Anyone looking to create digital learning content can easily feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of creative tools on the market. Today, we present 19 tools recommended by e-learning expert Claudia Grajek for creating content for online courses. From general design tools and image databases to editing video and audio files. Includes an infographic for download!
Shared recommendations: Our selection of creative tools for creating learning content
Experienced trainers and coaches know: If you want to digitalize your learning content, it's not enough to dust off the scanner. You also shouldn't upload slide decks page by page into your online course as-is. In e-learning, your participants sit alone in front of a screen and quickly get bored if they have to click through endless text documents.
Today, the choice often falls on a colorful media mix of videos, quizzes, images, audios, and – yes, occasionally text documents. To create such media content, there are plenty of tools to help you. For example, Canva, Filmora, various PDF converters, and many more. You probably have a few tool providers in mind already. But it feels like new creative tools appear daily, some of which have horrendous prices or hidden subscription traps. The server location or GDPR compliance is also an important criterion for many clients.
Besides the range of functions and price, you should also keep an eye on your own production speed. A tool only makes sense if it helps you create content faster and in a more structured way – rather than slowing you down with complicated menus and unnecessary features.
Everyone knows different tools and exciting ideas for use in digital training. That's why blink.it Success Trainer and E-Learning Expert Claudia Grajek started 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 introduce the first category in this article – Part 2 will follow next week!
Claudia Grajek
Claudia is an independent social media consultant and formerly worked as a Success Manager at blink.it. She regularly speaks with people who are digitalizing and sharing 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 for you here with 19 tools that can be divided into 5 categories:
General Design
PDF
Image Databases
Video
Audio
Disclaimer: Of course, the selection of the tools mentioned here is subjective and incomplete. They only reflect Claudia's and our own experiences, and we have no connection with the respective software providers.
Quick Access: All links to tool recommendations for online content
Tools for general design applications
Tools for converting and creating PDFs
Digital databases for images and videos
Tools for the video format
Camtasia (Link leads to a third-party site)
Losslesscut (Link leads to a third-party site)
Tools for the audio format
Interview: Extra tips on the tools from Claudia Grajek
Claudia, 19 tool tips are quite a lot. What are your top 3 tool recommendations for creating content for online courses?
Without a doubt, number 1 is Canva. I do so much with it and always show it to my clients. Number 2 would probably be Filmora, because you can edit videos quickly and cheaply with it. And number 3 is Loom: In the free basic version, you can use it to record screencasts in the browser. For advanced screencasts, I also recommend the Pro version, which allows you to record other screens and offers additional features like a drawing tool.
For which tool do you think it is worth spending a bit more money?
I'm simply a fan of Canva; even the Pro version is worth it [Link to Canva pricing page]. For video editing, Filmora is sufficient for many purposes. But for anyone who wants to make a lot of explainer videos with screencasts, I advise getting the more expensive video tool, Camtasia. And, of course, the investment in blink.it is worth it for offering online courses where creating content is already fun because it's so easy.
Are there also tools that you would personally advise against?
Not fundamentally, no. Every use case is different, and every tool can make sense in different ways. However, I am 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, significantly cheaper.
Thanks to Claudia for the quick interview and the great tips on creating learning content!
Conclusion
Digital learning content doesn't work through a variety of tools, but through pedagogical clarity and a well-thought-out combination of the appropriate formats.
The tools presented can help you create diverse and professional content. However, the key is to use them strategically: Which media truly support your learning objective? Which content requires video, which a quiz, and which a simple graphic?
If you choose tools deliberately and structure your content clearly, you won't end up with a technical patchwork, but rather a cohesive online course that provides real value for your participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tools do I really need to create digital learning content?
You don't need a large number of tools for digital learning content, but rather a targeted selection. The key is that the tools simplify your workflow and fit your learning objectives. Often, a few applications for design, video, audio, and simple interactions are sufficient.
Which types of tools are particularly important for e-learning?
Important categories include design tools, software for creating and editing PDFs, image and video databases, as well as video and audio production tools. This combination enables a diverse media mix in online courses.
Why does a media mix make sense for digital learning content?
A media mix ensures that content is delivered in a varied and understandable way. Videos, text, images, and quizzes appeal to different sensory channels and help to process and retain information better in the long run.
What should I look out for when choosing creative tools?
Besides the range of features and price, you should especially look out for user-friendliness and speed. A tool is useful when it helps you create content efficiently. In addition, aspects such as GDPR compliance and clear cost structures play an important role.
