominKnow boasts a powerful suite of features including content management, responsive course design, and collaborative authoring. These capabilities ensure collaboration and consistency across all courses. Key integrations include Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle and Canvas, and other platforms like xAPI and SCORM for tracking learner's progress.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Enables collaboration on course creation
- Strong integration with various LMS platforms
- Comprehensive authoring capabilities
Cons:
- Annual billing can be a commitment for some
- Steeper learning curve for new users
- Higher price point compared to other options
Adobe RoboHelp is a professional authoring tool ideal for developing help systems, e-learning content, knowledge bases, and more. It combines a rich feature set with an intuitive user interface to enable the creation of various types of informative content, making it the perfect choice for knowledge bases and user manuals.
Why I picked Adobe RoboHelp: In my quest for the best learning design software, Adobe RoboHelp stood out because of its specific strength in creating knowledge bases and user manuals. It brings a blend of functionalities that precisely cater to these needs, which many others in the market don't specialize in. Hence, I chose RoboHelp as the best tool for creating knowledge bases and user manuals.
Standout Features & Integrations
Adobe RoboHelp offers features like a WYSIWYG HTML editor, single sourcing, multilingual output, and content management. It can integrate with Adobe Captivate to import simulations and demos, and other Adobe Creative Cloud tools for improved multimedia capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multilingual content output
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
- Robust features for creating knowledge bases and user manuals
Cons:
- Limited integrations beyond Adobe's own software ecosystem
- It has a learning curve for beginners
- Pricing might be steep for smaller organizations
Adobe Captivate is a powerful eLearning authoring tool known for its ability to create dynamic, interactive eLearning content. It allows developers to craft unique, engaging digital learning experiences, fitting perfectly with its reputation as the ideal tool for interactive eLearning content creation.
Why I picked Adobe Captivate: I chose Adobe Captivate for its robust capabilities in creating highly interactive eLearning content. It offers a level of interactivity that many other tools lack, allowing course designers to engage learners more effectively. This high degree of customization and interaction is why I determined Adobe Captivate to be the best tool for interactive eLearning content creation.
Standout Features & Integrations
Adobe Captivate features include responsive course design, converting PowerPoint to eLearning, and advanced quizzing scenarios. It integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud, which offers additional resources for content creation, as well as with major Learning Management Systems (LMS) for content delivery.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Features for converting PowerPoint presentations to eLearning courses
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud and various LMS platforms
- Advanced interactive content creation capabilities
Cons:
- The complexity of the tool may lead to a steeper learning curve
- The pricing may be high for individuals or small organizations
- The software can be complex for beginners
Brainshark offers an innovative platform geared toward enhancing learning and productivity through its on-demand training capabilities. Its suite of tools and features makes it possible to create, distribute, and track content, aligning well with the need for businesses to boost productivity and training efficiency.
Why I picked Brainshark: I selected Brainshark for its ability to elevate the traditional learning experience with an emphasis on on-demand training. In comparing various platforms, I judged Brainshark to have the most effective features for enabling flexible and accessible training modules. This is why I firmly believe Brainshark is best for boosting productivity by offering unparalleled on-demand training capabilities.
Standout Features & Integrations
Brainshark provides a wealth of features, including content authoring, coaching, and analytics that empower organizations to conduct training when it's most needed. Its integration with prominent platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, and Seismic makes it versatile and adaptable to different business environments.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Rich analytics and reporting capabilities
- Integration with major CRM systems
- On-demand training features
Cons:
- Customization options may be limited for specific use cases
- May require time for user orientation
- Additional base fee for usage
iSpring Suite 11 serves as a versatile eLearning authoring tool, seamlessly integrating with PowerPoint to transform your presentations into engaging, interactive courses. Designed with educators and training teams in mind, it offers a practical solution for those looking to enhance their instructional content without the need for complex software. By leveraging its capabilities, you can address the challenge of creating dynamic learning experiences that captivate and educate your audience.
Why I Picked iSpring Suite 11
I picked iSpring Suite 11 for its exceptional ability to enhance PowerPoint-based course authoring and its seamless LMS integration. Its standout feature is the conversion of PowerPoint presentations into SCORM-compliant courses, allowing you to leverage existing content while ensuring compatibility with major learning management systems. The inclusion of interactive elements, such as quizzes and simulations, not only enriches the learning experience but also addresses the need for engaging content delivery. This makes iSpring Suite 11 a practical choice for those seeking to optimize their instructional design processes.
iSpring Suite 11 Key Features
In addition to its PowerPoint integration and LMS compatibility, I also found several other notable features of iSpring Suite 11:
- Gamified Quizzes: Create interactive quizzes that enhance learner engagement with various question types and feedback options.
- Character-Driven Simulations: Design branching scenarios and role-plays to simulate real-life situations, providing learners with practical experience.
- Training Video Production: Develop comprehensive video tutorials and walkthroughs to explain complex processes effectively.
- 24/7 Technical Support: Access around-the-clock assistance to ensure smooth operation and timely resolution of any issues.
iSpring Suite 11 Integrations
Integrations include Moodle, Google Classroom, and a JavaScript API for custom integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Converts presentations into SCORM files for LMS compatibility.
- Supports SCORM-compliant course creation for easy LMS integration
- PowerPoint integration for course authoring
Cons:
- Higher price point could be a barrier for small organizations.
- Advanced features may have a learning curve for beginners.
- Might be limited for users not heavily relying on PowerPoint
Lectora is a comprehensive eLearning development tool that focuses on swift and efficient course creation. Its powerful suite of features empowers users to develop interactive, professional-level eLearning content swiftly, perfectly aligning with the needs of high-paced learning environments.
Why I picked Lectora: Lectora stood out to me when selecting among many learning design software due to its emphasis on rapid eLearning development. It shines uniquely in its ability to facilitate the swift creation of interactive learning experiences.
Given its commitment to fast-paced learning content creation, I determined Lectora to be the best for rapid eLearning development.
Standout Features & Integrations
Lectora brings a host of useful features to the table, including customizable templates, an intuitive user interface, and tools for developing responsive and accessible content.
It offers integration with various LMS platforms, such as Moodle, Blackboard, and Canvas, along with other tools like Tin Can API and SCORM for content tracking.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable templates for versatile course creation
- Easy integration with popular LMS platforms
- Rapid eLearning development capability
Cons:
- No monthly billing option, only annual plans are available
- Requires a learning curve to maximize all its features
- Pricing can be a barrier for small organizations
Lectora Inspire is a powerful eLearning authoring tool that excels in crafting immersive and interactive learning experiences. Its advanced features facilitate the creation of unique and captivating content, aligning it with the purpose of engaging learners deeply.
Why I picked Lectora Inspire: When selecting tools for immersive learning experiences, I found Lectora Inspire a standout. Its capabilities go beyond basic authoring, offering features that help in designing immersive, interactive, and scenario-based learning modules. I believe it is the best for crafting engaging and immersive eLearning content, as it is robust and feature-rich, allowing for deep learner engagement.
Standout Features & Integrations
Lectora Inspire offers a variety of engaging elements such as branching scenarios, quizzes, interactive videos, and augmented reality experiences. These make it possible to create immersive and interactive content.
As for integrations, Lectora Inspire supports SCORM, AICC, and xAPI, and it can be integrated with many Learning Management Systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good integrations with popular Learning Management Systems
- Supports creating augmented reality experiences
- Robust features for creating immersive and interactive content
Cons:
- Some features might be complex for basic eLearning needs
- Might have a steeper learning curve for new users
- Higher price point than some other tools
Other Notable Learning Design Software
Below is a list of additional learning design software that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 12.
- dominKnow | ONE
For its versatile eLearning content management system
- Adapt Learning
For creating responsive, multi-device learning
- Rise
For its user-friendly interface and responsive design
- TalentLMS
Good for blended learning and a scalable LMS solution
- LearnDash
Good for integrating eLearning functionality into WordPress sites
- Vyond
Good for creating animated videos for eLearning
- Whatfix
Good for creating interactive walkthroughs and onboarding materials
- Moodle
Good for open-source LMS needs and customization
- Xmind
Good for creating mind maps and brainstorming eLearning content
- EdApp
Good for microlearning and mobile-first eLearning content creation
- Evolve
Good for developing responsive eLearning content with a sleek design
- Raptivity
Good for interactive content with customizable templates
- Easygenerator
Good for beginners needing a user-friendly course authoring tool
Selection Criteria For Picking the Best Learning Design Software
I've evaluated dozens of eLearning tools with a specific focus on functionality, features, and usability for course creation, course delivery, and learner engagement. The following criteria were instrumental in my decision-making process:
Core Functionality
- Course Creation: The tool should enable you to design, author, and publish engaging online courses.
- Course Delivery: The tool should facilitate the easy distribution of courses to learners, ideally through multiple formats.
- Learner Engagement: The tool should offer features to keep learners engaged, such as quizzes, interactive content, and social learning options.
Key Features
- Integration: The tool should easily integrate with other platforms, such as learning management systems (LMS), HR systems, or websites.
- Reporting: The tool should offer robust reporting features to track learner progress and course effectiveness.
- Mobile Learning: The tool should support mobile learning for access to courses on the go.
- Customization: The tool should allow for customization of course layout, design, and content to align with your brand and specific learning objectives.
Usability
- User Interface: The tool should offer a clean, intuitive interface that makes course creation and management straightforward. For eLearning tools, features such as drag-and-drop course builders, easy-to-use design templates, and interactive content editors are crucial.
- Customer Support: A tool should provide prompt, helpful customer support to address technical issues or queries. This can come in the form of live chat, email support, phone support, or an extensive online knowledge base.
- Onboarding: For more complex eLearning tools, an effective onboarding program or resource library is important to get users up and running quickly. Clear tutorials, how-to guides, or training webinars can significantly enhance the user experience.
How to Choose Learning Design Software
As you're evaluating learning design software options, consider:
- What are your goals with the materials you're creating? -Start by identifying the key objectives your users hope to achieve and determine the assortment of materials you'll need to create to help them get there.
- Who will need to use it? - Evaluate the number of people on your team that will need to use the software, either as an active user or viewer/commenter.
- What other tools does it need to work with? - Determine what tools you're replacing, which tools are staying, and any existing tools you'll need to integrate with (if applicable), such as your learning management system. Decide if your existing tools need to integrate with your new learning design tool.
- What outcomes are important? - Factor in the result that the software needs to deliver to be considered a success. Consider what capability you want to gain, or what you want to improve, and how you will be measuring success. For example, you may need your software to help you track and compare assessment results over time. Keep the outcomes you want front of mind as you’re evaluating different options to prioritize the maximum impact for your team.
- How it would work within your organization?- Do the features and functions of the software align with the goals and requirements of your organization? Are there similarities between the interfaces of the new tool and your current tool that will make it easier for folks on your team to learn how to use it? As with all software tools, the number of features isn't as important as the value of each feature to your organization.
Most Common Questions Regarding Learning Design Software
What are the benefits of using learning design software?
Learning design software provides several benefits including:
- Efficiency: They streamline the process of course creation and delivery, saving you time and effort.
- Engagement: With features such as quizzes, interactive content, and multimedia support, they enhance learner engagement and retention.
- Flexibility: These tools often support mobile learning, enabling learners to access courses anytime, anywhere.
- Integration: Many learning design tools easily integrate with LMS, HR systems, or websites, creating a learning ecosystem.
- Insights: Robust reporting features offer insights into learner progress and course effectiveness, informing future course development strategies.
How much do learning design software tools typically cost?
The pricing for learning design software varies significantly based on the specific features, the number of users, and the level of customer support provided. They usually employ a subscription-based pricing model charged either monthly or annually.
What are the typical pricing models for learning design software?
Most learning design software tools follow a subscription-based pricing model. Some offer tiered pricing, where different levels of functionality and features are available at different price points. Others may charge per user or per course, or provide unlimited access for a flat fee.
What is the typical range of pricing for learning design software?
The pricing for learning design software can range from around $20 per month for basic tools to several hundreds of dollars per month for more comprehensive, enterprise-level solutions.
What are the cheapest and most expensive learning design software?
The least expensive learning design software typically starts from around $20 per month for basic functionality. On the high end, comprehensive solutions with advanced features can cost several hundreds of dollars per month. For instance, Adobe Captivate starts at $33.99 per user per month, while Articulate 360 starts at $999 per user per year (around $83 per user per month).
Are there any free learning design software options?
Yes, there are free options available, like Moodle, which is an open-source learning management system. However, keep in mind that while the software itself may be free, there may be costs associated with hosting, customization, and support. Also, free versions of paid software often come with limitations on features or the number of users or courses.
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Summary
To conclude, the selection of learning design software is a crucial aspect of creating engaging and efficient eLearning courses. The tool you choose should not only be able to deliver your content effectively but also provide additional features such as integration with other systems, user-friendly design, and insightful reporting.
Key Takeaways
- Define Your Needs: The 'best' learning design software is subjective and depends largely on your specific needs and context. Define the core functionality you require, your budget, and your desired level of support before beginning your search.
- Consider Usability and Support: Even the most feature-rich software can fall short if it's not user-friendly or lacks adequate customer support. Consider the learning curve and the level of support provided by the software vendor.
- Evaluate Key Features: Consider the unique selling proposition of each tool. Some excel in interactivity, some in integration, and others in user experience. Identify the features that align best with your eLearning objectives.
By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be well-equipped to choose the learning design software that best fits your needs.
What Next?
To expand your toolkit, you may also want to check out some these awesome instructional design podcasts—because to build great learning products, you'll need great tools and great skills, too!
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