This document compares the screencast programs Articulate Suite and Captivate. It finds that Captivate is better for software simulations and demonstrations thanks to its recording and editing timeline features. Articulate is better for enhancing existing PowerPoint presentations with interactivity. Both can publish content to learning management systems. The document recommends choosing between the programs based on needs and cost considerations.

1. Screencast Program
Software Comparison
Articulate Suite vs. Captivate
By Jennifer Smith

2. Software Purposes
Captivate and Articulate are two of the
leading eLearning software available today.
Ideal purposes for these types of authoring
tools include:
o Software / Application Simulations
o Animated / Modified PowerPoint Presentations
o Training Simulations
o Linear Video Presentation
o Software / Application Demonstration

3. Common Features
 Soft Skills Simulations
 Multiple Publishing Options
 Training Simulations
 Graphic or Media Insertion
 Linear Video Presentation
 Fully Supported Windows Platform
 Interactions
 Simple Branching
 Quizzing
 Mobile Device Deployment
 Application Interface

4. Articulate In Action
Instructional Goals
• eLearning Creation
• Demonstrations
• Training
• Learner interaction
• PowerPoint Interface

5. Articulate In Action
Reviews by CNET
Simple Audio
4.5 stars out of 5 Integration
Easy Conversion
to Flash Simple program
Intuitive Interface Easy integration
with PowerPoint

6. Articulate In Action
My Experience
• Starting with a PowerPoint makes it simple
• Easy integration of images into engage
• Integration between Presenter, Engage and Quiz maker is seamless
• Publishing in AICC and SCORM is easy
• Integrates well into a LMS or CMS
• More useful for static or minor interactive eLearning
• Simple branch is great; complex is not well supported
• Not useful for Software Simulations

7. Captivate In Action
Instructional Goals for the Software
• Software Simulations
• Demonstrations
• Training
• Quizzing
• Publishing for Mobile Devices
• Linear Video Playing

8. Captivate In Action
Reviews by CNET Quiz / lesson creation are
simple & direct
3.5 stars out of 5
Great with
Numerous FLV / SWF
advance script
& variables
capabilities
Con – no zoom to
No right-click interactions display canvas
on simulations

9. Captivate In Action
My Experience
• Great for screen capture: records demonstrations, training
and custom simulations at the same time
• Timeline is easy to navigate
• Images are easy to import
• Caption bubbles are created for you and can be edited
• Quiz creation is simple
• Publishing to HTML, Flash and MP4 are fully integrated
• Missing is the ability to group objects & lock objects

10. Key Feature Comparison
Fully Supported Partially Supported Not Supported
Key Feature Captivate Articulate
Software / Application Simulations
Training Simulations
Linear Video Presentation
Soft Skills Simulation
Interactions
Quizzing
Mobile Device Deployment
Application Interface
Graphic / Media Integration

11. Key Feature Comparison (cont.)
Fully Supported Partially Supported Not Supported
Key Feature Captivate Articulate Suite
Asynchronous
Synchronous
Windows Platform Supported
Macintosh Platform Supported
Available Wizards
Stage for Work Area
Timeline for Editing
MP4 / AVI
Cost ~ $800 ~1,500

12. Conclusion
I currently use both Captivate and the Articulate Suite at work. I find
that both have their advantages and disadvantages. If I want to
create an application simulation with or without interactivity,
Captivate is by far the best choice. Its creation of captions and
motion paths make editing easy. The stage and timeline are great
for editing and the advanced branching works well for quizzing and
“what-if” scenarios.
If I’m starting with a PowerPoint presentation where I have a great
deal of content that I want to jazz up with animation and interactivity
then Articulate is my choice. The quiz creation, engage interactions
and word games work well to capture the learner’s attention and
keep them engaged.
Both publish to a LMS or CMS well.
 Recommendation: purchase based on need and/or cost.