Which Authoring Tools Support xAPI? A 2025 Comparison

In the modern eLearning stack, xAPI (Experience API) is no longer “nice to have” — it's a core expectation for tracking rich learner interactions across blended and non-LMS systems. This article explains what “xAPI support” actually means, lists evaluation criteria, and compares the leading authoring tools in 2025 so you (an eLearning developer) can choose the right one for your telemetry needs.


 

What Does “Support xAPI” Actually Mean?

When we say an authoring tool “supports xAPI,” there are several levels of capability. Common expectations include:

  • xAPI export/publish: The tool can produce content that emits xAPI statements (not only SCORM).
  • Custom statement control: Ability to define custom verbs, add context or result extensions, and attach structured data.
  • Debugging/testing: Built-in or easy ways to inspect statements during development (logs, inspectors, emulators).
  • Interoperability: Proper handling of endpoint configuration, authorization, and CORS so statements reliably reach an LRS.

Some tools only provide “xAPI-lite” (basic completion and score). Others let you emit fine-grained telemetry at the event level. Knowing which level you need drives the tool choice.

What to Evaluate: Key Criteria for xAPI in Authoring Tools

Criterion Why it matters
Depth of statement emission Does the tool emit more than completed/passed/failed (e.g., interactions, custom events)?
Configurability Can you customize verbs, objects, context and extensions to match your data model?
Preview / Debugging Tools that include a statement inspector or easy logging speed up development.
Standards compatibility Generates xAPI-compliant JSON, handles CORS and auth correctly.
Ease of use Visual configuration vs scripting — match with your team's skillset.
Integration & packaging How the content launches and how reliably it communicates with an LRS.

2025 Comparison: Leading Authoring Tools

Articulate 360 (Storyline & Rise)

Support snapshot: Storyline supports xAPI export and is highly extensible via JavaScript. Rise can publish xAPI but offers less granular control than Storyline.

Strengths: Large community, many examples for custom xAPI statements, good balance of UX + extensibility.

Caveats: Deep telemetry typically requires adding custom JS and testing thoroughly.

Adobe Captivate

Support snapshot: Captivate publishes to xAPI (Tin Can) in addition to SCORM; commonly used for software sims and branching.

Strengths: Strong for simulations and mixed modalities; scriptable for advanced tracking.

Caveats: Out-of-box tracking is basic; advanced events need custom logic and external testing tools.

iSpring Suite

Support snapshot: PowerPoint-based tool that supports xAPI, SCORM, and cmi5.

Strengths: Low learning curve; reliable basic xAPI support for slide/quizzing content.

Caveats: Not ideal for extremely custom telemetry or advanced event models.

Elucidat

Support snapshot: Cloud authoring with xAPI publishing and features for team workflows.

Strengths: Collaboration, scalable production, reasonable built-in tracking capabilities.

Caveats: UI may limit fine-grained custom verbs and statement shaping.

dominKnow | ONE / Claro

Support snapshot: Enterprise authoring with xAPI publishing and responsive design features.

Strengths: Flexibility and enterprise workflows.

Caveats: Advanced customization often requires scripting; some features may be gated by tier.

Lectora / Lectora Online

Support snapshot: Longstanding toolset supporting xAPI; favored when fine control is required.

Strengths: Highly configurable and developer-friendly.

Caveats: Steeper learning curve; more hands-on management for custom statements.

Gomo Learning

Support snapshot: Cloud responsive authoring that supports xAPI for standard reporting.

Strengths: Easy cloud collaboration; good standard xAPI support.

Caveats: Limited when you need custom, event-level telemetry.

Easygenerator

Support snapshot: User-friendly tool with xAPI publishing; suited for SMEs and quick content builds.

Strengths: Very low barrier to entry; good for standard learning content.

Caveats: Not built for heavy telemetry customization or complex data models.

Other tools (Visme, Composica, etc.)

Many Authoring Tools advertise xAPI support in 2025; however, their level of customization varies. Treat vendor claims as a starting point and validate with real tests against your LRS.

Summary & Recommendations

  1. Maximum flexibility: For event-level telemetry and total control, use Articulate Storyline (with custom JS), Lectora, or dominKnow.
  2. Balance of ease + xAPI: Choose Elucidat, iSpring, or Adobe Captivate for solid mid-level capabilities.
  3. No-code teams: Easygenerator, Rise 360, and Gomo are practical — accept some limits on detailed statement shaping.
  4. Always validate: Test your published content with your target LRS to verify verbs, context, and CORS/auth behavior.
  5. Plan for extension: Most tools will require wrappers or JS extensions for full telemetry coverage; include this in planning.

Quick checklist before you buy

  • Can it publish xAPI directly from the UI?
  • Does it let you add or customize verbs & extensions?
  • Is there a way to inspect emitted statements?
  • Does the vendor provide LRS configuration documentation?
  • Can your team maintain custom JS or wrappers if needed?

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