ActivePresenter
Course authoring software
Talent management software
Training eLearning software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$249 per license
Free Trial unavailable
Free version
Small
Medium
Large
- Construction
- Retail and wholesale
- Energy and utilities
What is ActivePresenter
ActivePresenter is a Windows-based course authoring and screen recording tool used to create software simulations, video lessons, and interactive eLearning content. It targets instructional designers, trainers, and subject-matter experts who need to capture on-screen workflows and publish training modules. The product combines screencasting, slide-based authoring, quizzes, and basic video/audio editing in a single desktop application. It commonly exports to formats used in learning platforms, including SCORM and xAPI packages, as well as MP4 and HTML5 outputs.
Strong screen capture workflows
ActivePresenter supports screen recording and step-by-step capture for software demonstrations and simulations. It can generate interactive content from captured steps, which helps when building application training. This focus on desktop capture is useful for internal enablement and product training where accurate UI walkthroughs matter.
Multiple eLearning export formats
The tool publishes to common eLearning standards such as SCORM and xAPI, enabling deployment through many learning management systems. It also exports to HTML5 and video formats for web delivery and offline viewing. This flexibility helps teams reuse the same source project across different distribution channels.
All-in-one desktop authoring
ActivePresenter includes slide authoring, quiz interactions, and timeline-based editing for audio/video within the same application. This reduces reliance on separate screen recorder and video editor tools for many training projects. For small teams, the integrated workflow can shorten production cycles for straightforward modules.
Not a full LMS
ActivePresenter focuses on content creation rather than learner management. It does not replace an LMS for enrollment, assignments, certifications, or organization-wide reporting. Teams typically need a separate learning platform to deliver courses at scale and track outcomes.
Limited talent management scope
Despite being used in training contexts, it does not provide core talent management capabilities such as performance reviews, competency frameworks, succession planning, or HRIS integrations. Organizations looking for an integrated talent suite will need additional systems. Its role is primarily as an authoring tool feeding content into other platforms.
Desktop-first deployment model
ActivePresenter is primarily installed and used as a desktop application, which can complicate centralized administration in larger enterprises. Collaboration features are typically less extensive than browser-based, multi-author environments used for distributed teams. This can affect workflows that require real-time co-authoring and centralized asset governance.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free Edition | $0 — Free for personal/non-commercial use (no time limit) | Most features available for trial/non-commercial use; outputs from non-free features include a watermark; no time-limited trial. |
| Standard | $249 per license — one-time/perpetual | Commercial use allowed; screen recording; basic & advanced audio/video editing; import PowerPoint; export to Video, PDF, Word/Excel/PowerPoint (Windows only), HTML5; SCORM 1.2/2004 & xAPI export; AI tools (require AI credits); includes 1 year of free upgrades; licensed per machine; volume discounts available. |
| Pro | $499 per license — one-time/perpetual | All Standard features plus full eLearning features (interactive HTML5 export, advanced quizzing, LMS reporting/tracking), AI tools (require AI credits); includes 1 year of free upgrades; licensed per machine; volume discounts available. |
| Pro EDU | $249 per license — one-time/perpetual (educational pricing) | Discounted Pro edition for eligible students/teachers/institutions/non-profits; eligibility/approval required. |
Additional notes: AI credits are sold separately (examples: 20,000 credits = $40; 25,000 = $50; 30,000 = $60). Volume discounts range from 20% (2–5 licenses) up to 45% (50+). Licenses are perpetual and licensed per machine; purchase includes one year of free upgrades to new major versions.
Seller details
Atomi Systems, Inc.
Private
https://atomisystems.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/atomi-systems-inc-/
