Anyone who wants to create digital learning content is quickly overwhelmed by the number of creative tools on the market. Today we present 19 tools that E-learning expert Claudia Grajek recommends for creating content for online courses. From general design tools to image databases to editing video and audio files. With infographic download!
Shared recommendations: Our selection of creative tools for creating learning content
Experienced trainers and coaches know: If you want to digitize your learning content, it is not enough to simply pull out the scanner. You also should not upload page-long presentation slides to your online course 1:1. In e-learning, your participants sit alone in front of the screen and quickly get bored if they have to click through text documents.
Today, the choice is often a colorful mix of media such as videos, quizzes, images, audio, and - yes, occasionally - text documents. There are plenty of tools that can help you create this kind of media content. For example, Canva, Filmora, various PDF converters, and many more. You probably can think of a few tool providers right away. But new creative tools seem to appear every day, some with outrageous prices or hidden subscription traps. The server location and GDPR compliance are also important criteria for many customers.
In addition to features and price, you should also keep your own production speed in mind. A tool only makes sense if it helps you create content faster and in a more structured way - instead of slowing you down with complicated menus and unnecessary features.
Everyone knows different tools and has exciting ideas for use in digital training. That is why blink.it Success Trainer and e-learning expert Claudia Grajek launched a survey and asked: What are your tool tips for e-learning? The results can be divided into two categories:
Tools for creating digital learning content
Tools for interactive online learning
We present the first category in this article - part 2 follows next week!
Claudia Grajek
Claudia is an independent social media consultant and previously worked as a Success Manager at blink.it. She regularly speaks with people who digitize and distribute their knowledge and content. In one of her webinars, she exchanged ideas with trainers and coaches about helpful third-party tools - the results are the basis for this article.
These 19 tools help you create digital learning content
Based on Claudia's recommendations, we have created an infographic here with 19 tools that can be divided into 5 categories:
General design
PDF
Image databases
Video
Audio
Disclaimer: Of course, the selection of tools mentioned here is subjective and incomplete. They only reflect Claudia's and our experiences, and we have no connection whatsoever with the respective software providers.
Quick access: All links to the tool recommendations for online content
Tools for general design applications
Tools for converting and creating PDFs
Digital databases for images and videos
Tools related to the video format
Camtasia (link leads to a third-party site)
Losslesscut (link leads to a third-party site)
Tools related to the audio format
Interview: Extra tips on Claudia Grajek's tools
Claudia, 19 tool tips is quite a lot. What are your top 3 tool recommendations for creating content for online courses?
By far, number 1 is Canva. I use it for so much and always show it to my clients too. Number 2 would probably be Filmora, because it lets you cut videos quickly and affordably. And number 3 is Loom: in the free basic version, you can use it to record screencasts in the browser. For more advanced screencasts, I also recommend the Pro version, which lets you record other screens as well and gives you additional features like a pen tool.
Which tool do you think is worth spending a little more money on?
I'm simply a fan of Canva, and the Pro version [link to Canva's pricing page] costs money too. When it comes to video editing, Filmora is enough for many purposes. But if you want to create a lot of explainer videos with screencasts, I recommend the more expensive video tool Camtasia. And of course, investing in blink.it is worthwhile if you want to offer online courses where creating content is already fun because it's so easy.
Are there any tools you would personally advise against?
Not in general, no. Every use case is different, and every tool can be useful in different ways. However, I'm not a fan of the expensive Adobe world, like Photoshop, etc. If you are not a designer yourself, there are numerous tools that are easier to use and, above all, much cheaper.
Thanks to Claudia for the short interview and the great tips on creating learning content!
Conclusion
Digital learning content is not impressive because of tool variety, but because of didactic clarity and a well-thought-out combination of the right formats.
The tools presented here can help you create varied and professional content. However, what matters is that you use them strategically: Which media really support your learning objective? Which content needs video, which needs a quiz, and which needs a simple graphic?
If you choose tools consciously and structure your content clearly, you will not end up with a technical patchwork, but with a coherent online course that offers real value for your participants.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Which tools do I really need to create digital learning content?
For digital learning content, you do not need a large number of tools, but a targeted selection. What matters is that the tools simplify your workflow and fit your learning objectives. Often, just a few applications for design, video, audio, and simple interactions are enough.
What types of tools are especially important for e-learning?
Important categories are design tools, programs for creating and editing PDFs, image and video databases, as well as tools for video and audio production. This combination makes a varied mix of media in online courses possible.
Why is a mix of media useful in digital learning content?
A mix of media ensures that content is conveyed in an engaging and understandable way. Videos, text, images, and quizzes appeal to different perception channels and help process information better and retain it longer.
What should I look for when choosing creative tools?
In addition to features and price, you should above all pay attention to ease of use and speed. A tool makes sense when it helps you create content efficiently. In addition, factors such as GDPR compliance and clear cost structures play an important role.
Updated on 26.02.2026
