0345 363 1130
info@xchangetraining.co.uk
E-learning Tools Compared: Captivate Classic, Captivate (All-New), Storyline & Rise
Last updated March 2026.
Unsure whether to build your next e-learning project in Captivate Classic, the All-New Captivate, Articulate Storyline or Articulate Rise?
This guide compares use cases, strengths, limitations and typical projects, and shows how XChange Training courses map to each option.
Overview: how to choose an e-learning authoring tool
Modern e-learning is built with specialist authoring tools that export HTML5 modules for your learning management system (LMS). The “best” e-learning tool for you depends on:
- The kind of learning you create
- How visual or interactive it needs to be
- How quickly you need to produce and update content
- The skills and capacity of your team
- Your LMS and IT environment
In this guide we focus on four widely used tools:
Captivate Classic (Captivate 2019) ↓
Mature Adobe tool with strong software simulation and responsive options
Captivate
(All-New) ↓
Redesigned Adobe Captivate with modern responsive workflows and a fresh interface
Articulate
Storyline 360 ↓
Slide-based authoring with powerful interactions and branching
Articulate
Rise 360 ↓
rapid, responsive, block-based courses built in the browser
Captivate Classic (Captivate 2019)
Captivate Classic is the long-established version of Adobe Captivate. It’s widely used for software simulations, compliance training and complex interactive modules where you need deep control over timelines, interactions and responsive layouts.
Key strengths of Captivate Classic:
- Software simulations:
Excellent for recording applications and creating demo, guided and assessment modes from a single capture. - Slide-based interactions:
Timelines, layers and interactions for quizzes, click-to-reveals, branching and scenario-based learning. - Responsive projects:
Fluid Boxes and breakpoints to target desktop, tablet and mobile with one project (HTML5 output). - Rich media support:
Audio, video, screen recordings, text-to-speech and interactions handled in one environment. - Standards support:
SCORM, xAPI and accessibility options for LMS deployment and reporting.
Limitations of Captivate Classic:
- Interface can feel complex and “dense” for new users compared with newer tools.
- Responsive design requires planning and thorough testing to work well on smaller screens.
- Less “block-based” automation than tools such as Rise or (for some tasks) the All-New Captivate.
Typical projects built with Captivate Classic:
- Systems training and software simulations
- Compliance and process training with assessments
- Scenario-based modules with branching paths
- Blended programmes where simulations support classroom or webinar training
XChange Training courses for Captivate Classic:
- Captivate Classic Introduction (2 days) – fundamentals of Captivate 2019
- Captivate Classic Advanced / Masterclass – complex interactions, responsive projects and simulations
- Bespoke Captivate Classic workshops – tailored to your content and LMS
Captivate (All-New)
The All-New Captivate is a modern reimagining of Adobe Captivate with a fresh interface and streamlined workflows. It targets designers who need responsive, media-rich courses without the overhead of the older interface.
Key strengths of the All-New Captivate:
- Modern, simplified UI:
Cleaner workspace and more intuitive controls for new and occasional users. - Responsive-first design:
Strong focus on creating courses that work well across desktop, tablet and mobile. - Media-rich content:
Easier handling of audio, video and interactive elements for contemporary learning experiences. - Template-driven approach:
Layouts and components that speed up production and support a consistent look and feel. - Standards-compliant output:
HTML5, SCORM, xAPI and LMS-ready publishing.
Limitations of the All-New Captivate:
- Some advanced features from Captivate Classic may not be mirrored one-to-one.
- Teams with large libraries of Classic projects will need a clear migration strategy.
- Long-time Captivate users will need a short period to adapt to the redesigned interface.
Typical projects built with the All-New Captivate:
- Modern responsive e-learning modules with video and interactivity
- Short, focused learning experiences designed for mobile and tablet
- Onboarding, product knowledge and soft skills content
- Refreshed versions of older courses that need a more modern user experience
XChange Training courses for the All-New Captivate:
- All-New Captivate Introduction (2 days – classroom or online)
- All-New Captivate for Responsive E-learning (intermediate)
- Captivate Classic vs All-New Captivate Migration Workshop (bespoke)
Many organisations run Captivate Classic and the All-New Captivate side by side during transition: Classic for legacy simulations and the All-New version for new, responsive content.
Articulate Storyline 360
Articulate Storyline 360 is a leading slide-based e-learning authoring tool. It feels familiar to PowerPoint users but adds timelines, layers, triggers and variables for rich interactivity and branching scenarios.
Key strengths of Storyline 360:
- PowerPoint-like authoring:
Slides, layers and timelines feel familiar and are easy for many authors to learn. - Flexible interactions:
Triggers, states and variables for quizzes, games, branching scenarios and complex interactions. - Strong community and ecosystem:
Large user base, templates, examples and community resources. - Articulate 360 integration:
Works alongside Rise, Review, Content Library and other 360 tools in a joined-up workflow. - Great for complex branching:
Scenario-based learning and simulations can be mapped and built visually.
Limitations of Storyline 360:
- Slide-based model can be slower than Rise for straightforward, text-and-media courses.
- Responsive behaviour isn’t block-based: mobile output works but needs more layout planning and testing.
- Deep features (variables, advanced triggers, custom states) require training and practice to use confidently.
Typical projects built with Storyline 360:
- Interactive compliance and policy training
- Scenario-based learning with meaningful choices and tailored feedback
- Product and process training with simulations and quizzes
- Gamified modules and advanced assessments
- Programmes where you want a traditional “course feel” rather than a scrolling page
XChange Training courses for Storyline 360:
- Articulate Storyline 360 Introduction (2 days)
- Articulate Storyline 360 Masterclass (3 days)
- Articulate Storyline 360 Advanced (1 day)
- Bespoke Storyline 360 project-based training
Articulate Rise 360
Articulate Rise 360 is a browser-based authoring tool that builds fully responsive, scroll-based courses using predefined content blocks. It’s designed for speed, consistency and easy maintenance.
Key strengths of Rise 360:
- Rapid development:
Drag-and-drop blocks for text, media, interactions and quizzes enable very fast course creation. - Fully responsive:
Content automatically adapts to desktop, tablet and mobile without separate layouts. - Clean, modern look:
Consistent layouts with minimal design overhead – ideal for teams without heavy design resource. - Easy updates and maintenance:
Browser-based editing makes it simple to update content and keep courses current. - Excellent for knowledge-based content:
Policies, procedures, onboarding and product knowledge are particularly well suited.
Limitations of Rise 360:
- Less control over layout compared with Storyline or Captivate.
- Limited ability to create highly custom or game-like interactions.
- Branding customisation has boundaries within Rise templates – great for consistency but less ideal for fully bespoke designs.
Typical projects built with Rise 360:
- Policies and compliance modules with media and knowledge checks
- Onboarding and induction programmes
- Short “how to” guides, product overviews and refresher courses
- Microlearning modules delivered on mobile devices
- Supporting content alongside more complex Storyline or Captivate modules
XChange Training courses for Rise 360:
- Articulate Rise 360 Introduction - (1 day – often bespoke or in-house)
- Articulate 360 Workflow – using Storyline, Rise and Review together
- Bespoke Rise 360 design and templating workshops
E-learning tools at a glance
This summary gives a quick sense of where each tool typically fits. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s a useful “first filter”.
Captivate Classic (Captivate 2019)
- Best for: software simulations and complex interactive modules.
- Key strengths: strong simulations; responsive options via Fluid Boxes; rich interactions; SCORM/xAPI support
- Potential limitations: interface can feel heavy for beginners; responsive layouts need careful planning and testing.
Captivate (All-New)
- Best for: modern responsive, media-rich e-learning.
- Key strengths: updated UI; responsive-first approach; templates; streamlined workflows and publishing.
- Potential limitations: feature differences vs Classic; migration considerations for existing projects; adjustment period for established Captivate users.
Articulate Storyline 360
- Best for: interactive, branched and scenario-based courses.
- Key strengths: PowerPoint-style authoring; powerful triggers and variables; strong community; part of Articulate 360.
- Potential limitations: not as fast as Rise for simpler content; responsive design is not “block-based”; complex logic needs training.
Articulate Rise 360
- Best for: rapid, responsive, knowledge-focused content.
- Key strengths: very fast production; fully responsive; clean layouts; easy maintenance.
- Potential limitations: limited layout flexibility; fewer options for highly custom interactions; design must work within the block system.
Choosing the right tool for your projects
If you’re not sure where to start, let your typical project types and constraints guide you.
Scenario 1: “We need to train staff on complex software”
- Primary tool: – Captivate Classic for step-by-step simulations with demo, guided and test modes.
- Consider also: – Storyline 360 for complementary scenario-based modules around the system training.
- Course focus: – Captivate Classic Introduction and Advanced; Storyline 360 Introduction.
Scenario 2: “We produce a lot of policy and compliance training”
- Primary tool: – Storyline 360 for interactive assessments, branching and rich feedback.
- Complementary tool: – Rise 360 for fast, mobile-friendly policy modules and knowledge refreshers.
- Course focus: – Storyline 360 Masterclass; Articulate Rise 360 Introduction; Articulate 360 Workflow.
Scenario 3: “We want modern, responsive learning that looks great on phones”
- Primary tool: – All-New Captivate or Articulate Rise 360.
- Course focus: – All-New Captivate Introduction; Rise 360 Introduction; responsive design best practice.
Scenario 4: “We’re upgrading an existing Captivate or Storyline estate”
- Captivate users:
- Keep Captivate Classic for legacy simulations.
- Introduce the All-New Captivate for new projects and modern UX.
- Storyline users:
- Continue with Storyline 360 for complex interactions.
- Add Rise 360 for rapid, block-based content.
- Course focus:
- Classic and All-New Captivate migration workshops.
- Storyline 360 Advanced and project-based refresh sessions.
Practical steps before you decide
- List three to five typical courses you build each year.
- Highlight the most important interaction types (simulations, branching, quizzes, downloads, video, etc.).
- Note your primary audience devices (desktop, laptop, tablet, mobile).
- Check which tools fit those interactions and devices with the least friction.
- Run one small pilot project in one or two tools before making a full platform decision.
E-learning tool FAQs
What is the difference between Captivate Classic and the All-New Captivate?
Captivate Classic (Captivate 2019) is the established version with a powerful but more complex interface, particularly strong for software simulations and slide-based modules. The All-New Captivate offers a refreshed, modern interface and streamlined workflows, with a focus on responsive, media-rich content. Many teams keep Classic for legacy simulations and adopt the All-New Captivate for new projects.
When should I choose Storyline instead of Captivate?
Storyline often suits teams who want a PowerPoint-style workflow with strong branching, quizzes and interactions, especially within an Articulate 360 environment. Captivate tends to be preferred when software simulations and system training are central. Both can produce high-quality e-learning; the better choice is the one that aligns with your project mix, technical environment and skills.
When is Rise a better choice than Storyline?
Rise is better when speed, responsiveness and consistency are more important than custom layouts. If your courses are primarily content and question-based, with limited need for complex interactions, Rise can dramatically speed up production and maintenance compared with Storyline.
Which tool is best for mobile and tablet learning?
All four tools publish HTML5 content, but Rise and the All-New Captivate are especially strong when your audience is heavily mobile. Storyline and Captivate Classic can also work well on smaller screens, but they need more layout planning and testing to ensure a smooth experience.
Which tool is best for software simulations?
Captivate Classic has long been a market leader for software simulations, offering different modes (demo, guided and assessment) from a single recording. Storyline can also create simulations, but if system training is your main focus, Captivate Classic is usually the first recommendation.
Can I mix tools in one learning programme?
Yes. It’s common to use Storyline for complex, interactive modules and Rise for rapid, text-led content. Similarly, some organisations use Captivate for simulations and Storyline or Rise for complementary modules. The key is to keep branding and user experience consistent across modules so learners don’t feel they’re jumping between very different designs.
Do all these tools work with my LMS?
Captivate Classic, the All-New Captivate, Storyline and Rise all support SCORM and xAPI, so most modern LMS platforms can host them. However, it’s still important to test sample modules in your specific LMS to confirm tracking, reporting and completion behave as expected.
Which XChange Training course should I pick if I’m completely new?
If you’re not yet committed to a specific platform, a Captivate or Storyline introductory course is usually the best starting point, because these tools support a wide range of project types. If your organisation already has Articulate 360 and you need to create mostly policy-style content, an Articulate Rise introduction can be a very quick win.
How long does it take to become productive in these tools?
Most people can create basic modules after a focused two-day introduction, especially if they build a real project immediately afterwards. Advanced features such as complex branching, variables and sophisticated simulations take longer, which is where follow-up advanced or bespoke training becomes valuable.
Do I need formal training or can I learn from tutorials?
Online tutorials are useful, but formal training accelerates your learning and helps you avoid common design and technical pitfalls. A structured course will cover not only the software features but also planning, storyboarding, accessibility, testing and publishing best practice.
Not sure?
Talk to Us: Call us on 0345 363 1130 or make your enquiry below and we’ll recommend a learning path:
E-learning tool FAQs
What is the difference between
Captivate Classic and the
All-New Captivate?
Captivate Classic (Captivate 2019) is the established version with a powerful but more complex interface, particularly strong for software simulations and slide-based modules. The All-New Captivate offers a refreshed, modern interface and streamlined workflows, with a focus on responsive, media-rich content. Many teams keep Classic for legacy simulations and adopt the All-New Captivate for new projects.
When should I choose Storyline
instead of Captivate?
Storyline often suits teams who want a PowerPoint-style workflow with strong branching, quizzes and interactions, especially within an Articulate 360 environment. Captivate tends to be preferred when software simulations and system training are central. Both can produce high-quality e-learning; the better choice is the one that aligns with your project mix, technical environment and skills.
When is Rise a better choice
than Storyline?
Rise is better when speed, responsiveness and consistency are more important than custom layouts. If your courses are primarily content and question-based, with limited need for complex interactions, Rise can dramatically speed up production and maintenance compared with Storyline.
Which tool is best for mobile
and tablet learning?
All four tools publish HTML5 content, but Rise and the All-New Captivate are especially strong when your audience is heavily mobile. Storyline and Captivate Classic can also work well on smaller screens, but they need more layout planning and testing to ensure a smooth experience.
Which tool is best for
software simulations?
Captivate Classic has long been a market leader for software simulations, offering different modes (demo, guided and assessment) from a single recording. Storyline can also create simulations, but if system training is your main focus, Captivate Classic is usually the first recommendation.
Can I mix tools in one
learning programme?
Yes. It’s common to use Storyline for complex, interactive modules and Rise for rapid, text-led content. Similarly, some organisations use Captivate for simulations and Storyline or Rise for complementary modules. The key is to keep branding and user experience consistent across modules so learners don’t feel they’re jumping between very different designs.
Do all these tools work
with my LMS?
Captivate Classic, the All-New Captivate, Storyline and Rise all support SCORM and xAPI, so most modern LMS platforms can host them. However, it’s still important to test sample modules in your specific LMS to confirm tracking, reporting and completion behave as expected.
Which XChange Training
course should I pick if
I’m completely new?
If you’re not yet committed to a specific platform, a Captivate or Storyline introductory course is usually the best starting point, because these tools support a wide range of project types. If your organisation already has Articulate 360 and you need to create mostly policy-style content, an Articulate Rise introduction can be a very quick win.
How long does it take to become
productive in these tools?
Most people can create basic modules after a focused two-day introduction, especially if they build a real project immediately afterwards. Advanced features such as complex branching, variables and sophisticated simulations take longer, which is where follow-up advanced or bespoke training becomes valuable.
Do I need formal training or can
I learn from tutorials?
Online tutorials are useful, but formal training accelerates your learning and helps you avoid common design and technical pitfalls. A structured course will cover not only the software features but also planning, storyboarding, accessibility, testing and publishing best practice.
Over 15 years of providing Certified E-learning training courses UK wide
5/5 Stars
Intense but very informative. I am very happy with the knowledge I have been provided.
18/03/2025
5/5 Stars
I learned a lot and enjoyed the time on the course. Simon was a fantastic teacher, and helped with specific projects.
11/03/2025
4/5 Stars
Very helpful introduction
24/02/2025
5/5 Stars
Good course, covers the basics and provides a grounding knowledge base.
24/02/2025
5/5 Stars
very easy to follow and great knowledge from instructor
24/02/2025
5/5 Stars
Phil is a very good and provided clear guidance throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed the course experience and look forward to putting it into practice.
19/02/2025
5/5 Stars
This bespoke course was perfect for what we required and Phil was great in adding extra content to match questions that arose during the session.
19/02/2025
5/5 Stars
Great learning experience, Simon is very knowledgable and approachable :)
18/02/2025
4/5 Stars
It has been a great couple of days wit Simon, I've enjoyed learning from him and seeing his clear passion for this work
18/02/2025
5/5 Stars
great once again
18/02/2025
5/5 Stars
The 2 day training with Donna was super helpful. We covered alot and all my questions were answered.
11/02/2025
5/5 Stars
Donna was brilliant. She was so helpful and patient and answered all my questions & went through the process slowly but thoroughly. The resources were great too.
11/02/2025
5/5 Stars
very easy to understand and follow up. Many thanks
11/02/2025
5/5 Stars
Course covered everything expected
04/02/2025
5/5 Stars
I really enjoyed the course with Simon. It's going to be very useful for future social media projects in particular! Easy to understand and relevant.
28/01/2025
5/5 Stars
Great experience, Simon is very helpful and knowledgable. Would highly recommend to others considering doing a course with XChange Training.
28/01/2025
5/5 Stars
We covered a lot in a short amount of time. I felt so excited by the end of the first day and did not want to stop/leave the course! On this last/second day, same feeling, like I have so much more to learn. I hope I can do the Advanced course one day.
21/01/2025
5/5 Stars
The training was first-class! Simon is very knowledgeable and approchable for asking questions. Overall a great experience and would highly recommend :)
21/01/2025
5/5 Stars
great course, engaging instructor with a lot of knowledge. I look forward to coming back for further courses
21/01/2025
5/5 Stars
The training was definitely engaging with the demonstrations, as well as the support received from the instructor. The course was very different from your conventional course, it was more a demonstrative type of learning where attendees were given more of the power to get their hands on the program.
21/01/2025
4/5 Stars
It was very detailed, covering everything from basic to some very complicated skills which could be used across various disciplines. I enjoyed the exercises as I got to practice alongside the instructor which helped me better understand the tool & use the keyboard keys to do tasks faster.
21/01/2025
5/5 Stars
This was an excellent starter course and covered what I needed to learn. Doug was an fantastic trainer.
21/01/2025
5/5 Stars
This was a very useful and informative course. The content was comprehensive but easy to follow with a gradual build up in difficulty enabling a strong understanding. Phil provided an excellent course.
21/01/2025
5/5 Stars
Learn't a lot on the 2 day course, by refreshing on basics but also learning new techniques and ways of working.
21/01/2025
5/5 Stars
Really friendly and knowledgeable instructor, happy to answer any questions Made people feel relaxed and explained complicated instructions in a really approachable way
14/01/2025
5/5 Stars
Great course and instructor!
14/01/2025
5/5 Stars
Phil was very knowledgeable and helpful and answered all questions as we went. The pace was good and we covered a lot of content! Thank you!
14/01/2025
5/5 Stars
Content was very specific & excellent delivery. Great value for money.
08/01/2025
5/5 Stars
I had a very good experience with this course. Small group and very knowledgeable trainer.
19/12/2024
5/5 Stars
An excellent use of everyones time as we were able to tailor the course topics to suit our specific needs - all with the able assistance of Donna who lead us through the day.
09/12/2024
5/5 Stars
Donna was fantastic and very knowledgable She had a good alance of teaching and letting everyone play with the software
03/12/2024
5/5 Stars
really informative and learnt many new capabilities of the software. i have definitely expanded on my knowledge using photoshop
03/12/2024
5/5 Stars
Enjoyable and transferrable info, should be able to apply to real life situations. Video for referral is very useful.
03/12/2024
5/5 Stars
Learnt alot. Amazing experience. I'm excited to learn to use the softwares to bring my ideas and designs to reality.
03/12/2024
5/5 Stars
Very good, easy to follow through each parts of the process and going through certain asepects and tools. Good to refresh on certain things as well as learning new ones.
03/12/2024
5/5 Stars
Very knowledgeable instructor. In terms of pacing would have been good to get on to the hands on lessons (from lesson 3) prior to lunch just to get a bit more practice in
02/12/2024
5/5 Stars
Friendly, helpful instructor - covered everything and answered any questions clearly. Great facilities and equipment. Nice environment to be in. Handy position by station.
29/11/2024
5/5 Stars
It was really useful to have two screens and see what the tutor's doing as well as being able to experiment ourselves.
29/11/2024
5/5 Stars
Very good all round content
26/11/2024
Useful Links