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At Kineo we use a wide range of authoring tools and we are frequently asked for advice by clients on which
authoring tool to buy.
We suggest that before you start looking at the authoring tools you consider:
- What’s your budget?
- What’s your skill base? How often will your team be using the tool?
- What type of content are you developing?
- How rich or complex do you want your interactions to be?
- Technical issues – what are your accessibility standards?
- What’s the tracking requirement? Do you need SCORM 1.2 for your LMS?
- Does your e-learning need to be translated?
We are authorized resellers of a number of authoring tools including Articulate, Coursebuilder and Brainshark (which
are detailed below). You can read our reviews for these, and other, e-learning authoring tools in the
Insights & Reviews/Authoring Tools section of the website.
Types of e-learning authoring tools
There are a number of different types of e-learning authoring tool which you should be aware of. These broadly split
as follows:
PowerPoint Plugin Authoring Tools
These tools use PowerPoint as the authoring environment, but allow you to add interactivity and assessments, and to
publish your content packaged ready to track in a learning management system. These are very easy to use as most
people are familiar with PowerPoint. The most popular tool in this market is Articulate.
Desktop Authoring Tools
These are installed on your desktop and are generally more complex than the PowerPoint tools, but they give you more
control over the style and interactions. Examples of these tools include Adobe Captivate, Lectora and the new
Articulate Storyline due out this autumn.
Server-Based Tools
As the name suggests these tools are hosted on a server and are typically accessed via a web browser over the
internet. These tools can be very easy to use and because they are server based they are better at managing your
files, doing updates and generally maintaining content. They are also good at workflow processes and allowing subject
matter experts to review and comment on e-learning modules as they are developed. They are particularly good for
large and dispersed teams to work together on content. Examples of these tools include Coursebuilder, Mohive and
Atlantic Link.
Articulate Studio
We are proud to be partners with Articulate. Articulate is one of the world’s leading rapid
authoring tools and we are proud to be a reseller of Articulate tools including the Articulate
Professional Suite.
Find out more. 
CourseBuilder
CourseBuilder is a fast growing server based, collaborative authoring tool which we
recommend for clients. CourseBuilder allows authors to create, share and collaborate in real time. Authors,
subject matter experts, graphic artists, translators, and external partners benefit from having one, easy-to-use,
easy-to-access solution.
Read our review of CouseBuilder.
Brainshark
Brainshark enables you to rapidly create and deliver content to all forms of mobile devices. It is the leading
cloud-based software for creating, sharing and tracking online and mobile video presentations. With Brainshark you
can create content that can be accessed anytime, on-demand; and access extensive tracking details. Thousands of
companies, including a third of the Fortune 100, use Brainshark to increase the impact and reduce the cost of their sales,
marketing, training and HR communications.
Read our Brainshark review.You can also learn more at www.brainshark.com 
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