Deciding on which development tool will suit your needs is an important step in making sure your development process is a successful one.
Are you creating a video demonstration with little or no interactivity?
Are you creating a series of interactive software tutorials as part of a course?
Do you need to import content from PowerPoint and present it with or without voiceover but include animation and special effects?
There are a multitude of development tools on the market. To know which one is right for you, it’s important to do as much research as possible before purchasing to make sure you make the right choice. Two popular tools for creating online presentations are TechSmith Camtasia and Adobe Captivate. Camtasia is excellent for creating quick videos, and has limited functionality with regards to setting up interactivity. Captivate is a larger, more robust tool that offers a lot more with regards to interactivity, assessment building and tutorial development. If it’s animation you’re looking for, then Adobe Photoshop may be a good choice. If it’s screen capturing you need to do, including static image or screen activity, consider Snag-It, which is a good compliment to any development tool.
Consider downloading a trial copy of the software you are considering to try it out first. Watch youtube videos to help you decide which product is right for you.
To learn more about the differences between Camtasia and Captivate, click here.