7 Must-Have Features in a SCORM Builder
Choosing a SCORM authoring tool? Here are the 7 essential features to look for when selecting your SCORM builder.
Choosing a SCORM builder is like choosing a car — most will get you from A to B, but the experience, maintenance, and performance can vary a lot.
Below are the 7 essential features every SCORM authoring tool should include to ensure speed, compatibility, and ease of use. For each, you’ll find why it matters and what to check before you buy.
1. SCORM 1.2 & 2004 Export
Why it matters: Different LMSs support different versions. SCORM 1.2 is the most widely supported; SCORM 2004 (often 3rd/4th Edition) enables richer tracking like success status and finer-grained objectives.
What to check
- One-click export to SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004
- Correct launch file and manifest (
imsmanifest.xml) - Clear control over completion and success rules
ScormStack lets you choose the right SCORM version with a single click.
2. Drag-and-Drop Visual Builder
Why it matters: You shouldn’t need to code or edit XML. A visual builder helps non-technical creators ship courses fast while keeping layouts consistent.
What to check
- True WYSIWYG with blocks/components (text, image, video, tabs, accordions, etc.)
- Undo/redo, keyboard shortcuts, alignment guides, and snapping
- Reusable templates and styles for brand consistency
3. Responsive Design
Why it matters: Learners are on phones, tablets, and desktops. Courses must look great and remain usable across form factors and orientations.
What to check
- Mobile-first output with fluid layouts
- In-editor device previews and breakpoint controls
- Media that resizes intelligently (video, images, interactive blocks)
4. Quiz & Assessment Tools
Why it matters: SCORM is about measuring learning. Native assessments ensure you can track performance without bolting on third-party tools.
What to check
- Core question types: multiple choice, multi-select, true/false, short answer
- Feedback, remediation, and scoring controls
- Question banks, randomization/pools, and review mode
- Passing thresholds and score reporting mapped to SCORM data elements
5. Clean SCORM Packaging
Why it matters: A great course fails if the package is messy. Your tool should export a ready-to-upload .zip with correct structure and references.
What to check
- Valid
imsmanifest.xmlwith accurate resource paths - Single-SCO vs multi-SCO packaging options (when needed)
- Proper handling of suspend data for bookmarking/resume
- Minimal, human-readable package structure (easy to debug if required)
6. SCORM Cloud Compatible
Why it matters: SCORM Cloud is a neutral testing ground used by the industry. If your package runs cleanly there, it’s far more likely to run anywhere.
What to check
- Loads without errors or warnings
- Correct reporting of completion, success, time, and score
- Clear launch behavior and error handling
7. Affordable, No Lock-in
Why it matters: Some tools cost $1,000+ per year and tie advanced features to enterprise plans. You want transparent pricing and exports that work in any LMS.
What to check
- Pricing that scales for freelancers, small teams, and startups
- No proprietary runtime that forces ongoing subscriptions
- Straightforward licensing and the ability to take your SCORM packages anywhere
Bonus Criteria to Consider
If two tools look similar on paper, these tie-breakers often decide the winner:
- Accessibility: WCAG 2.1 AA-friendly components, alt text, focus order
- Branding: Global theme tokens (fonts, colors, spacing) and lockable styles
- Collaboration: Reviewer links, comments, version history
- Localization: Multi-language courses and simple text export/import
- Analytics: Basic insights or easy integration with your LMS reports
- Standards beyond SCORM: Optional support for xAPI or cmi5 (future-proofing)
✅ The ScormStack Difference
At ScormStack, we’ve built a SCORM authoring tool that checks every box:
- SCORM 1.2 & 2004 exports with one click
- Visual drag-and-drop builder designed for speed
- Responsive output that looks great on any device
- Built-in quizzes with scoring and pass/fail thresholds
- Clean packaging with a valid manifest, ready for any LMS
- SCORM Cloud–compatible output for confident deployment
- Affordable pricing with no annual lock-in and no vendor tie-in
- Designed to be fast, simple, and creator-friendly — not bloated
If you want to build professional SCORM courses without the complexity or price tag of legacy tools, ScormStack is a modern alternative that keeps you in control.