STORYLINE VERSUS ADOBE CAPTIVATE? WHICH ONE TRULY CAPTIVATES
STORYLINE VERSUS ADOBE CAPTIVATE? WHICH ONE TRULY CAPTIVATES
If you are designing any eLearning program, then you’ve probably came across one of two programs: Adobe Captivate or Articulate Storyline. If you’re considering investing in an authoring tool, it’s important to know the fundamental differences between the two, as well as which one is best for your particular situation.
First thing’s first, if you are looking for a program for Mac computers, than your answer is automatically Adobe Captivate, as Storyline is not currently available for Macs. However, Storyline output can still be viewed on iOS devices, such as Apple iphones and ipads.
STORYLINE’S MAIN FEATURES
Many praise storyline’s user interface for being so akin to Powerpoint, a program that most are at least familiar with. Not only can it import PowerPoint presentations, it offers numerous adjustment for both illustrated and photographic characters, giving users a range of creativity. Additionally, Storyline offers even more variable content in terms of their timeline features, triggers, and sliders, maximizing customization on a project. Finally, Storyline development and general community tends to be far more active online than their adobe counterpart, meaning if you have a technical issue or just want to share some expertise with fellow developers, this is your best place to be.
WHERE STORYLINE FALLS FLAT
In comparison to Adobe Captivate, Storyline is more expensive, coming in at around $1398 in contrast to Captivate $1,129. Moreover, unless you own a Learning Management System already, then you’ll have to shell out an additional $200 a month for it to integrate into Storyline. That being said, once integrated, it runs rather simply and smoothly. Finally, Storyline does not allow for live sharing of work, hindering cooperative development greatly.
WHY ADOBE CAPTIVATES
Not only is it more cost effective, but Adobe Captivate offers a wide range of features not available on Storyline. For starters, it runs on all platforms, can be shared real-time prior to publication, and has mobile connectivity. Additionally, the program includes quite a voluminous asset library, with currently over 25,000 individual content to add to your project. Finally, Adobe Captivate has unique technical learning experiences including virtual gestures, text-to-speech, and close captioning.
WHERE ADOBE CAN BE LACKLUSTER
In spite of all Captivate’s bells and whistles, they do not even come close to providing the same type of development community as with Storyline. Indeed, Storyline seems to be the most popular choice, mostly because its interface is so familiar to PowerPoint users and those unfamiliar with Adobe’s workstations will find their UI to be cluttered and confusing. However, if you are determined enough to truly learn how to master Adobe Captivate, than it can easily become much more valuable and budget friendly than Storyline.
THE FINAL VERDICT
All in all, if you prefer ease of use and design elegance, but don’t mind paying extra for it, than Storyline is definitely your choice. Yet, if you are looking for the best bang for your buck and want all of the latest technological features at your disposal and are willing to dedicate the necessary time to learn, than Adobe Captivate is the program for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ravinder Tulsiani is the Author of the #1 BESTSELLER: “Your Leadership Edge”, an innovative step-by-step leadership training program that will help you develop a highly engaged and super-charged workforce... get your copy at http://www.yourleadershipedge.ca