This refers to software tools that are used to help prepare training material for delivery through asynchronous or synchronous channels.

Authoring tools help sequence, choreograph, add multimedia, cross reference, and format content for the right delivery channel. Often, these tools are used by instructional designers to ensure that the resulting content is sufficiently interactive and contains sufficient opportunities to check for retention and comprehension.

Authoring tools often must meet certain evolving learning standards such as SCORM and LRN.