Create SCORM Step by Step: Complete Guide 2026 + Tools 

Do you need to create SCORM for your e-learning platform but don’t know where to start? In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to create SCORM packages from scratch, even without any programming knowledge. We’ll show you the best free and paid tools, practical examples, and everything you need to generate SCORM content compatible with any LMS in 2026.

What is SCORM and why do you need to create content in this format?

SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is an e-learning standard that allows a course to work in any learning management system (LMS) that supports it, and enables the system to record key data such as progress, score, status (completed/not completed), and time spent.

When we talk about standards, we mean certain technical specifications designed to ensure that different e-learning platforms and content can work together, regardless of who created them. So, SCORM is simply a set of specifications that standardize the production of e-learning content, enabling the creation of easily reusable content.

In other words: SCORM is the “common language” that e-learning content uses to communicate with an LMS.

SCORM definition

SCORM is a set of technical specifications that ensure that:

• content can be imported into different platforms without issues
• the LMS can track learning
• the content is reusable, scalable, and compatible

This solves one of the biggest problems in corporate e-learning: a course working well “only” on one platform or requiring platform-specific development.

Basic components of a SCORM package

Knowing what SCORM is, you can deduce that SCORM packages are a collection of compressed digital files (HTML, XML, multimedia, and more), typically in formats such as .zip. Each file contains the elements that make up an e-learning course, which we will then upload into our platform.

Typically, this compressed file (.zip) contains:

• HTML / CSS / JavaScript (structure and functionality)
• Multimedia files (images, videos, audio)
• imsmanifest.xml: the main file that tells the LMS how the course is organized

ASSET vs SCO: quick difference

Within SCORM, there are two key concepts:

• ASSET: simple resources (an image, a PDF, a video…)
• SCO (Sharable Content Object): “trackable” units that communicate with the LMS and record activity

Simple example: if you create a course with 4 modules, each module can be an SCO.

Examples of SCORM package components

Imagine you are going to design a course on Power Skills. You would start by defining the units of your course, which could be:

1. Introduction to Power Skills.
2. Most relevant Power Skills.
3. Tools for developing Power Skills.
4. Steps to develop a Power Skills training strategy.

In SCORM language, this content translates into 4 SCOs, one for each course unit:

• SCO 1: Introduction to Power Skills.
• SCO 2: Most relevant Power Skills.
• SCO 3: Tools for developing Power Skills.
• SCO 4: Steps to develop a Power Skills training strategy.

And within each unit, in turn, it would include additional sub-units of SCOs related to the specific elements of each module.

The origins of SCORM (why it exists)

SCORM was created to address a need for interoperability. In the late 1990s, the ADL (Advanced Distributed Learning) initiative promoted this standard so that digital content could work across different systems, avoiding incompatibilities between formats and platforms.

Since then, it has become the dominant standard for corporate e-learning, especially for training with compliance, reporting, and auditing requirements.

SCORM 1.2 vs SCORM 2004: differences and which one to choose in 2026

Before exporting your course, you need to make a key decision: which SCORM version to use. SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 serve the same overall purpose (interoperability + tracking), but they have important differences.

Which one should you choose?

If your priority is universal compatibility and zero issues, SCORM 1.2 is usually the best option.

If you need advanced control over the learning path, navigation restrictions, or complex sequencing, SCORM 2004 makes sense… as long as your LMS supports it well.

Practical 2026 recommendation: in most corporate environments, SCORM 1.2 is still the safest option, especially for compliance training.

How to create SCORM in 3 steps [Practical tutorial]

Authoring tools make it possible to create SCORM content efficiently and with a high level of customization. Some of the best tools are easy to use and don’t require advanced technical knowledge. Let’s look at the steps to follow:

Step 1: Choose your authoring tool to create SCORM

The most efficient way to create SCORM today is to use an authoring tool. These platforms are designed so you can create courses without relying on programming.

Make sure your tool:

• Exports SCORM 1.2 and/or 2004
• Allows you to add interactivity (exercises, quizzes, games)
• Is responsive (mobile/tablet)
• Enables editing with visual control (WYSIWYG)
• Includes productivity options (translations, voiceovers, subtitles, etc.)

Today, the most advanced tools incorporate AI to:

• Generate complete courses from documents or ideas
• Automatically create interactive activities
• Translate and generate voiceovers in multiple languages in just a few clicks

If you don’t know where to start when choosing your authoring tool, take a look at our Whitepaper: Step by step to choose your perfect authoring tool

CASE STUDY

How we helped EMASEA create SCORM-compliant e-learning content in record time.

See case study

Step 2: Create and design your e-learning content

Once you’ve chosen your authoring tool, you’ll need to design and develop your training content. Start with the basics:

• Title and description
• Course objectives
• Module-based structure
• Main content (text, examples, resources)

And then add elements that increase engagement:

• Short videos
• Infographics or explanatory images
• Exercises (quizzes, matching, drag & drop, fill-in-the-blanks)
• Reinforcement games

An effective SCORM is not just content: it’s an interactive, clear, and measurable experience. If you don’t know where to start, choose an authoring tool with AI features that allow you to generate the entire course, including an introduction, key concepts, examples, activities, assessments and all the elements needed so the course is ready to distribute.

Checklist: key elements your SCORM should include

Before exporting, review:

• Module-based structure (SCO)
• Clear navigation (forward / back / progress)
• Exercises with feedback
• Final assessment (if applicable)
• Responsive design
• Visual and typographic consistency
• Accessible content (subtitles, contrast, keyboard navigation)
• File optimization (compressed images, lightweight videos)

Step 3: Export and upload your SCORM package to the LMS

When your course is ready, export it as SCORM from your authoring tool. Typically, you can choose:

• SCORM 1.2
• SCORM 2004
• xAPI (Tin Can) (if you’re looking for more granular tracking outside the LMS)

Then:

1. Export the .zip
2. Access your LMS
3. Import the package into “Courses” / “Content”
4. Configure completion and tracking criteria
5. Publish

Authoring tools usually offer different ways to distribute your content. Some of the best ones, like isEazy Author, give you options to export the content as a PDF, share your course via a direct link, export it as a micro-site to embed it in your intranet or website, and even share it directly from the software through its integrated distribution platform, isEazy Author Go. But the most common way to distribute SCORM content is through an LMS.

If this is your case, you should choose a format that communicates with the platform and allows you to record the actions performed by learners. Our tool lets you choose between several options, including SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004, and Tincan/xAP.

Best tools to create SCORM [2026 comparison]

Choosing the right software is key if you want to save time and avoid compatibility issues. However, there are many types of tools for creating SCORM on the market. Here are two major groups you can explore:

Free SCORM tools (when they make sense)

Free options can be a good fit when you need to run quick tests or validate a workflow, when you’re going to create simple and occasional content, or when you don’t need advanced design or a high level of interactivity. Even so, it’s worth keeping in mind that they usually come with common limitations such as reduced customization, partial exports or fewer export options, a less optimized user experience, and lower scalability as the volume of courses or content complexity grows.

Paid SCORM tools (why it’s worth it for companies)

If your company is going to create training on a recurring basis, a paid tool typically pays for itself through time savings in design and production, fewer issues during publishing and maintenance, visual consistency across courses and teams, and improved results thanks to more polished experiences (higher engagement and better completion rates). In addition, they usually offer support and continuous updates, which is key when you need long-term stability and LMS compatibility.

How to create SCORM for free, without programming

After hearing so many terms, it may seem like creating a SCORM package is a much more complex task than it really is. However, it will largely depend on the method and tool you use to get your e-learning content creation up and running. Here are 4 ways to create SCORM for free without needing to know how to code:

1. Convert PowerPoint to SCORM (and leverage what you already have)

If you already have corporate documentation (presentations, manuals, internal guides), you can turn that material into a SCORM package in less time.

How to convert PowerPoint to SCORM

The typical flow is:

1. Import PowerPoint
2. Enhance slides with interactivity
3. Add assessments
4. Export to SCORM
5. Test in an LMS / SCORM player

2. Create SCORM without additional tools

The third method to create SCORM is to do it without additional tools. This is a more complex process than the previous ones, which includes developing the training content using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, creating the manifest file that will define the course structure and included resources, integrating the SCORM API into your content so it can communicate with the LMS, and writing the necessary JavaScript code to initialize, track progress, and end the learning session.

Then you will need to package the content by organizing all course files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, imsmanifest.xml) in an appropriate folder structure, compressing the files into a ZIP package, and uploading it to your LMS.

Additional resources for creating SCORM without authoring tools

There are resources that can make it easier to create SCORM without authoring tools, such as SCORM converters, SCORM packagers, and SCORM players. Converters transform documents like PDF and PPT into interactive SCORM modules. Packagers are used by programmers to make HTML content SCORM-compatible by adding SCORM API commands. SCORM players or testers are useful to review and ensure that a SCORM file is error-free before distributing it in your LMS. These resources are useful for those who prefer not to invest in new technologies.

3. Create SCORM with isEazy Author [Step-by-step tutorial]

Creating SCORM in isEazy Author is very simple. You just need to:

1. Click the “new project” button
2. Choose your course type: classic or express.
3. Select your style and color template from all available options.
4. Start working on your project (set the name, structure it, add sections, easily edit slides, and add all kinds of preconfigured interactive resources or AI-powered ones in a single click.)
5. Download it as a SCORM package — and you’re done!

In addition, you also have the option to import your PowerPoint and create a new project, allowing you to reuse all the content you already have.

4. Convert documents into SCORM with AI Autopilot

With isEazy Author, you can also make AI your main ally when creating SCORM content. With the new AI Autopilot feature, creating SCORM is very simple.

Start with an idea or upload your documents. The AI analyzes your content and automatically generates a structured learning outline with strong pedagogical logic. It also chooses, at each point, the most effective type of resource. Games, comparisons, videos, role plays… in just one click.

Fine-tune each step or slide or add new content quickly and easily. Plus, you’ll be able to choose your style, colors, and template, and the AI will apply your visual identity to the entire project, maintaining visual consistency at all times.

Best practices when creating SCORM content

Creating effective and engaging SCORM content is essential to ensure a successful and enriching online learning experience. To help you achieve that, we want to share with you some of the best practices for creating SCORM content, focusing on the key characteristics of this standard:

1. Interoperability

Interoperability allows SCORM content to be used across different learning platforms without compatibility issues. To ensure interoperability:

• Use recognized tools and standards: Use authoring tools that adhere to SCORM specifications.
• Select a good LMS: Check that your SCORM content deploys and works correctly in your LMS.

2. Reusability

SCORM content reusability makes it possible to reuse learning modules across different contexts and courses. To maximize this feature:

• Design standalone modules: Create content units that can be used independently in different courses—this will help you get the most out of your resources.
• Tag properly: Use descriptive metadata to make it easier to search for and reuse content.

3. Durability

Any SCORM content should maintain its relevance and functionality over time, even as technology changes. To ensure durability:

• Adopt approved standards: Make sure your content complies with the latest versions of SCORM.
• Update regularly: Review and update your content periodically to keep it aligned with new technologies and learning methodologies.

4. Accessibility

Accessibility in e-learning is essential and regulated by standards such as Spain’s Web Accessibility Law, which aligns with European Directive 2016/2102; Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, which requires companies to provide people with disabilities the same access to information as people without disabilities; and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

These regulations urge educational institutions and organizations to ensure their content is accessible to people with disabilities. The implementation of these standards is increasing in Spain and worldwide, reflecting the growing importance of offering inclusive and equitable education. Complying with these standards is not only a legal obligation, but it also improves the learning experience, ensuring that all users can access the content, participate fully, and benefit from educational opportunities. To improve accessibility:

• Follow accessibility guidelines: Comply with standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to make your content accessible. Using authoring tools like isEazy Author can greatly facilitate this process. Our tool allows you to create accessible courses without advanced programming or design knowledge. In addition, it provides features such as automatic accessibility and contextual help within the editor, which simplifies the creation of inclusive, high-quality content. Want to learn more? Download our Whitepaper:

WHITEPAPER

How to create accessible and interactive learning experiences

Download whitepaper

5. Scalability

Finally, scalability makes it possible to create SCORM content that can adapt to different audience sizes and to the expansion of courses. To ensure scalability:

• Optimize performance: Make sure multimedia files are optimized for fast loading times.
• Design for growth: Create content that can be easily expanded or modified to add new lessons or modules without having to rebuild the entire course.

By following these best practices, you’ll be able to create SCORM content that not only meets technical standards, but also provides a rich and accessible learning experience for all users. Proper implementation of interoperability, reusability, durability, accessibility, and scalability will ensure your e-learning courses are effective and sustainable in the long term.

Final considerations

Using intuitive authoring tools, such as isEazy Author, can significantly simplify the process of creating e-learning content. These tools offer ready-to-use resources that allow users, regardless of their technical experience, to create engaging and effective courses in very little time.

Our tool also includes personalization features that allow you to adapt courses to your corporate branding, as well as productivity features such as generating translations, voiceovers, subtitles, and final assessments. All in just a couple of clicks thanks to AI!

In addition, with the new AI Autopilot feature, HR teams, instructional designers, or anyone who wants to create a SCORM course will be able to transform ideas or documents into interactive courses with pedagogical structure, applied branding, and full accessibility in minutes—without technical knowledge. What are you waiting for to request a demo? Discover the easiest authoring tool on the market.