Adobe Authorware

Software Overview

Adobe Authorware is an IDE used to create e-learning applications. It was developed by Macromedia before Adobe took over after the release of version 7. Adobe discontinued Authorware in 2007.

The purpose of Authorware is to enable you to create media-rich applications to teach students and train employees. You begin by creating a flowline, which is similar to a flowchart, that outlines the structure of the program. You can then add your content, which includes support for animations, text, graphics, video, and sound to make the application more interactive. If you lack programming knowledge, the tool provides helpful wizards and a simple drag-and-drop icon feature for creating your application’s outline. For more advanced users, Authorware is fully scriptable, allowing you to create custom commands, extensible content, and Knowledge Objects.

When creating your application, Authorware allows you to import PowerPoint presentations and supports an array of media types, including Adobe Flash MX (outdated now) and MP3 audio. After you finish modifying your application, you can easily publish it to a CD, a DVD, a corporate network, or the web. Authorware's interface is configurable and familiar for Adobe users, with panels that can be collapsed, expanded, and grouped. The application is also extensible, Xtra extensions can be installed to provide additional functionality, such as advanced encryption, text-to-speech, and printing capabilities.

Summary

Back in the early 2000s, Adobe Authorware was a useful tool for helping educational and business users create e-learning applications. But now, advancements in technology have left Adobe Authorware in the dust and you should look elsewhere for developing an application.

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.A7PAuthorware 7 Project

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