TL;DR<\/h2>\n
The article explains what SCORM is and why it\u2019s important for eLearning, defines a SCORM file as a ZIP package with an XML manifest and course resources, and outlines how to create SCORM content. It describes manual SCORM creation steps and highlights that authoring tools make the process easier. It shows how tools like iSpring Suite convert various content (such as PowerPoint, PDF, Word, and video) into SCORM files, how to publish these for LMS use, and explains how to open and test SCORM courses. It also covers best practices for content creation and testing before uploading to an LMS.<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s start with the basics and take a closer look at what a SCORM file is and why we should care.<\/p>\n A SCORM file is a ZIP file that contains markup files. These files show how a course is built and contain the assets needed to create courses that can be reused across systems.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Here\u2019s what the ZIP folder should contain:<\/p>\n If you want to learn more about the technical aspects of SCORM packages, check out our guides on SCORM hosting<\/a> and how to test SCORM packages<\/a>.<\/p>\n SCORM has three distinct versions: SCORM 1.1, 1.2, and 2004<\/strong>. Among these, versions 1.2 and 2004 stand out as the most popular because of their technical capabilities and benefits.<\/p>\n That said, there can be compatibility issues between SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004<\/a> due to their differences in data tracking, interactivity features, and reporting capabilities.<\/p>\n So, while both versions aim to enhance eLearning experiences, transitioning from SCORM 1.2 to SCORM 2004 might prove to be challenging. Different versions handle and display content differently, especially when it comes to interactive elements.<\/p>\n You might want to consider formats other than SCORM, like xAPI<\/a> or cmi5<\/a>, which offer different approaches to tracking and content delivery. However, SCORM is still a popular eLearning format, and chances are you\u2019ve worked (or are working) with one of the many SCORM authoring tools available on the market.<\/p>\n Now, let\u2019s go over the methods to create SCORM content.<\/p>\n To create a SCORM package from scratch without any SCORM-compliant authoring tools<\/a>, follow this process:<\/p>\n Collect all the information you wish to include in the course. Whether it\u2019s text, images, audio, or video, place your source files into a specific folder. Think about how you want all of them to come together when creating courses that are easy to navigate.<\/p>\n To brainstorm how these ideas and content elements will fit together, you can make a storyboard to draw out a plan for the course. Alternatively, write a simple outline using your favorite text editor.<\/p>\n The content you upload must be displayable in a web browser to become SCORM-compliant eLearning courses. So, before your course becomes a SCORM file that you can deliver via an LMS, you need to break it down into a series of HTML pages, just like you would for a website. You\u2019ll also need to link every text and media file so they display on the platform.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not tech-oriented, don\u2019t worry. We\u2019ll show you how to develop eLearning content using an authoring tool later in the article.<\/p>\n That said, the manual creation of an HTML version of your course is a pretty straightforward process. You can structure your course in Google Docs and use the File<\/strong> \u2192 Download<\/strong> \u2192 Web Page<\/strong> option to download the HTML version of the course.<\/p>\n Once you have an HTML version of your course that works in a web browser, you can handle its SCORM compliance details.<\/p>\n Create a group of text files that describe your course using SCORM terms and put them in a ZIP package along with the HTML content you created in the previous step. This way, the second SCORM-compatible<\/a> product in the equation (your LMS) can process your course and record learning stats once the course is available to learners.<\/p>\n You can do this in different ways, but here\u2019s how we recommend approaching it:<\/p>\n 5. Adapt the imsmanifest file to your content. Edit the text in <title> and change the links to the HTML resources of your course. The first resource in the list should be your main HTML file, which contains all the links to your course\u2019s resources.<\/p>\n Once you finish customizing the imsmanifest.xml file, compress your HTML and SCORM files into a ZIP archive<\/strong>. Then, upload the resulting file to your platform and see if it processes your entire course successfully.<\/p>\n As you can see, packaging a SCORM course on your own can be a hassle, and it definitely requires some IT skills. We recommend going down this path only if you\u2019re tech-savvy and have plenty of patience.<\/p>\n Pros of this approach:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Cons of this approach:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n To create a SCORM package manually without an authoring tool, we recommend using the following resources and tools:<\/p>\n SCORM templates are pre-designed structures that facilitate the creation of SCORM-compliant eLearning content. These templates provide a framework for organizing learning content, interactions, and assessments within the SCORM format.<\/p>\n For instance, you can browse the list of XML schema definition files<\/a><\/strong> on the SCORM website to ensure that your SCORM package is properly formatted, regardless of which version you choose. You can also check their list of SCORM content packaging samples<\/a> to get a better idea of how to create an imsmanifest.xml file, add metadata, and package the course.<\/p>\n HTML editors are required to create the structure of your SCORM content before you convert your HTML file to SCORM<\/a>. You can use them to write the HTML code for your course content, including text, images, multimedia elements, and interactive features.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also need a text editor to write the content of your SCORM course. You can use a simple editor like Notepad or a more advanced one like Sublime Text<\/strong>.<\/p>\n For those working with existing HTML content that needs SCORM compliance, consider using a SCORM wrapper<\/a> to package your entire course<\/strong> quickly without extensive manual coding.<\/p>\n As you can see, creating a single SCORM course manually is an option. But what if you need to design multiple SCORM-compliant lessons, each with lots of audio and video? This task can require many months of the tedious coding and editing of SCORM files.<\/p>\n Fortunately, there are software tools that can automate the process. These programs are called SCORM authoring tools. This type of tool works as a SCORM converter, and you don\u2019t need any technical knowledge to use it. It transforms your courses from visual content to HTML-compliant SCORM packages that can be uploaded directly to a learning management system and used to track learner progress. Take iSpring Suite, for example \u2014 it does all the heavy lifting of SCORM conversion for you, and you can use it to enhance your courses with interactive elements, unique visual assets, and more.<\/p>\n You can use an authoring tool to convert various kinds of content to SCORM. For example, if you have PowerPoint presentations, they can become a neat SCORM file literally in a matter of seconds. You can also convert PDF to SCORM<\/a>, Word documents to SCORM<\/a>, and video files to SCORM<\/a>.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s take PPT content as an example. When one of your PowerPoint presentations is ready, follow these steps to convert it into a SCORM module<\/a>.<\/p>\n 7. When everything is set up, click on Publish<\/strong> to convert your course into a SCORM file. Wait for iSpring to finish the conversion, and voil\u00e0, your course is ready.<\/p>\n Pros of this approach:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Cons of this approach:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Full-featured authoring tools like iSpring Suite can be so much more than simple converters. They allow instructional designers with any level of expertise to create interactive content. For example, you can build the following types of eLearning content from scratch:<\/p>\n Take a look at this demo course to see what you can make with iSpring Suite:<\/p>\n Since iSpring Suite is a PowerPoint add-in, you can start creating SCORM courses immediately, even if you have no instructional design background. You don\u2019t even need to keep the conversion step in mind \u2014 the tool is also a SCORM converter by default.<\/p>\n Pros<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Cons<\/p>\n<\/div>\n You can open a SCORM course in a browser right from your computer. Simply extract your ZIP package and click on the launch file, which is often called index.html<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If you have an LMS, upload your SCORM package to the platform and click on its icon to run the course. However, for professional eLearning delivery, you\u2019ll want to use dedicated SCORM players<\/a> that offer better tracking, reporting, and compatibility features.<\/p>\n Often, uploading a SCORM file straight to the production version of your LMS may not be the best approach. After all, uploading a large file like a SCORM course takes time, which may differ based on how fast your LMS is. Also, if you find a mistake in your course during a test run, you\u2019ll need to fix it and then replace the old version with a new file, thus doubling the upload time.<\/p>\n To avoid these obstacles, experienced instructional designers test their SCORM files before uploading them to an LMS or sending them to a client.<\/p>\n The best and simplest way to test a SCORM file is a web-based service called SCORM Cloud by Rustici Software. This company currently oversees the SCORM standard, so it deserves your trust. Here\u2019s how it works.<\/p>\n Now that you have prepared your SCORM file, it\u2019s time to get it onto your LMS<\/a>. The platform you\u2019ve chosen will provide detailed guidelines on the upload process. However, some common steps need to be followed:<\/p>\n Here are some good practices to keep in mind when creating SCORM content:<\/p>\n Choose a SCORM-compliant authoring tool that fits your technical skills and design needs. Take advantage of course templates and pre-built designs to save time and maintain consistency.<\/p>\n Make your SCORM content accessible to all learners by adhering to web accessibility guidelines (WCAG). Include alternative text for images, captions for videos, and make sure keyboard navigation is possible.<\/p>\n Break content into smaller, modular sections that can be reused or updated individually. This modularity will also allow learners to digest information in manageable segments.<\/p>\n Create intuitive navigation to prevent learners from getting lost. Provide clear instructions and feedback on learners\u2019 progress.<\/p>\n Use a mix of multimedia, such as images, video, and interactive elements, to cater to different learning styles. Include quizzes and role-plays to engage learners and reinforce understanding.<\/p>\n Test your SCORM course in multiple browsers and devices<\/a> to ensure compatibility. Preview the content in a SCORM-compliant LMS to check for any tracking or technical issues. Also, consider your SCORM hosting<\/a> options to ensure optimal delivery and performance.<\/p>\n Set the LMS up so it tracks completion, time spent, and assessment scores to the degree that this is possible. Clearly define the criteria for a passing grade and completion within the SCORM package.<\/p>\n Collect feedback from learners and instructors to identify areas for improvement. Update your SCORM packages regularly to refine the content and address any technical issues.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions on creating a SCORM file. Check them out to dive deeper into the topic.<\/p>\n A regular eLearning course might be just a PowerPoint presentation, video, or PDF. A SCORM file, however, adds the structure and data-tracking features that allow an LMS to record learner progress, completion rates, and scores.<\/p>\n Yes, almost any type of content \u2014 from PowerPoint slides to video tutorials \u2014 can be converted into a SCORM course using an authoring tool. The key is making sure that your content is web-friendly (viewable in a browser) and packaged correctly according to SCORM format standards. This helps ensure SCORM compliance so your course runs smoothly across different learning platforms.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no official size limit, but smaller files (under 500 MB) are more reliable and easier to upload to LMSs. If your course includes high-resolution videos or large media assets, consider hosting them externally and linking them within the SCORM course. Keeping file sizes optimized also improves tracking learner progress performance within the LMS.<\/p>\n Yes, but it depends on how it was made. If the course was built with an authoring tool, open the project file, make edits, and republish it as a new SCORM package. If you created it manually, you\u2019ll need to unzip the SCORM file, edit the HTML or XML files, and carefully repackage it.<\/p>\n You should review and update SCORM content at least once a year or whenever your organization\u2019s branding, policies, or compliance requirements change. Regular updates also keep your course design and technology up to date.<\/p>\n SCORM is still a relevant and popular online learning format. Content developers have been working with it for decades, and most eLearning software products support it. You don\u2019t need to build SCORM content manually \u2014 use modern tools to do the job for you and turn to manual SCORM file creation only if you genuinely enjoy the process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What Is a SCORM File?<\/h2>\n
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<\/div>\nFile compatibility across SCORM versions<\/h3>\n
How to Create a SCORM File Manually<\/h2>\n
1. Collect all the information you want to include in the course<\/h3>\n
![\"Online](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/editor\/2025\/07\/course-outline-example-1752084560.png\" "\\"Course")
<\/div>\n2. Create an HTML version of your course<\/h3>\n
![\"How](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/editor\/2025\/07\/HTML-version-1752084646.png\" "\\"Download")
<\/div>\nToo much to read? Get a summary from AI<\/h3>\n \n
3. Add the required SCORM files<\/h3>\n
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<\/div>\n4. Pack the results into a ZIP folder<\/h3>\n
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Useful Resources for Creating a SCORM Package for Online Training Without Tools<\/h2>\n
SCORM file templates<\/h3>\n
HTML and text editors<\/h3>\n
How to Convert an Existing File into a SCORM File with an Authoring Tool<\/h2>\n
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How to Create a SCORM File from Scratch with an Authoring Tool<\/h2>\n
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How to Open and View a SCORM Course<\/h2>\n
![\"How](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/editor\/2025\/07\/how-to-play-a-SCORM-course-1752086162.png\" "\\"How")
<\/div>\nHow to Test a SCORM File<\/h2>\n
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<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nHow to Upload a SCORM Course to Your Learning Management System<\/h2>\n
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Best Practices in SCORM Content Creation<\/h2>\n
![\"Best](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/editor\/2025\/11\/mceu0smhw21ftx1oyhd48t4jcuz1ku71tq-1762955254.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/div>\nChoose an authoring tool wisely<\/h3>\n
Design for accessibility<\/h3>\n
Keep content modular<\/h3>\n
Keep navigation intuitive<\/h3>\n
Engage your learners<\/h3>\n
Test across platforms<\/h3>\n
Guarantee proper tracking<\/h3>\n
Gather feedback and update<\/h3>\n
FAQ<\/h2>\n
What\u2019s the difference between a SCORM file and a regular eLearning course?<\/h3>\n
Can I turn any type of training material into a SCORM package?<\/h3>\n
How large should a SCORM file be?<\/h3>\n
Can I edit a SCORM package after it\u2019s been created?<\/h3>\n
How often should I update my SCORM courses?<\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n