How to Use Adobe Captivate

Adobe Captivate is authoring software designed to develop e-learning courses. Captivate generates Adobe Flash compatible content without requiring the user to have any prior knowledge of Flash, and publishes the courses as .swf or .avi files that can be uploaded to sites with video hosting. Microsoft PowerPoint slides can be imported into Captivate, making upgrading existing content to e-learning courses less labor intensive. Adobe Photoshop files can be imported into Captivate without losing the integrity of the imported image's layers.

Instructions

1. 

   Determine the mode of the project. Demonstration mode shows a process without allowing interaction from the user. Training mode allows the user to interact with the project. Assessment mode tests the user on his understanding of a process.

2. 

   Set recording preferences for the project. Recording preferences include items such as inclusion of keyboard tap sounds, switches to full motion recording and default color, font and font size. Preference settings ensure every slide records with the same specifications, reducing the need for individual slide editing.

3. 

   Select the window size for the screen capture and record the project. Captivate creates a red box sized to your specifications around the recording software selected. Each action taken inside the red area creates an individual slide in Captivate. For example, clicking a link, selecting a drop-down menu or typing a name generates an individual slide in Captivate.

4. Edit the slides and delete duplicate or unnecessary slides. Add available media such as text boxes, images and audio to enhance the learning experience.

5. Preview the project to review the information, flow and timing of the slides and edit the slides as necessary. When you are satisfied with the quality of the slides, publish the project for distribution.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare a script of intended screen captures before recording in order to reduce the possibility of leaving out necessary steps. Record audio on individual slides rather than for the entire project. This makes changes and editing easier.

• Always maintain a backup copy of your project.

References

• Adobe Systems, Inc.