Adobe Captivate - eLearning authoring tool
November 22, 2017
Adobe Captivate - eLearning authoring tool
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Adobe Captivate
We are transforming our training program from completely in-person to a blended learning environment to engage our people better, while saving on the expense of travel. We are spread out over a 300 mile span, making geography a challenge. Adobe Captivate allows us to deliver content on the learner's term, from their own office.
- Adobe Captivate can integrate current PowerPoint presentation, and transform them into eLearning curriculum.
- Publishing an Adobe Captivate project is simple.
- Adobe Captivate uses built-in interactions to engage the learner, making the content easier to remember.
- Adobe Captivate does not allow for great customization overall. For example, you cannot change the default font, causing a lot of wasted time changing the font choice.
- Creating engaging interactions could be a simpler process.
- A customizable Quick Access Toolbar would be quite useful.
- Less travel expense.
- More access to training courses, more impact on the frontline.
- Only $29.99 a month, it can be used when necessary, keeping overall cost low.
Articulate 360 offers a both Storyline and Rise as eLearning authoring tools, as well as a Stock Library with over 100,000 images for $1200/year. Adobe Captivate is a stand alone product for $30/month. If you are only using eLearning authoring tools the cost is significantly less. If you are looking at the broader suite of software, Articulate 360 does offer two eLearning authoring tools and a Stock Library, in addition to 3 other program, for a total of 5. For the same cost, I purchased Adobe Captivate along with the entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite (27 programs), including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, etc.. This suite offers a much broader range of design, allowing for content to be created and engaged in many more ways.
Using Adobe Captivate
3 - Training and Development. We have been able to broaden our training footprint drastically through the integration of Adobe Captivate. Creating quick Microlearnings allow managers to assign quick trainings to their team on very specific topics. We have been able to set clear expectations for the company through a 5 minute Microlearning. This is huge for ensuring the organization is moving in the same direction.
I am the primary support for Adobe Captivate. I function mainly in how-to scenarios. If there is an issue with Adobe Captivate, we utilize their support. They have been quite helpful every time support has been required. They are thorough and efficient. They ensure the issues are resolved and stay connected until then.
- Replacing in class training with eLearning
- Implementing microlearning for topics of interest
- Software simulations
- Microlearning
- Software simulation open a lot of options
- "Board Game" eLearning
- Reusable course outlines
- Further department reach
- Available for customers
Evaluating Adobe Captivate and Competitors
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Product Reputation
Adobe Captivate integrates with the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, for a very reasonable price. This made the choice for Adobe Captivate very simple. Other eLearning authoring tools offered a few things that Captivate did not, but with the backing of the Creative Cloud and the very low price point, Adobe Captivate was the strongest option.
I do not think that I would change my evaluation process. I utilized the free 30-day trial for both software suites that I was evaluating. I vetted them through our Risk Assessment Team to ensure security is tight. I sought opinions from other users, and read reviews. Being able to try them both helped me make my decision.
Adobe Captivate Support
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Immediate help available Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response | None |
I could not access the Assets tab of Adobe Captivate. I called in for support, they ran through the settings to ensure everything was installed properly. I received frequent email updates and phone calls letting me know what they were doing to find a resolution. I ended up checking with my IT to find the issue was on our end. Adobe made sure everything was working properly, even after it was resolved.
Using Adobe Captivate
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar | None |
- Drag and drop interactions
- Converting a shape to a button
- Rollover Caption
- State views
- Timing of buttons
- Simple settings such as default font