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Multimedia Authoring Systems FAQ |
This FAQ addresses the authoring system questions of multimedia developers who monitor comp.multimedia; however, it is not a comprehensive FAQ for the newsgroup.
Plaintext version for downloading.
Polish Version -- translated and maintained by Pawel Olszewski at Multimedia Club.
1. What is an Authoring System?
2. Why would anyone want to use an authoring system?
3. What is an authoring paradigm?
4. What is the Scripting paradigm?
5. What is the Iconic/Flow Control paradigm?
6. What is the Frame paradigm?
7. What is the Card/Scripting paradigm?
8. What is the Cast/Score/Scripting paradigm?
9. What is the Hierarchical Object paradigm?
10. What is the Hypermedia Linkage paradigm?
11. What is the Tagging paradigm?
12. What is an Authoring Suite?
13. Can I develop all of my material in the authoring system?
14. What is the best authoring system?
16. What are the names of some authoring systems?
16. What print magazines deal with authoring systems?
17. What books deal with authoring systems?
18. What software titles deal with authoring systems?
19. What USENET newsgroups deal with authoring systems?
20. What Independent WebSites deal with authoring systems?
1. What is an Authoring System?
An Authoring System is a program which has pre-programmed elements for the development of interactive multimedia software titles. Authoring systems vary widely in orientation, capabilities, and learning curve. There is no such thing (at this time) as a completely point-and-click automated authoring system; some knowledge of heuristic thinking and algorithm design is necessary. Whether you realize it or not, authoring is actually just a speeded-up form of programming; you don't need to know the intricacies of a programming language, or worse, an API, but you do need to understand how programs work.
2. Why would anyone want to use an authoring system?
It generally takes about 1/8th the time to develop an interactive multimedia project, such as a CBT program, in an authoring system as opposed to programming it in compiled code. This means 1/8 the cost of programmer time and likely increased re-use of code (assuming that you pass this project's code to the next CBT project, and they use a similar or identical authoring system). However, the content creation (graphics, text, video, audio, animation, etc.) is not generally affected by the choice of an authoring system; any production time gains here result from accelerated prototyping, not from the choice of an authoring system over a compiled language.
3. What is an authoring paradigm?
Also known as the authoring metaphor, this is the methodology by which the authoring system accomplishes its task. There are various paradigms, including:
4. What is the Scripting paradigm?
The Scripting paradigm is the authoring method closest in form to traditional programming. The paradigm is that of a programming language, which specifies (by filename) multimedia elements, sequencing, hotspots, synchronization, etc. A powerful, object-oriented scripting language is usually the centerpiece of such a system; in-program editing of elements (still graphics, video, audio, etc.) tends to be minimal or non-existent. Scripting languages do vary; check out how much the language is object-based or object-oriented. The scripting paradigm tends to be longer in development time (it takes longer to code an individual interaction), but generally more powerful interactivity is possible. Since most Scripting languages are interpreted, instead of compiled, the runtime speed gains over other authoring methods are minimal. The media handling can vary widely; check out your system with your contributing package formats carefully.
5. What is the Iconic/Flow Control paradigm?
This tends to be the speediest (in development time) authoring style; it is best suited for rapid prototyping and short-development time projects. Many of these tools are also optimized for developing Computer-Based Training (CBT). The core of the paradigm is the Icon Palette, containing the possible functions/interactions of a program, and the Flow Line, which shows the actual links between the icons. These programs tend to be the slowest runtimes, because each interaction carries with it all of its possible permutations; the higher end packages, such as Authorware or IconAuthor, are extremely powerful and suffer least from runtime speed problems.
6. What is the Frame paradigm?
The Frame paradigm is similar to the Iconic/Flow Control paradigm in that it usually incorporates an icon palette; however, the links drawn between icons are conceptual and do not always represent the actual flow of the program. This is a very fast development system, but requires a good auto-debugging function, as it is visually un-debuggable. The best of these have bundled compiled-language scripting, such as Quest (whose scripting language is C) or Apple Media Kit.
7. What is the Card/Scripting paradigm?
The Card/Scripting paradigm provides a great deal of power (via the incorporated scripting language) but suffers from the index-card structure. It is excellently suited for Hypertext applications, and supremely suited for navigation intensive (a la Cyan's "MYST" game) applications. Such programs are easily extensible via XCMDs and DLLs; they are widely used for shareware applications. The best applications allow all objects (including individual graphic elements) to be scripted; many entertainment applications are prototyped in a card/scripting system prior to compiled-language coding.
8. What is the Cast/Score/Scripting paradigm?
The Cast/Score/Scripting paradigm uses a music score as its primary authoring metaphor; the synchronous elements are shown in various horizontal "tracks" with simultaneity shown via the vertical columns. The true power of this metaphor lies in the ability to script the behavior of each of the cast members. The most popular member of this paradigm is Director, which is used in the creation of many commercial applications. These programs are best suited for animation-intensive or synchronized media applications; they are easily extensible to handle other functions (such as hypertext) via XOBJs, XCMDs, and DLLs.
9. What is the Hierarchical Object paradigm?
The Hierarchical Object paradigm uses a object metaphor (like OOP) which is visually represented by embedded objects and iconic properties. Although the learning curve is non-trivial, the visual representation of objects can make very complicated constructions possible.
10. What is the Hypermedia Linkage paradigm?
The Hypermedia Linkage paradigm is similar to the Frame paradigm in that it shows conceptual links between elements; however, it lacks the Frame paradigm's visual linkage metaphor.
11. What is the Tagging paradigm?
The Tagging paradigm uses tags in text files (for instance, SGML/HTML, VRML, 3DML and WinHelp) to link pages, provide interactivity and integrate multimedia elements.
12. What is an Authoring Suite?
Currently, an authoring suite is a single program that combines multiple authoring and tracking views, as well as pre-authoring, instructional design, and project management functions. The current offerings in this type of tool are optimized for CBT production, and include BGW Multimédia's Tactic! or Allen Communications' Manager's Edge
13. Can I develop all of my material in the authoring system?
Yes, but you probably shouldn't. Although most packages allow you to create content using their in-built tools, these tend to be rudimentary when compared with those available in dedicated programs. For more professional output, you should use software dedicated to the creation and editing of that medium, and then import/integrate the content into your multimedia program.
Major content-development packages are likely to include:
14. What is the best authoring system?
This is the most impossible question you could ask. It's like asking what's the best hammer -- it depends upon the job you're trying to do, and sometimes (like when you're working on plumbing), there is no answer. Qualify your question, and there'll be a prayer of answering it.
This is a question an authoring specialist can answer (just as soon as you fill in the blanks, and add any other qualifying data).
16. What are the names of some authoring systems?
DOS Authoring Systems:
Macintosh Authoring Systems:
NeXT Authoring Systems:
OS/2 Authoring Systems:
Solaris Authoring Systems:
Windows Authoring Systems:
Windows NT Authoring Systems:
UNIX Authoring Systems:
WWW-capable Multimedia Authoring Systems:
Platform-independent (Java, JavaScript) Authoring Systems:
17. What print magazines deal with authoring systems?
18. What books deal with authoring systems?
Additional book pointers are collected at:
20. What USENET newsgroups deal with authoring systems?
21. What Independent WebSites deal with authoring systems?
GLpro is a scripting paradigm authoring system.
Microcosm is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system.
Neobook is a frame paradigm authoring tool currently in version 2.1 for DOS.
Question Mark is optimized for Electronic Assessment production.
TenCORE is actually two products: TenCORE Producer, which is a frame paradigm authoring system, and TenCORE Language Authoring System, which is a scripting paradigm authoring system. TenCORE LAS has discernable Plato roots.
Clickworks is a card/scripting system that has a high amount of object-orientation. There are now two versions: Delight and Pro. The Pro version provides the most complete handling of text available, comparable to a desktop-publishing tool.
CourseBuilder 5.0 is an iconic/flow control paradigm authoring system optimized for CBT delivery. Allows scriptless interactive courseware construction.
Digital Box Office 1.5 is a frame paradigm authoring system.
Currently in version 7.0, this popular general market product follows the cast/score/scripting paradigm, which makes it the tool of choice for animation content. Its roots as a cel- and sprite-animation program are unmistakable; and its inclusion of Lingo, its object-based scripting language, has made it the animation-capable program to beat. The AfterBurner compression Xtra creates Shockwave files, allowing Web playback.
Emblaze Creator 2.5 is a cast/score/scripting tool which is designed for Web-based playback of interactive multimedia.
Flash 3.0 is a cast/score/scripting tool, which primarily uses vector graphics (and can create vector graphics from imported bitmaps). It is optimized for Web delivery, and is especially common for banner adds and small interactive web deliverables.
HyperCard is a card/scripting authoring system currently in version 2.4.1. It runs natively on both 68K and PowerMacintosh machines, and is widely used because of its easy availability at $99. Its largest drawback is the lack of integrated color; current color implementation is via the ColorTools XCMD set (included) or via third-party XCMDs.
HyperGASP is a card/scripting authoring system currently in version 3.0; the newest version no longer requires HyperCard. Supports export to HTML for Web authoring.
HyperStudio is a card/scripting paradigm authoring system, optimized for and focussed on the educational market.
iShell is a frame tool, derived in largest part from Apple Media Tool. It's most prominent feature is unparalleled interactive QuickTime support. IShell is freeware, with licensing available for commercial applications.
Katabounga is a Hierarchical Object authoring system, currently in version 2.0.
Lexicographer uses the Tagging paradigm to produce viewable electronic references from text or RTF files.
mBed Interactor is a cast/score/scripting authoring system optimized for WWW delivery; it comes in Lite, Standard and Professional Editions.
MediaStorm is a frame authoring system.
MetaCard is a card/scripting authoring system, currently in version 2.2. This is one of the more powerful tools of its paradigm; the scripting language is especially robust.
MocKingbird is a Performance Support System following the scripting paradigm.
QuarkImmedia is a frame paradigm authoring system, designed for re-purposing print (QuarkXPress) documents.
Question Mark is optimized for Electronic Assessment production.
Special Delivery 2.1 is a frame paradigm authoring system.
Hypertext authoring system, uses "Writing Space" links, corresponds pretty closely to the frame paradigm. The newest version supports export of a complete story space to HTML.
SuperCard 3.5 shines among the card/scripting authoring systems. With built-in support for 24-bit color, hypertext, and external media handling (QuickTime, PICS, Filmstip, PICT, AIFF), this is the best of its paradigm. This is an excellent tool for hypermedia implementation.
HyperSense is a card/scripting authoring system, which allows import of HyperCard stacks.
Digital Chisel 3 has been rewritten in Java for delivery to most platforms. It has moved from its card roots to a frame paradigm.
Gain Momentum 3.5 is a hypermedia linkage authoring tool. Its GEL scripting language and multiple views (including timeline and an object browser) provide a large amount of development power.
IconAuthor follows the iconic/flow control paradigm. It is notable for its SmartObject editor, which tags content files (still graphics, RTF text, etc.) for interactivity. It has the option to either embed content files or leave them external in specified directories. The biggest strength of this program is its included data handling, which makes it unparalleled for CBT data tracking. The latest version should also provide WWW porting of existing content. Avoid its internal "Move Object" path animation feature due to jerky response -- use a .FLC or .AVI instead.
MetaCard is a card/scripting authoring system, currently in version 2.2. This is one of the more powerful tools of its paradigm; the scripting language is especially robust.
Astound is a venerable frame paradigm authoring system, which has added extensive interactivity to its presentation authoring origin. It is currently in version 6.0.
AuraLine is a cast/score/scripting authoring system, oriented to producing interactive presentations. It is one of the first generation of Java authoring tools.
Currently in version 5.0, this follows the iconic/flow control paradigm with a limit per individual file of 32,000 icons. Authorware supports jumping between files (the maintainer has worked on projects greater than 100 MB in content), jumping out to apps and even printing from them. This has unparalleled external media support, and can encapsulate all non-motion media content into apps and content libraries, or leave media files external for dynamic access. Authorware supports character-styled text and extensive navigation structures including hypertext. This tool is optimal for CBT and rapid prototyping.
BigEZ is an iconic/flow control tool for interactive multimedia presentation construction, including instructional design templates for CBT programs.
Clickworks is a card/scripting system that has a high amount of object-orientation. There are now two versions: Delight and Pro. The Pro version provides the most complete handling of text available, comparable to a desktop-publishing tool.
Cocktail98 is a frame paradigm authoring system with support for multiple languages, including double-byte languages such as Korean and Japanese.
CourseBuilder 5.0 is an iconic/flow control paradigm authoring system optimized for CBT delivery. Allows scriptless interactive courseware construction.
Dazzler is a Hierarchical Object paradigm authoring system. It is descended from MasterClass by ISC Media Systems, and is now in version 5.0. There is also a Deluxe version.
Desktop Support Factory is optimized for Electronic Performance Support System (EPSS) development.
Digital Chisel 3 has been rewritten in Java for delivery to most platforms. It has moved from its card roots to a frame paradigm.
Currently in version 7.0, this popular general market product follows the cast/score/scripting paradigm, which makes it the tool of choice for animation content. Its roots as a cel- and sprite-animation program are unmistakable; and its inclusion of Lingo, its object-based scripting language, has made it the animation-capable program to beat. The AfterBurner compression Xtra creates Shockwave files, allowing Web playback.
Docent is a HTML Enterprise Training authoring tool, now in version 3.0; the tool uses both an outliner metaphor and a tool palette; it can be considered a cross between an iconic/flow control tool and a Hierarchical Object system.
Emblaze Creator 2.5 is a cast/score/scripting tool which is designed for Web-based playback of interactive multimedia.
Everest is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system; it uses a hierarchical Book/Page/Object metaphor, with multiple palettes and windows for Attributes, Variables, Layout, etc. The A-pex scripting language has extensive online help via the A-pex3 Assistant (wizard); standard Windows API calls (such as MCI, WinHelp, VBX and ActiveX) are supported. DOS-created Summit files can be imported to leverage existing courseware.
Flash 3.0 is a cast/score/scripting tool, which primarily uses vector graphics (and can create vector graphics from imported bitmaps). It is optimized for Web delivery, and is especially common for banner adds and small interactive web deliverables.
This is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, whose interface is more than vaguely reminiscent of Visual Basic; has a relatively powerful scripting language. Formula Graphics is available as shareware, with only the packaging functions disabled.
Gain Momentum 3.5 is a hypermedia linkage authoring tool. Its GEL scripting language and multiple views (including timeline and an object browser) provide a large amount of development power.
GLpro is a scripting paradigm authoring system.
HyperMethod is a hypermedia linkage authoring system now in version 3.0; distinctive in its support for Russian language content.
HyperStudio is a card/scripting paradigm authoring system, optimized for and focussed on the educational market.
IconAuthor follows the iconic/flow control paradigm. It is notable for its SmartObject editor, which tags content files (still graphics, RTF text, etc.) for interactivity. It has the option to either embed content files or leave them external in specified directories. The biggest strength of this program is its included data handling, which makes it unparalleled for CBT data tracking. The latest version should also provide WWW porting of existing content. Avoid its internal "Move Object" path animation feature due to jerky response -- use a .FLC or .AVI instead.
Illuminatus 4.1 is a frame paradigm authoring system optimized for electronic book production.
iShell is a frame tool, derived in largest part from Apple Media Tool. It's most prominent feature is unparalleled interactive QuickTime support. IShell is freeware, with licensing available for commercial applications.
Katabounga is a Hierarchical Object authoring system, currently in version 2.0.
In its 2.0 version Manager's Edge has expanded from its CMI roots to being a full authoring suite, while remaining CBT-optimized and compliant with AICC standards. It includes HTML/Java export capabilities for browser-delivered courses.
mBed Interactor is a cast/score/scripting authoring system optimized for WWW delivery; it comes in Lite, Standard and Professional Editions.
MediaForge is a frame paradign authoring system, with a scripting language (MediaBasic) similar to Visual Basic. The current version features multiframe sprites and enchanced transparency (including .AVI files), plus it allows the creation of templates for runtime editing -- read "engine creation".
MetaCard is a card/scripting authoring system, currently in version 2.2. This is one of the more powerful tools of its paradigm; the scripting language is especially robust.
Microcosm is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system.
Capella/MMD is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, where all content is derived from its proprietary multimedia database; optimized for kiosk/POS applications.
MocKingbird is a Performance Support System following the scripting paradigm.
Billed as an "Intelligent Character"authoring tool, this is a fantastic 3-D Hierarchical Object authoring system, optimized for character generation.
Formerly Corel's Click-and-Create, this frame paradigm authoring tool is one of the easiest to learn.
Neobook is a frame paradigm authoring tool currently in version 3.2.
Presenter! is a frame paradigm authoring tool.
QuarkImmedia is a frame paradigm authoring system, designed for re-purposing print (QuarkXPress) documents.
Quest 6 for Windows is a frame paradigm authoring system. Its most notable feature is its scripting language, which is ANSI C.
Question Mark is optimized for Electronic Assessment production.
The Realimation Space-Time-Editor is a 3-D Virtual Reality authoring tool.
MM200 is a frame paradigm authoring tool with an emphasis on interactive presentation authoring. It includes support for most Windows-based multimedia content formats and has a large bank of available transitions.
Slim Show follows the iconic/flow control paradigm. It is notable for its compact runtime engine; the overhead can be as low as 60K. Slim Show also includes a built-in text-to-speech engine.
Hypertext authoring system, uses "Writing Space"links, corresponds pretty closely to the frame paradigm. The newest version supports export of a complete story space to HTML.
SuperLink is the successor software to Linkway, and follows the card/scripting paradigm, while holding the content externally to the script file.
Tactic! is a complete authoring suite; it includes instructional design advice (like a pre-authoring tool), media tracking, project management, outline views, and script views; and is compatible with all AICC-compliant CMI products. If you're looking for the ultimate soup-to-nuts CBT-optimized tool, this is it! There are 3 components available on their own: Tactic! Editor for subject matter experts or course designers; Tactic! Viewer for delivery; and Tactic! ScoreKeeper for CMI functions.
TenCORE is actually two products: TenCORE Producer, which is a frame paradigm authoring system, and TenCORE Language Authoring System, which is a scripting paradigm authoring system. TenCORE LAS has discernable Plato roots.
ThingMaker is a cast/score/scripting tool, optimized for WWW multimedia production. This has one of the fastest-to-learn interfaces for multimedia-via-the-Web delivery.
Toolbook is a card/scripting authoring system now broken into components: Instructor, the standard tool; Assistant, the pre-built templates; CBT Systems, optimized for CBT production; and CMS Plus, a course-management system. Toolbook includes database linkage, MCI compliance and many examples (called "Widgets") of interactivity. This newest version exports HTML and Java for Web delivery.
Xpower is a scripting paradigm authoring system in a full-fledged IDE; you can also view your program as a flowchart or on a visual stage.
Astound is a venerable frame paradigm authoring system, which has added extensive interactivity to its presentation authoring origin. It is currently in version 6.0.
Currently in version 5.0, this follows the iconic/flow control paradigm with a limit per individual file of 32,000 icons. Authorware supports jumping between files (the maintainer has worked on projects greater than 100 MB in content), jumping out to apps and even printing from them. This has unparalleled external media support, and can encapsulate all non-motion media content into apps and content libraries, or leave media files external for dynamic access. Authorware supports character-styled text and extensive navigation structures including hypertext. This tool is optimal for CBT and rapid prototyping.
Cocktail98 is a frame paradigm authoring system with support for multiple languages, including double-byte languages such as Korean and Japanese.
Dazzler is a Hierarchical Object paradigm authoring system. It is descended from MasterClass by ISC Media Systems, and is now in version 5.0. There is also a Deluxe version.
Digital Chisel 3 has been rewritten in Java for delivery to most platforms. It has moved from its card roots to a frame paradigm.
Currently in version 7.0, this popular general market product follows the cast/score/scripting paradigm, which makes it the tool of choice for animation content. Its roots as a cel- and sprite-animation program are unmistakable; and its inclusion of Lingo, its object-based scripting language, has made it the animation-capable program to beat. The AfterBurner compression Xtra creates Shockwave files, allowing Web playback.
Docent is a HTML Enterprise Training authoring tool, now in version 3.0; the tool uses both an outliner metaphor and a tool palette; it can be considered a cross between an iconic/flow control tool and a Hierarchical Object system.
Flash 3.0 is a cast/score/scripting tool, which primarily uses vector graphics (and can create vector graphics from imported bitmaps). It is optimized for Web delivery, and is especially common for banner adds and small interactive web deliverables.
This is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, whose interface is more than vaguely reminiscent of Visual Basic; has a relatively powerful scripting language. Formula Graphics is available as shareware, with only the packaging functions disabled.
Gain Momentum 3.5 is a hypermedia linkage authoring tool. Its GEL scripting language and multiple views (including timeline and an object browser) provide a large amount of development power.
HyperMethod is a hypermedia linkage authoring system now in version 3.0; distinctive in its support for Russian language content.
IconAuthor follows the iconic/flow control paradigm. It is notable for its SmartObject editor, which tags content files (still graphics, RTF text, etc.) for interactivity. It has the option to either embed content files or leave them external in specified directories. The biggest strength of this program is its included data handling, which makes it unparalleled for CBT data tracking. The latest version should also provide WWW porting of existing content. Avoid its internal "Move Object"path animation feature due to jerky response -- use a .FLC or .AVI instead.
In its 2.0 version Manager's Edge has expanded from its CMI roots to being a full authoring suite, while remaining CBT-optimized and compliant with AICC standards. It includes HTML/Java export capabilities for browser-delivered courses.
MediaForge is a frame paradign authoring system, with a scripting language (MediaBasic) similar to Visual Basic. The current version features multiframe sprites and enchanced transparency (including .AVI files), plus it allows the creation of templates for runtime editing -- read "engine creation".
MetaCard is a card/scripting authoring system, currently in version 2.2. This is one of the more powerful tools of its paradigm; the scripting language is especially robust.
Capella/MMD is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, where all content is derived from its proprietary multimedia database; optimized for kiosk/POS applications.
MocKingbird is a Performance Support System following the scripting paradigm.
Formerly Corel's Click-and-Create, this frame paradigm authoring tool is one of the easiest to learn.
Neobook is a frame paradigm authoring tool currently in version 3.2.
Presenter! is a frame paradigm authoring tool.
Quest 6 for Windows is a frame paradigm authoring system. Its most notable feature is its scripting language, which is ANSI C.
The Realimation Space-Time-Editor is a 3-D Virtual Reality authoring tool.
MM200 is a frame paradigm authoring tool with an emphasis on interactive presentation authoring. It includes support for most Windows-based multimedia content formats and has a large bank of available transitions.
Slim Show follows the iconic/flow control paradigm. It is notable for its compact runtime engine; the overhead can be as low as 60K. Slim Show also includes a built-in text-to-speech engine.
SuperLink is the successor software to Linkway, and follows the card/scripting paradigm, while holding the content externally to the script file.
Tactic! is a complete authoring suite; it includes instructional design advice (like a pre-authoring tool), media tracking, project management, outline views, and script views; and is compatible with all AICC-compliant CMI products. If you're looking for the ultimate soup-to-nuts CBT-optimized tool, this is it! There are 3 components available on their own: Tactic! Editor for subject matter experts or course designers; Tactic! Viewer for delivery; and Tactic! ScoreKeeper for CMI functions.
ThingMaker is a cast/score/scripting tool, optimized for WWW multimedia production. This has one of the fastest-to-learn interfaces for multimedia-via-the-Web delivery.
Toolbook is a card/scripting authoring system now broken into components: Instructor, the standard tool; Assistant, the pre-built templates; CBT Systems, optimized for CBT production; and CMS Plus, a course-management system. Toolbook includes database linkage, MCI compliance and many examples (called "Widgets") of interactivity. This newest version exports HTML and Java for Web delivery.
Gain Momentum 3.5 is a hypermedia linkage authoring tool. Its GEL scripting language and multiple views (including timeline and an object browser) provide a large amount of development power.
IconAuthor follows the iconic/flow control paradigm. It is notable for its SmartObject editor, which tags content files (still graphics, RTF text, etc.) for interactivity. It has the option to either embed content files or leave them external in specified directories. The biggest strength of this program is its included data handling, which makes it unparalleled for CBT data tracking. The latest version should also provide WWW porting of existing content. Avoid its internal "Move Object"path animation feature due to jerky response -- use a .FLC or .AVI instead.
MetaCard is a card/scripting authoring system, currently in version 2.2. This is one of the more powerful tools of its paradigm; the scripting language is especially robust.
Currently in version 5.0, this follows the iconic/flow control paradigm with a limit per individual file of 32,000 icons. Authorware supports jumping between files (the maintainer has worked on projects greater than 100 MB in content), jumping out to apps and even printing from them. This has unparalleled external media support, and can encapsulate all non-motion media content into apps and content libraries, or leave media files external for dynamic access. Authorware supports character-styled text and extensive navigation structures including hypertext. This tool is optimal for CBT and rapid prototyping.
Cocktail98 is a frame paradigm authoring system with support for multiple languages, including double-byte languages such as Korean and Japanese.
Dazzler is a Hierarchical Object paradigm authoring system. It is descended from MasterClass by ISC Media Systems, and is now in version 5.0. There is also a Deluxe version.
Digital Chisel 3 has been rewritten in Java for delivery to most platforms. It has moved from its card roots to a frame paradigm.
Currently in version 7.0, this popular general market product follows the cast/score/scripting paradigm, which makes it the tool of choice for animation content. Its roots as a cel- and sprite-animation program are unmistakable; and its inclusion of Lingo, its object-based scripting language, has made it the animation-capable program to beat. The AfterBurner compression Xtra creates Shockwave files, allowing Web playback.
Docent is a HTML Enterprise Training authoring tool, now in version 3.0; the tool uses both an outliner metaphor and a tool palette; it can be considered a cross between an iconic/flow control tool and a Hierarchical Object system.
Emblaze Creator 2.5 is a cast/score/scripting tool which is designed for Web-based playback of interactive multimedia.
Flash 3.0 is a cast/score/scripting tool, which primarily uses vector graphics (and can create vector graphics from imported bitmaps). It is optimized for Web delivery, and is especially common for banner adds and small interactive web deliverables.
This is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, whose interface is more than vaguely reminiscent of Visual Basic; has a relatively powerful scripting language. Formula Graphics is available as shareware, with only the packaging functions disabled.
HyperCard is a card/scripting authoring system currently in version 2.4.1. It runs natively on both 68K and PowerMacintosh machines, and is widely used because of its easy availability at $99. Its largest drawback is the lack of integrated color; current color implementation is via the ColorTools XCMD set (included) or via third-party XCMDs.
HyperGASP is a card/scripting authoring system currently in version 3.0; the newest version no longer requires HyperCard. Supports export to HTML for Web authoring.
HyperStudio is a card/scripting paradigm authoring system, optimized for and focussed on the educational market.
IconAuthor follows the iconic/flow control paradigm. It is notable for its SmartObject editor, which tags content files (still graphics, RTF text, etc.) for interactivity. It has the option to either embed content files or leave them external in specified directories. The biggest strength of this program is its included data handling, which makes it unparalleled for CBT data tracking. The latest version should also provide WWW porting of existing content. Avoid its internal "Move Object"path animation feature due to jerky response -- use a .FLC or .AVI instead.
mBed Interactor is a cast/score/scripting authoring system optimized for WWW delivery; it comes in Lite, Standard and Professional Editions.
MediaForge is a frame paradign authoring system, with a scripting language (MediaBasic) similar to Visual Basic. The current version features multiframe sprites and enchanced transparency (including .AVI files), plus it allows the creation of templates for runtime editing -- read "engine creation".
Formerly Corel's Click-and-Create, this frame paradigm authoring tool is one ofthe easiest to learn.
Quest 6 for Windows is a frame paradigm authoring system. Its most notable feature is its scripting language, which is ANSI C.
Question Mark is optimized for Electronic Assessment production.
The Realimation Space-Time-Editor is a 3-D Virtual Reality authoring tool.
Hypertext authoring system, uses "Writing Space"links, corresponds pretty closely to the frame paradigm. The newest version supports export of a complete story space to HTML.
SuperCard 3.5 shines among the card/scripting authoring systems. With built-in support for 24-bit color, hypertext, and external media handling (QuickTime, PICS, Filmstip, PICT, AIFF), this is the best of its paradigm. This is an excellent tool for hypermedia implementation.
ThingMaker is a cast/score/scripting tool, optimized for WWW multimedia production. This has one of the fastest-to-learn interfaces for multimedia-via-the-Web delivery.
Toolbook is a card/scripting authoring system now broken into components: Instructor, the standard tool; Assistant, the pre-built templates; CBT Systems, optimized for CBT production; and CMS Plus, a course-management system. Toolbook includes database linkage, MCI compliance and many examples (called "Widgets") of interactivity. This newest version exports HTML and Java for Web delivery.
Dazzler is a Hierarchical Object paradigm authoring system. It is descended from MasterClass by ISC Media Systems, and is now in version 5.0. There is also a Deluxe version.
Emblaze Creator 2.5 is a cast/score/scripting tool which is designed for Web-based playback of interactive multimedia.
This is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, whose interface is more than vaguely reminiscent of Visual Basic; has a relatively powerful scripting language. Formula Graphics is available as shareware, with only the packaging functions disabled.
In its 2.0 version Manager's Edge has expanded from its CMI roots to being a full authoring suite, while remaining CBT-optimized and compliant with AICC standards. It includes HTML/Java export capabilities for browser-delivered courses.
mBed Interactor is a cast/score/scripting authoring system optimized for WWW delivery; it comes in Lite, Standard and Professional Editions.
Toolbook is a card/scripting authoring system now broken into components: Instructor, the standard tool; Assistant, the pre-built templates; CBT Systems, optimized for CBT production; and CMS Plus, a course-management system. Toolbook includes database linkage, MCI compliance and many examples (called "Widgets") of interactivity. This newest version exports HTML and Java for Web delivery.
19. What software titles deal with authoring systems?
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