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Adobe Captivate (v9) - I like it!
March 23, 2017

Adobe Captivate (v9) - I like it!

Tim Griffith | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Adobe Captivate

We use Adobe Captivate to author eLearning that is used by the employees that we (training department) support in our organization. We use it to develop on-demand eLearning modules that can be completed at flexible times by our end users. We use the software to create anything from simple web demos to in-depth simulations (including branched decision points with various outcomes and customized feedback).
  • Evolving, each version improves over the last one; with subscription pricing you always have access to the newest version (vs. 1-time purchase).
  • Comprehensive - allows you to create almost any kind of computer-based interactions, from simple presentations to in-depth simulations.
  • Easy to integrate - multiple publishing options make it easy to share published courses on LMS platforms, or directly with end users via URLs.
  • Tougher learning curve than some eLearning authoring tools - the interface isn't as familiar as what some other tools provide, so the learning curve can be a little tougher - but once you've got it, it's very intuitive and easy to use
  • Fewer pre-built interaction tools than some other eLearning authoring tools - if you have an idea of what kind of interaction you want to create it's very easy, but you'll often be doing it from the ground up (vs. having a lot of nice pre-built interaction templates). This can be a pro or a con, because it can be a little more time consuming, but also provides more flexibility in terms of what you can create.
  • Sometimes acts a little buggy - every once in a while I'll encounter the software just not acting quite right (e.g. buttons not doing what they're supposed to). Typically this happens with larger projects, and typically restarting the program resolves the issue.
  • Helps us easily convert some (as appropriate) live instructor led courses into on-demand eLearnings, which enables to better utilize our in-person classroom time. By stuffing less into our in-person events, our learners have a better experience (course ratings) and retain more (process compliance)

Now that I'm familiar with the Adobe Captivate interface and capabilities, I am very happy with it. Given the opportunity to use the other software tools listed (after demoing them too), I elected to stick with Captivate due to its flexibility and comprehensiveness.

Camtasia has some good tools as well, but is more suited to screen-recording projects (Captivate can also do this, but also does a lot more).

Articulate Storyline has a very intuitive interface (almost identical to PowerPoint), so it's easy to learn. The functionality is very similar to Captivate, but it's more templated (vs. Captivate being more "build from the ground up"). This can be a pro or con, but in general, the Storyline model seems easier for new eLearning designers to learn and get started. Given the choice between Captivate or Storyline, my team members (who were new to eLearning design) elected to go with Storyline (but I was happy to stick with Captivate).

For an eLearning author who has a little time (or is willing to invest the time) to learn an unfamiliar interface, this is a great tool.

This is also a great tool for an eLearning author who can create a vision of the experience that the learner should have in his or her own mind, and doesn't require a lot of templates and pre-made interactions in order to create a course.

For a new eLearning designer who is unfamiliar with the interface, who doesn't have much time to get comfortable with it, this may not be as good a fit.