eXeLearning

Overview

eXeLearning is an open-source editor for making interactive educational resources, aimed especially at teachers and creators who want to build materials themselves. Its appeal is a no-cost path from authoring to several export formats; it is less suited to anyone who needs to edit content on a phone or expects a full learner-management platform.

Key features

Resources can combine text, images, video and activities, with assessment building and no programming requirement. That keeps the focus on creating lessons rather than coding them, while responsive output helps materials adapt to different screen sizes. Accessibility improvements introduced in version 4.0 also support authors trying to make materials more inclusive.

SCORM, HTML and EPUB exports give authors options for sharing or publishing content. Official plugins connect eXeLearning with Moodle SCORM, Moodle Web, WordPress and Omeka-S. The Moodle SCORM plugin supports tracking and grade collection, which makes it the more relevant route for Moodle users who need assessment results recorded there.

For group work, eXeLearning CLOUD can be installed on a server and provides cloud storage and simultaneous real-time editing by multiple users. That makes shared authoring possible, but the server-based setup is a different proposition from simply using the desktop editor. Version 4.0.1 improved ZIP extraction, user authentication and API-based access control.

Pricing

The eXeLearning plan costs nothing. It is free and open source, with online or desktop use, so there is no paid tier to weigh against a capped entry plan. The GNU Affero General Public License 3 is relevant to organizations that need to account for open-source licensing.

Official installers are provided for Linux, Windows and macOS, and the editor can also be used online. The cloud version adds simultaneous collaboration and storage when installed on a server; mobile devices can view materials with eXeReader, but there is no Android or iOS editing app. Support includes a manual, guides, tutorials and FAQs, with community contact through Telegram or email.

Platforms

Linux, macOS, Windows, web and self-hosted use cover individual desktop work as well as online and server-based workflows. That range is a strength for education teams with different deployment needs, though phone and tablet users are limited to viewing rather than editing.

Who it's for

eXeLearning suits educators and content creators who need a free tool to assemble interactive learning materials and export them for use elsewhere. It is particularly compelling for Moodle workflows that benefit from SCORM tracking and grade collection, or for teams prepared to install the cloud version on a server. It is a weaker fit for mobile-first authoring or for organizations seeking a managed course platform rather than an authoring editor.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Free, open-source authoring across desktop and online use avoids a subscription barrier for individual creators.
• Pro: SCORM, HTML and EPUB exports plus official publishing plugins offer several routes to distribute content.
• Pro: Cloud-based simultaneous editing gives multiple users a way to work on the same project.
• Con: Editing is not available on Android or iOS, limiting authors who work primarily on mobile devices.
• Con: The collaborative cloud option requires server installation, adding setup considerations for teams.

Alternatives

Adapt Learning is another free, open-source authoring tool and framework; it is worth considering when its Android and iOS platform support matters. Xerte is also free and open source, but requires installation on a web server, with commercial hosting and support separate.

ProProfs Training Maker offers a free plan capped at 10 learners, with all features, making it an option when a defined learner allowance is acceptable. Lumi Education has unlimited content on its free plan, with a 15 MB per-file upload limit and HTML, SCORM and H5P export, so it may suit authors who want H5P output.

Open eLearning is free software under GNU GPL v3.0+ and has a paid Premium Member plan at $39.99 a year. ActivePresenter has a free edition for trial and non-commercial use, with watermarks on outputs using non-free features. BranchTrack and Mindsmith are also alternatives.

Browse Course Authoring Software or Interactive Lesson Makers for more options.

Verdict

Choose eXeLearning if you want a genuinely free authoring tool with useful export choices, desktop and online access, and an option for real-time team editing. Look elsewhere if mobile authoring is essential or if you need a course platform rather than a content editor.