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The 60+ Best Instructional Design Software Tools and Resources for 2024

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Best Instructional Design Software Tools and Resources

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Whether you’re a novice or experienced instructional designer (ID), you need eLearning tools that help you streamline your course building. We’ve made an extensive list of the best instructional design software (ID software) and resources and, for simplicity, divided it into categories, from authoring tools to audio-video software and photo sharing platforms. Check them out today to choose the best instructional design tools for your needs or watch the video.

The Top 15 Tools for eLearning Developers

What is Instructional Design Software?

Instructional design software is any software used by instructional designers to deliver eLearning projects. It includes a variety of tools, such as:

  • Authoring tools (eLearning authoring software that empowers you to create eLearning courses and assessments)
  • Audio and video editing software (tools for recording and editing training videos, narrations, and podcasts)
  • Storyboard software (tools that empower you to map out your eLearning projects)
  • Project management tools (software for organizing and streamlining your workflow)
  • Writing tools (software for refining your course scripts)

Explore them all in the next section and find the ones that will help you improve your eLearning process.

The Best Instructional Design Software Tools for 2024

Whether you need to track your ideas while brainstorming or create custom eLearning courses or presentations — here you will find top instructional design software for various needs and operating systems.

eLearning authoring tools

Course development and instructional design software is the primary tool for an instructional designer. With it, you can build engaging interactive courses from scratch or turn existing instructional materials into eLearning courses. 

We also put authoring tools first because, among the other instructional design software covered in this article, they are the ones designed especially for eLearning.

1. iSpring Suite

iSpring Suite authoring toolkit

iSpring Suite is a fully stocked instructional design software designed to create interactive SCORM-compliant and multi-device courses from PowerPoint presentations and easily publish them to any learning management system.

It has an easy-to-use interface and allows you to quickly create assessments in quizzes, video presentations, and dialogue simulations without any special training or coding knowledge. It also replaces a video editor, allowing you to record and edit training videos under one roof. With iSpring, you can convert your existing Word, PDF, and PPT manuals and textbooks into interactive e-books with just a few clicks.

The tool comes with an extensive library of characters, backgrounds, and slide templates that make content authoring several times faster. It also includes Character Builder, which allows you to create custom characters and make engaging course content for personalized training.

Key features:

  • Enables fast conversion of PowerPoint slides into interactive SCORM-compliant courses.
  • All-in-one tool for creating diverse eLearning content, such as slide courses, quizzes, video lectures, screencasts, role-play simulations, and more.
  • Has a very intuitive interfaces that allows people with no prior tech or design skills master the tool in minutes.
  • Includes an instructional design portfolio builder that you can use to showcase your best ID projects.

Cost: Starts at $770 per user/year. $970/year (1-year subscription to iSpring Suite and advanced features, such as Content Library, iSpring Cloud, as well as Technical Support and upgrades). User onboarding. Free trial for 14 days. Request a demo.

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2. iSpring Page

iSpring Page authoring tool

iSpring Page is a cloud-based course builder for creating interactive pages and quizzes.

With iSpring Page, you can build mini tutorials with videos, images, knowledge checks (quizzes with multiple choice questions, for example), and custom branding in a matter of minutes. 

The tool supports teamwork, so multiple authors can collaborate on the same learning content online to get the project done in less time.

Key features:

  • Works directly in your browser, so doesn’t depend on your OS.
  • Courses you create with iSpring Page can be uploaded to any learning mangement system that supports SCORM or xAPI format.
  • Includes a smart AI assistant that can significantly speed up writing, editing, and formatting.

Cost: $470/year for individuals; $1970/year for teams. Free 14-day trial.

3. Articulate 360

Articulate 360

Articulate 360 is a bundle of nine various tools, including prominent eLearning authoring tools like Articulate Storyline 360 and Rise 360. 

Articulate Rise 360 is an online tool for creating courses based on simple long-reads right in a browser. It enables you to assemble fully responsive courses from different pre-made ‘building blocks.’

Articulate Storyline 360 is a more sophisticated stand-alone tool for Windows. It allows you to build complex interactive courses and experiment with triggers and layers. Created content can be uploaded to most LMS platforms

However, it has a pretty steep learning curve, so it can not be the right instructional design tool for non-tech-savvy users. 

Key features:

  • Content Library 360 offers an extensive collection of templates, characters, and royalty-free stock assets (like images, videos, and audio files).
  • Includes a collaborative tool, Review 360, that streamlines the course review through feedback and revisions.
  • Subscribers have access to exclusive training resources.

The Articulate 360 Teams feature is tailored for group collaboration, allowing team members to collaborate on projects, share and manage team slides, and maintain a consistent design across different courses.

Cost: from $1,099/user per year. Free 30-day trial.

4. Adobe Captivate

Adobe Captivate

Adobe Captivate is a powerful instructional design software that is perfectly suited for building complex courses with interactive multimedia. 

It has great capabilities for making interactive videos, Virtual Reality (VR) projects, and software simulations, but it comes with a steep learning curve. Courses you create can be uploaded to most online learning platforms.

Key features:

  • Allows for the creation of responsive eLearning content that automatically adjusts to different screen sizes and devices.
  • Offers a rich library of ready-to-use assets, including characters, themes, backgrounds, and more.
  • Features a comprehensive set of options for creating quizzes with various question types, feedback options, and scoring methods.
  • Supports the creation of multistate objects for interactive content and fluid boxes that automatically align objects.

Cost: $33.99/month (billed annually). Free 30-day trial.

5. DomiKnow ONE

DomiKnow ONE

DomiKnow ONE is an instructional design software that combines traditional e-course authoring with robust, responsive authoring, screen capture, and software simulation into one integrated system.

This instructional design software has a Microsoft look, so most of the features will be intuitive for novice designers, but reviews highlight the limited support offered.

Key features:

  • Offers a centralized system for managing assets, enabling users to store, organize, and reuse multimedia files.
  • Supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple designers to work on the same project simultaneously.
  • Includes a wide range of interactive elements and widgets, such as buttons, rollovers, and drag-and-drop interactions.
  • Produces content that is compliant with SCORM and xAPI standards.

Cost: upon request. Free 14-day trial.

6. Lectora

Lectora Inspire and Lectora Online

Lectora is an old hand in the eLearning field, and their desktop course design software has been around for a long time. Lectora will help you build courses with media and assessments, but it’s not easy to get started – you need to be an experienced instructional designer to work with this eLearning software. Both desktop and web applications are available.

Key features:

  • Offers robust compatibility with various Learning Management Systems (LMS).
  • Includes tools that simplify the translation process, allowing for easy localization of courses into different languages.
  • Provides features that make courses compliant with accessibility standards like WCAG and Section 508.
  • Offers a wide range of customizable templates and themes, which enables rapid course development.

Cost: $117/month. Billed annually. Free 30-day trial.

7. Brainshark

Brainshark software

Brainshark is an eLearning and instructional design software solution designed to be a sales enablement platform for businesses and can be used for workplace learning or sales training. 

It combines features of authoring software and a learning management system (LMS). With the platform, companies can create and deliver text- and video-based learning content to train a sales team. Brainshark also provides options for the tracking and evaluation of learner results.

Key features:

  • Optimized for mobile learning, allowing learners to access training content on-the-go from their smartphones or tablets.
  • Offers tools for sales coaching and practice.
  • Provides a library of ready-made, industry-specific content.
  • Seamlessly integrates with various CRM systems, including Salesforce. 

Cost: upon request.

What is the best authoring tool for 2024?

All the tools mentioned above are the best options on the market today. They have the highest reviews from customers and industry experts, and most instructional designers use one or more of them — each for a specific task.

Which authoring tool is the best for you? It depends on the kind of eLearning content you want to create, your tech proficiency, and what you need the tool for (only to create content or also to share it with learners and track their progress).

If you’re new to eLearning and/or need a tool to create all kinds of eLearning content quickly and easily and then publish it to your LMS, there’s no better choice than iSpring Suite.

Mind mapping tools

While planning an eLearning project, you need to collect ideas, exchange feedback, and brainstorm. Mind mapping is an effective way to take notes of your thoughts and represent them visually. Here, we’ll offer you a number of mind-mapping tools to help you decide which is the right one for you.

8. XMind

XMind

XMind is a full-featured mind mapping and brainstorming tool that’ll help you collect your ideas and craft them in a logical structure. 

You can export your mind map into different formats, including PDF, TXT, HTML, JPEG, and more. In addition to the mind map structure, XMind also offers tree, logic, and fishbone charts.

Cost: $5.99/month (if you pay monthly) or $59.99/year (if you pay annually).

9. MindMeister

MindMeister

MindMeister is another popular instructional design software. It’s a market-leading online mind-mapping tool that allows you to brainstorm great ideas, take notes, and plan projects with your team or subject matter experts – even when you are thousands of miles apart. 

You can also use this tool to manage meetings, store, share, and manage corporate knowledge.

Cost: Free Basic plan. Individual accounts start at $5.99/month.

Alternative services → Miro, iMindMap, SpiderScribe

Presentation tools

Presentations and slideshows are some of the most common ways of delivering corporate training. With a strong understanding of instructional design and advanced skills working with presentation software, you can create beautiful, engaging content to help your learners achieve real results.

You probably already know these instructional design tools, but we might as well mention them anyway.

Also read → 12 Interactive Presentation Software and Tools for 2023

10. Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is the most popular and arguably the best free instructional design software that allows you to create and show slides. 

You can combine text, graphics, and multimedia content to build professional presentations. To make presentations more interactive, you can add triggers, animation effects and set up navigation using hyperlinks.

Cost: Microsoft offers a Microsoft 365 subscription that includes PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, and 1 TB of cloud storage per person. This subscription starts at $6.99 per month.

11. Prezi

Prezi

Prezi is a web-based tool for creating engaging presentations (called Prezis for short). It’s similar to MS PowerPoint but has some unique features. For example, you can add 3D backgrounds and import PDF files into your prezis.

Cost: The Standard plan for personal use starts from $5/month

Graphics and infographics tools

Visual content is an easy way to enhance eLearning. If you want to spend less time creating graphics or don’t have enough skills to work with complex photo editors like Photoshop, use simple instructional design tools that make great visuals without needing any design expertise at all. The nice thing here is that most of them are free.

Let’s explore some of them.

12. Canva

Canva

Canva is a graphic design tool website and one of the best design tools. It uses a drag-and-drop format and provides access to over a million photos, graphics, and fonts. 

The service allows you to create content of different types, such as social media image presentations, invitations, marketing, and training material.

Cost: Free.

13. Paint.net

Paint.net

Paint.NET is free image and photo editing software for Microsoft Windows. It has a simple interface and a minimum set of features needed for an instructional designer. So it’s easy to use for those with no technical knowledge. 

Paint.NET includes simple tools for drawing shapes, the Gradient tool, the Magic Wand, a lot of special effects, support for layers, and much more.

Cost: Free.

14. Figma

Figma

Figma is a cloud-based instructional design software. It provides all the tools you need for the design phase of a project, including vector tools, prototyping capabilities, and code generation. 

The nice part is that you can share designs with your customers without them needing to download any software to view or edit. Figma is a great solution for advanced instructional designers.

Cost: The Starter pricing plan for individuals is free.

15. Vectornator

Vectornator

Vectornator is a graphic design and illustration app for iOS and macOS devices. Use this instructional design software to create layout mockups, prototypes, branding elements, vector graphics, and custom typography. 

Its highly intuitive interface is designed to be used by novices and experts alike: gesture controls and a text-editing tool make design faster and easier. 

With Vectornator’s numerous integrations, export/import options, social media templates, and drag-and-drop functionality, achieve beautiful results.

Cost: Free

16. Infogram

Infogram

Infogram is an easy-to-use visualization and infographics platform. It has options for creating and sharing beautiful infographics, online reports, digital charts, maps with interactive elements, dashboards, and social media visuals. 

Infogram has an intuitive drag-and-drop editor that converts users’ data into infographics that can be published, embedded, or shared.

Cost: The Basic plan for personal use is free.

17. Imgflip

Imgflip

Imgflip helps to make the static visual design come alive with movement and humor. It’s an easy-to-use tool that lets you create your own engaging elements, such as GIF images relating to your eLearning content. 

You can make animated GIFs from video files, YouTube, and pictures.

Cost: Free.

18. Photocopa

Photocopa

Often, a photo or set of photos comprises a theme for an eLearning course, and it’s important to find colors that complement that imagery. You can do this with Photocopa, which creates a palette based on your photos.

Cost: Free.

19. Comic Life 3

Comic Life 3

Comic Life 3 is an app for progressive instructional designers who are ready to build eLearning courses in the form of comics. The tool has everything for making stunning comics: fonts, templates, panels, balloons, captions, and lettering art.

Cost: $29.99 (lifetime license).

Video tools

Training videos are much more engaging than manuals and even simple slides. With the video creation software applications listed here, you can make screen capture, talking head videos, and presentations with a voice recording explaining the content.

20. Free Cam

Free Cam

Free Cam is a simple screen recorder for Windows. It provides a full set of features for screen video capture, such as selecting a recording area, recording a voice-over and system sounds, and highlighting the mouse cursor. 

You can save screencasts on your desktop or share them on YouTube.

Cost: Free.

21. iSpring Cam Pro

iSpring Cam Pro

iSpring Cam Pro is an advanced video program for creating video training and screen recording. 

With this tool, you can record professional-looking video courses, how-to videos, and software tutorials. While making video lessons, you may need to add titles, annotate, do voice-overs, create a freeze frame, and more. iSpring Cam Pro will help you do all that in the quickest and easiest way possible.

Cost: $227 (annual subscription) with a 14-day free trial.

22. Camtasia

Camtasia

Camtasia is a popular instructional design software for creating training videos, tutorials, screencasts, etc. 

It comes with powerful editing capabilities and is especially handy for screen recording. With Camtasia, you can add annotations, music, and four types of quizzes and surveys to videos and convert them to SCORM files.

Cost: $299.99/per year

Audio tools and samples

Introducing audio into training is a great way to engage learners and keep them involved in the process. We’ve compiled a few instructional design tools that will help you create first-rate audio for your eLearning courses. 

As a bonus, we will review a service where you can find free music tracks.

23. Audacity

Audacity

Audacity is a free cross-platform instructional design software for recording and editing audio. With this tool, you can record live audio, cut, copy, or mix sounds together, change the speed or pitch of a recording, and much more.

Cost: Free.

24. Watson Text to Speech

Watson Text to Speech

Watson Text to Speech automatically converts written text into natural-sounding audio. 

This service is a great solution for instructional designers who don’t want to voice-over courses themselves or hire a professional voice actor. It’s available in 13 voices across seven languages.

Cost: You can convert 10,000 characters per month for free.

25. BBC Sound Effects

BBC Sound Effects

BBC Sound Effects is a library of 16,000 audio samples, which can be streamed or downloaded in WAV format and may be used for personal, educational, or research purposes. 

Sounds include people walking, a cash register, crowds cheering, a car engine, and much more.

Cost: Free.

Alternative services → Synthopia, SampleSwap, SampleFocus, FreeSound

Interactive learning tools

Game-based learning offers a lot of advantages. This motivational, challenging, and fun experience can hold learners’ attention longer and increase knowledge retention. We’ve collected a list of interactive learning tools that will help you produce even more effective training content.

26. Kahoot!

Kahoot

Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform. It lets you create fun learning games (called kahoots) in minutes. You can take quizzes on any subject in any language. 

The format is up to you. For example, you can add videos, images, and diagrams to your questions.

Cost: From $17/host per month.

27. QuizGame

QuizGame

QuizGame is another instructional design software tool for gamifying training. It offers a few games like Prison Break, Do or Die, or the Big Escape, which can excite learners, create a competitive environment, and manage the learning process in a fun manner.

Cost: Upon request.

28. WIREWAX

WIREWAX

WIREWAX is a browser-based editor that allows you to transform any video into an interactive experience by easily adding hotspots. 

Videos play on mobile devices, tablets, and desktops. In 2021, WIREWAX became a part of Vimeo, a global online video platform and leading video instructional design software solution.

Cost: Upon request.

29. Vyond

Vyond

Vyond lets you create animated video courses. It has a big library of built-in customizable templates, sounds, props, and other interactive multimedia, so you can make dynamic content that is unique. 

You can use dialogue, lip-sync, and realistic movements to speed up learners’ immersion in the courses.

Cost: From $299/year.

Survey tools

Survey tools are crucial for user research before and after course creation. The pre-training survey can help define the learning goals and understand learners’ expectations. 

The post-training survey is a final step that will help you identify which activities learners enjoyed most, what they struggled with, and how much they learned. 

If you have a content creation tool, you can create quizzes and surveys in your course builder. If not, you may use one of the following popular tools:

30. Surveymonkey

Surveymonkey

SurveyMonkey is an online instructional design software that allows you to launch different questionnaires. You can use standard templates or create customized surveys, send them to your learners, and monitor how learners complete surveys in real-time.

Cost: The Standard Monthly plan costs $99 per month.

31. CrowdSignal

CrowdSignal

CrowdSignal is a simple survey tool for creating customizable, interactive surveys. You can prevent double voting and spam, analyze data in real-time, export results in Excel, PDF, CSV, Google Docs, or XML formats, and much more.

Cost: Has a free plan. Paid subscription starts at $15 per month.

Alternative Tools  Google Surveys, Typeform, Zoho Survey, Survey Planet

PDF & flipping book tools

PDF documents are not always designed to be compatible with screen readers. It’s a good decision to turn them into a page-turn experience. PDFs will automatically adapt to screen size and orientation, and it’s easy to read them on tablets and smartphones.

32. iSpring Flip

iSpring Flip

With iSpring Flipyou can quickly turn PowerPoint, PDF, and Word documents into attractive ebooks with a realistic page flip effect. After conversion, all fonts, images, links, references, and navigation elements are preserved.

Cost: $227 per user (annual subscription).

Alternative Tools  See our article about the top 5 flipbook software programs.

33. SmallPDF

SmallPDF

SmallPDF is a platform for converting and editing PDF output online. You can convert Word, PPT, and Excel files to and from PDF, compress, remove pages, add text, shapes, images, and annotations, extract images, and more.

Cost: Has a free plan with access to 21 Smallpdf tools. $7/month per user (team plan), $9/month per user (individual plan).

Writing Tools

An eLearning course is not just about design, technology, and interactivity. High-quality content is based on some story that helps to create an immersive learning experience. 

So, text is another important part of a course that hasn’t lost its shine amidst graphics and media. We’ve collected a list of several useful instructional design software that can help course developers write texts and make them better.

34. Grammarly

Grammarly

Grammarly is an online platform that will help you make your writing clear and mistake-free. It automatically detects grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style mistakes. It’s available via a browser extension for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.

Cost: Basic writing suggestions are available in the free account (100 prompts per month).

35. Hemingway

Hemingway

Hemingway is a cloud-based instructional design software for making writing bold and clear. 

It checks the text for readability and helps you find complex sentences and phrases, excessive adverbs, and passive voice constructions that can turn into active voices.

Cost: Free.

36. Google Docs

Google Docs

Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Forms are a part of an office suite. It has smart editing and styling tools to help you easily format text and paragraphs. You can choose from hundreds of fonts, add links and images, and more.

Cost: Free.

Project management tools

Whether you’re an independent instructional designer or one of the team members, you’re likely to need some tools that will help you be more organized, thereby boosting your performance. 

We’ve made the task easier by drawing up a short list of such tools. Check out what’s special about them, and find a solution that meets your requirements.

37. Trello

Trello

Trello is an easy-to-use instructional design software known for visualizing project tasks. 

It includes boards, lists, and cards that help you organize your project and track all its aspects in a quick visual way. The tool seamlessly syncs between devices, so you can use it wherever you go.

Cost: Free for personal use.

38. Google Calendar

Google Calendar

Google Calendar is a time-management and scheduling calendar service. It allows you to easily keep track of your daily schedule by creating specific tasks, reminders, and events. 

You can share your calendars with others and even create team calendars.

Cost: Free.

39. Tomato Timer

Tomato Timer

Tomato Timer is an online Pomodoro Technique timer. The Pomodoro Technique uses a timer to break down work into 25-minute intervals (Pomodoro), separated by short breaks. 

It’s based on the idea that frequent breaks improve mental agility. Tomato Timer lets you set custom times, audio tone, and volume.

Cost: Free.

Tools for communication and sharing

Some instructional designers work remotely, as well as asynchronously or in different time zones with their customers. 

The designer and customer should always keep in touch so projects don’t go off the rails. You can easily do that by using the following communication tools:

40. Skype

Skype

Skype allows audio and video calls and messaging between multiple devices. You can also easily share presentations or anything on your screen during a call, record Skype calls, and use live subtitles to read the words that are spoken. This can be a good solution for conducting virtual classroom sessions.

Cost: Essential features are free.

41. Slack

Slack

Slack is a collaboration tool used by remote teams. It supports direct messaging and group messaging, as well as audio and video conferencing. 

One of its outstanding features is an advanced search engine. You can search everything within the message threads and documents to quickly find the information you’re looking for.

Cost: Has a free plan. Paid plans start from $2.25/month.

42. GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting has everything to host a web meeting well. You can launch a meeting from anywhere, on any device. 

It also has some other features, such as the ability to hand over control of your computer and one-click recording.

Cost: Pricing plans start from $12/month.

43. Google Drive

Google Drive

Google Drive is a safe place for storing files and putting them within reach of any device. 

It allows users to store files on Google servers, synchronize files across smartphones and computers, and share documents. 

You can invite others to view, edit, or leave comments on your files or folders.

Cost: The first 15 GB of storage with a Google account is free.

Best Instructional Design Resources in 2024

In addition to instructional design software tools, you’re likely to need resources such as templates, images, and articles on eLearning. Fortunately, we’ve collected the best resources for instructional design. Check them out!

Ready-made templates

Creating a unique course from scratch takes a lot of time. To quickly create engaging training courses, you can use ready-made templates. If you’re looking for quality ones, check out the following resources:

44. eLearning Brothers Asset Library

eLearning Brothers Asset Library is perhaps the biggest name among training resources and the industry leader when it comes to templates.

It has a large and constantly evolving library of 1,500+ templates, including interactions, games, scenarios, quizzes, and layouts. 

There are also thousands of cutout characters, PowerPoint graphics, stock images, and more.

Cost: $117 per month or $1,398 per year.

45. Faster Course

Faster Course

Faster Course has an attractive library of templates with a primary focus on Adobe Captivate, Articulate, and Lectora. 

You just need to download a template, copy and paste your texts, images, and videos, and publish interactive courses.

Cost: Starts at $349 per year.

46. Rapid eLearning Templates

Rapid eLearning Templates offers full-featured templates for Articulate Storyline and Adobe Captivate. It has a few free downloads as well as a collection of premium templates. 

You can also order a custom template on this website.

Cost: The price for premium templates starts from $30.

47. eLearning.net

eLearning.net produces high-quality free templates, graphics, and related services. The site also offers free sets of illustrated characters.

Cost: The price for one template is $29.95

Image and photo sharing platforms

If you don’t want to create graphics on your own, you can take ready-made pictures from photo-sharing platforms. 

There’s a wide variety of high-quality, beautiful images, vector graphics, and art illustrations there, which will help you make your eLearning content more engaging.

48. Unsplash

Unsplash

Unsplash gives you access to thousands of free stock photos with a Creative Commons Zero license. That means you can use the images and edit them for free without asking permission from the photographer or website.

Cost: Free.

Alternative services  Pexels, Storyblocks, FreeImages.uk

49. Microsoft Clipart Library

Microsoft Clipart Library

Microsoft Clipart Library presents you with a selection of 40 Microsoft Cliparts. You can choose any clip art that suits your eLearning courses.

Cost: Free.

50. Flaticon

Flaticon

Flaticon is the largest resource of free icons available in PNG, SVG, EPS, PSD, and BASE 64 formats. It includes 1,649,000 vector icons. You can edit their size, position, and colors.

Cost: Free. Pricing plans for premium icons and stickers start at $7.50/month (billed annually).

Alternative services  The Noun Project, Font Awesome, IconPharm

51. Google Fonts

Google Fonts

Google Fonts is a great instructional design software because it has a library of 915 licensed fonts. All fonts are released under open-source licenses, allowing them for personal and commercial use.

Cost: Free.

Alternative tools → Freebiesbug, 1001 Free Fonts, DaFont, Font Bundles

Inspirational and educational eLearning resources

Inspiration and new knowledge are the essentials of success in any profession. Instructional designers are no exception and need to constantly learn in their careers. 

Here are the three best eLearning content resources to give great insights, tips, and trends in instructional design:

52. eLearning Industry

eLearning Industry is a comprehensive blog about digital learning and instructional design. It offers a lot of interesting and thought-provoking articles on eLearning trends, strategies, and software used by instructional designers, free eBooks, and webinars.

53. The eLearning Guild

The eLearning Guild is another website where digital learning professionals can share their knowledge, expertise, and ideas to build better training experiences. The Guild hosts several conferences, including DevLearn, Learning Solutions, and Realities360.

Cost: Free.

54. CommLab India

CommLab India is a global leader in rapid eLearning content solutions. It offers a lot of useful instructional design-specific tips, tricks, and advice.

Cost: Free.

Instructional design books

If you want to develop your skills and knowledge of the latest ID trends and innovations, check out these new, most relevant books!

Also readThe 21 Best Books on Instructional Design

55. “Learning Experience Design Essentials,” by Cara North

Cara North presents a comprehensive design process covering task analysis, assessments, usability testing, and the pivotal element of conveying the ‘why’ behind the learning experience. Explore blending content and context, essential LXD skills, and North’s expert advice on crafting effective learning experiences. It’s ideal for beginners in instructional design.

56. “Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change,” by Julie Dirksen

This book tackles a fundamental question for instructional designers: how to stimulate action when learners know what to do but aren’t doing it. Using behavioral science, Julie Dirksen provides strategies to understand the process of change, motivate learners, and apply models like the COM-B Model. It’s perfect for eLearning professionals seeking to influence learner behavior.

57. “Reverse Training Design,” by Mark Mrohs

Drawing from extensive experience and recent research, Mark Mrohs offers a unique, reversed approach to corporate training. This advanced read is ideal for seasoned professionals seeking fresh approaches to training design. Explore the concept of “starting at the end” for improved program design and aligning training with cognitive processes.

58. “What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Instructional Designer,” by Luke Hobson

This tool is a must-read for new instructional designers seeking valuable insights to avoid common pitfalls and accelerate professional growth. Find answers to key questions, such as the pros and cons of instructional design, portfolio building, networking, self-learning, and collaborating with SMEs.

YouTube channels on instructional design

YouTube is a great place to learn and hone your skills. Here are three instructional design channels that are currently the most informative and publish new videos regularly!

59. iSpring

If you want to enhance your instructional design skills and excel in eLearning content creation, check out our YouTube channel! Explore tips, step-by-step guides, and reviews on course creation and eLearning tools. Discover tutorials for the iSpring Suite authoring tool, the iSpring Learn LMS, and more to elevate your eLearning expertise.

60. Instructional Design Tips

Hosted by Tom McDowall, this channel delves into using eLearning tools, strategies, and methods, featuring discussions on pressing issues in online learning. While not ideal for beginners, it’s perfect for those looking to deepen their ID skills and stay up to date on industry trends.

61. Devlin Peck

Check out Devlin Peck’s eLearning YouTube channel if you’re new to instructional design. Devlin provides valuable insights into the basics of instructional design, building an eLearning portfolio, and the life of an instructional designer.

Takeaway: Unlock the power of eLearning with iSpring Solutions

Well, now you know about the best instructional design software and resources and will easily select the right tool to create effective learning materials. All of them together will help you create eLearning courses faster and make them more beautiful and engaging.

If you’re looking for a robust authoring tool that will enable you to create professional-looking courses, quizzes, and make the eLearning experience truly engaging, feel free to download a 14-day trial of iSpring Suite.

iSpring Suite

Fast course authoring toolkit

Create online courses and assessments in record time.

Fast course authoring toolkit