The Best 20 FREE eLearning Authoring Tools

The demand for eLearning content is growing rapidly, and having the right authoring tools can make all the difference in creating engaging and effective courses. Fortunately, there are plenty of free eLearning authoring tools that offer robust features without the high price tag. In this article, we’ll cover the top 20 free eLearning authoring tools that cater to a variety of educational needs, from simple quiz creation to full-fledged course development.

1. H5P

H5P is an open-source tool that enables you to create interactive HTML5 content directly in your web browser. It’s well-known for its versatility and ease of use, providing a wide range of content types, including quizzes, interactive videos, presentations, and more.

Key Features:

• Easy integration with platforms like WordPress, Moodle, and Drupal.
• Extensive library of content types.
• Mobile-friendly output.

2. Google Forms

Google Forms is an excellent tool for creating quizzes and surveys, which can be integrated into your eLearning modules. It’s free, user-friendly, and automatically organizes responses in Google Sheets.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaboration.
• Integration with Google Sheets for data analysis.
• Customizable with themes and images.

3. CourseLab Free

CourseLab Free is a powerful authoring tool that allows you to create complex eLearning content without any programming skills. It offers a WYSIWYG interface, making it accessible to both beginners and advanced users.

Key Features:

• WYSIWYG editor with drag-and-drop functionality.
• SCORM support for LMS integration.
• Extensive library of objects and templates.

4. GLOMaker

GLOMaker is an open-source tool that focuses on the design process, helping users create structured, pedagogically sound eLearning content. It offers design templates based on educational theories.

Key Features:

• Template-based design process.
• Export to multiple formats.
• Support for timeline-based authoring.

5. Udutu

Udutu offers a free, fully-functional authoring tool that lets you create professional-grade courses. It’s particularly suitable for those who need an easy-to-use tool for developing interactive eLearning modules.

Key Features:

• Template-based design.
• SCORM support for LMS integration.
• Free hosting available for published courses.

6. Adapt Learning

Adapt Learning is an open-source tool designed for creating responsive HTML5 eLearning content. It’s ideal for organizations looking to create content that is mobile-friendly and works seamlessly across devices.

Key Features:

• Responsive design for mobile-friendly courses.
• Plugin-based architecture for customization.
• SCORM and xAPI support.

7. Xerte

Xerte is an open-source suite of tools developed by the University of Nottingham for creating interactive eLearning content. It’s suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Key Features:

• Template-driven design.
• SCORM support and accessible content creation.
• Active community support and shared resources.

8. CurrikiStudio

CurrikiStudio is a free, open-source platform that provides tools to create and manage interactive learning content. It’s particularly useful for educators looking to build multimedia-rich courses.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop content creation.
• Integration with various LMS platforms.
• Collaboration tools for team projects.

9. isEazy

isEazy is a cloud-based authoring tool that offers a free version for creating professional eLearning content. Its user-friendly interface and extensive template library make it easy to create engaging courses.

Key Features:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop editor.
• Pre-designed templates for quick content creation.
• Mobile-friendly output.

10. CogniSpark

CogniSpark is a free eLearning tool focused on creating personalized and adaptive learning experiences. It’s ideal for educators and trainers who want to tailor their content to individual learners.

Key Features:

• Personalized learning paths.
• AI-driven content recommendations.
• Analytics and reporting tools.

11. AdaptiveU

AdaptiveU is a free tool designed for creating and sharing microlearning courses. It’s perfect for delivering bite-sized learning content, making it easier for learners to absorb information.

Key Features:

• Microlearning-focused design.
• Gamification elements to increase engagement.
• Progress tracking and analytics.

12. guroo.pro

guroo.pro offers a free version of its authoring tool, which is ideal for creating interactive eLearning content. It provides an intuitive interface and focuses on adaptive learning experiences.

Key Features:

• Adaptive learning capabilities.
• Intuitive content creation interface.
• Real-time analytics and tracking.

13. ELucidat (Free Trial)

ELucidat is a premium tool that offers a free trial, allowing users to explore its robust features for creating interactive eLearning content. It’s particularly suitable for large organizations but also accessible to individual educators during the trial period.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface with real-time collaboration.
• Advanced analytics and reporting.
• Responsive design for mobile devices.

14. Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint can be adapted to create simple eLearning modules by using its various features such as hyperlinks, animations, and embedded media.

Key Features:

• Familiar interface.
• Integration with other Microsoft Office tools.
• Export to various formats, including video.

15. Moovly

Moovly is a video creation tool that allows you to create animated and interactive videos for your eLearning courses. It’s ideal for educators who want to incorporate multimedia into their lessons.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface with a library of templates.
• Integration with platforms like YouTube.
• Export to various video formats.

16. ActivePresenter Free Edition

ActivePresenter offers a free edition with essential features for creating eLearning content, particularly for software simulations, video demos, and quizzes.

Key Features:

• Screen recording and video editing.
• SCORM and xAPI support.
• Responsive design for mobile learning.

17. Inkspace

Inkscape is a free vector graphics editor useful for creating visuals for your eLearning content. It’s not a traditional authoring tool, but it’s excellent for designing custom graphics, icons, and illustrations.

Key Features:

• Extensive set of drawing tools.
• Export to various formats, including SVG.
• Integration with other graphic design tools.

18. hiCreo

hiCreo is a cloud-based authoring tool that offers a free version for creating interactive eLearning content. It’s especially useful for collaborative projects and offers a range of features to enhance the learning experience.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaboration and content creation.
• Interactive elements and multimedia integration.
• Analytics and reporting tools.

19. LearningApps

LearningApps is an open-source platform offering various templates for creating interactive eLearning activities, making it particularly useful for gamified learning experiences.

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use templates for interactive content.
• Community-shared resources for inspiration.
• Mobile-friendly design.

20. Vizia

Vizia is a free tool that allows you to create interactive videos for eLearning purposes. It’s particularly useful for embedding quizzes and polls within videos to enhance engagement.

Key Features:

• Simple interface for adding interactivity to videos.
• Integration with video platforms like YouTube.
• Real-time analytics and tracking.

Conclusion

The eLearning landscape offers a wealth of free tools that can meet a wide range of educational needs. Whether you’re looking to create interactive videos, microlearning modules, or comprehensive courses, these 20 free eLearning authoring tools provide an excellent starting point.

While free tools offer valuable features, they often come with limitations in advanced capabilities, support, and scalability. As your eLearning needs grow, you may consider investing in a premium tool to access more robust features. However, for individuals and small teams, these free tools are more than sufficient to create engaging and effective eLearning content.

Explore these tools, experiment with their features, and find the one that best suits your eLearning project. Happy course creating!