Smart authoring tool with VR and 360° eLearning design
4.6/5 (123 reviews)Adobe Captivate is a smart authoring tool that lets users create and design all kinds of fully-responsive eLearning content and immersive learning experiences that can be delivered with VR (virtual reality) and 360° media assets. Users can amplify video-based learning by easily adding interactive elements to their videos such as information hotspots, quizzes and knowledge check modules to enhance learner engagement and retention.
Adobe Captivate’s 360° media support enable users to deliver immersive learning experiences in VR that allow learners to navigate near real-life scenarios in a risk-free environment via popular VR headsets such as Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear VR, and more. Organizations can use VR to deliver experiences such as virtual tours, safety drills, product walk-throughs, first responder situations and more, with interactive elements and custom overlay items such as information blurbs, audio content, and quizzes.
Users can personalize their curated video learning modules by recording their own videos or computer screen, importing existing YouTube videos, as well as replacing the background with customizable images. With Adobe Captivate, users can also add a layer of interactivity to their videos with overlay question slides that prompt learners to engage with the content to enhance mundane training videos or product demos and increase learner retention.
Adobe Captivate’s fluid boxes help automatically author fully responsive eLearning content that works across all devices and browsers. Automatic device preview allows users to see their content change shape and form across the full spectrum of device sizes. Users can also easily convert their PowerPoint slides to interactive eLearning modules and choose from 75,000+ free eLearning assets, characters, themes, quizzes and more.
Pros
I have been using Adobe Captivate since the mid-2000s. Each release has brought new and innovative features that allow me to continue to impress my clients. Features like virtual reality and interactive video make Adobe Captivate the industry leader in eLearning Authoring tools
Cons
A complicated piece of software means that the learning curve is steep but the reward is that in return it does so much.
My overall experience so far is positive. We are developing eLearning modules using the interactive tools found in Captivate. So far, the video formatting, audio (speech-to-text) function, and responsive project mode are my biggest positives.
Pros
Adobe's new version of Captivate (2019) is a fantastic authoring tool for the right user. I say that because the user must be competent on various computer applications and willing to spend some extra time learning! I have used many authoring tools, but this one has made me slow down and rethink some of the methods I use for development. It is not easy, but when you learn to set it up correctly, the functionality is amazing! I'm referring mostly to the responsive projects that are scalable for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. This is a wonderful feature, but takes quite a bit of time to learn.
Cons
The biggest consideration I have found is the amount of time I have had to spend learning the program. Once understood, I have been able to make progress, but this is not a two or three week project...give yourself more time.
Using this I have been able to set up tests and quiz for our training sessions. Its also let me create video presentations which automates some of our new hire training. You have to put in some time and learn it to get the most out of it but once you do that, its very powerful.
Pros
It is very robust and has a ton of features. You can create some really impressive training modules with this. We have been using this for a little while now to train our new hires on policies and process. I really like that once you get the hang of this, you can create very professional looking training material with it. It lets you embed videos, images and docs into your module pretty seamlessly. You can include your branding (which was a big deal for us) and colors. You can even include your Voice over if you want to. Using this I have created Quiz, Presentations and video guides. And they all looked fantastic.
Cons
Like a lot of other Adobe softwares (at least in my experience) it can be a little daunting to get started with. There is a lot you can do with it but you have to invest some time to get the most out of it. I really wish Adobe would figure out how to simplify the usage and work flow for newcomers.
I'm happy with this software. It allows me to easily import PowerPoint slides, develop elearning courses from scratch, and record audio. I have continued to use it over competing applications because it's so easy to use.
Pros
Captivate is pretty easy to learn. I pretty much taught myself how to use it and don't have any big issues with it. I like that it publishes directly into Adobe Captivate Prime (our LMS). There are quite a few nice features that get added with each upgrade.
Cons
Sometimes the software crashes. I have to work with big files on my desktop rather than on my network drive. I had some files become corrupt from the application freezing. It would be nice if Adobe gave free upgrades rather than charging to upgrade every couple years. I would also like to have more pre-built templates for gaming. Most of the options available aren't ideal.
Since 2012 I'm using Captivate for make all the documentation and instruction manual for many software or website I've developed or I collaborated with, saving me and the companies a lot of time and troubles. This is very recommended for freelance developers and companies as well (companies of any kind that have employees using any software).
Pros
This software save you a lot of time on making your software documentation and/or how to teach the final user to use the software or website they need to do their work. Remember, “A picture is worth a thousand words”, and I think a video is worth a thousand pictures.
This is special useful on companies that have many employees, or with employees distributed for all the country/world. Companies that needs to take working the new employees as soon as possible, with a minimum loss of time on teaching him/her the new employee on how to use the software needed for their job.
Cons
In my special case, I need to complement this software with one video-editing software, for take more advantage and do more things that final user of my software/web very appreciate. However, Captivate works just fine by itself.
Subscription: US$33.99 /month
Perpetual License Price: US $1,299.00
Student & Teacher Edition: US $399.00
Upgrade Price: Buy for US $499.00
• Engage your learners with immersive learning scenarios that they can experience in virtual reality via popular VR headsets such as Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear VR, and more.
• Overlay custom items such as information blurbs, audio content and quizzes to turn 360⁰ learning experiences into interactive eLearning scenarios.
• Record software simulations from scratch or add interactivity to existing PowerPoint slides and videos with Adobe Captivate.
• Use the fluid boxes to automatically author fully responsive eLearning content that works across all devices and browsers, and convert legacy desktop courses to mobile learning with a few clicks.
• Adobe Captivate's live preview feature generates a QR code that you can scan using a mobile device to see exactly how your eLearning content will play out on your learners’ VR devices.
Below are some frequently asked questions for Adobe Captivate.
Adobe Captivate offers the following pricing plans:
Starting from: US$39,00/month
Pricing model: Subscription
Free Trial: Available
Subscription: US$33.99 /month
Perpetual License Price: US $1,299.00
Student & Teacher Edition: US $399.00
Upgrade Price: Buy for US $499.00
We do not have any information about Adobe Captivate features
Adobe Captivate has the following typical customers:
Freelancers, Large Enterprises, Mid Size Business, Non Profit, Public Administrations, Small Business
Adobe Captivate supports the following languages:
English
Adobe Captivate has the following pricing plans:
Subscription
Adobe Captivate supports the following devices:
iPad
Adobe Captivate integrates with the following applications:
Academy Of Mine, EduBrite, Google Maps
Adobe Captivate offers the following support options:
Forum, Knowledge Base, Online Support, Video Tutorials
I started using Adobe Captivate with version 2. It was okay but obviously there was room for it to improve. At the time of writing this review, Captivate is on version 11 and it has matured into a robust solution. I will continue to use it for all my professional eLearning work for as long as they continue to make it available.