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deancaptivate
Inspiring
August 3, 2026
Question

In search of a WYSIWYG editor for Captivate design options

  • August 3, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 46 views

Greetings, fellow captives.

Has anyone stumbled upon an easier way to create design options? Our org has strict branding requirements, so we can’t use the built-in layouts. I’m no slouch when it comes to JSON/CSS or grids, but Adobe has added an extra layer of abstraction that makes it harder for other people in my organization to help maintain our training resources. This creates an operational/key-person risk that a WYSIWYG editor would help mitigate. (I have tried using the build-in chromium DevTools panel but any changes I make causes the app to bug out, requiring a force-quit and reload.)

Also, can someone confirm that this is the “correct” workflow for creating a design option?

  1. Create design elements in PS/Indesign
  2. Create 4 to 6 new folders for custom design options
    1. one set of folders for the layout
    2. one set of folders for the content blocks
  3. Duplicate built-in design options into new folders
  4. Update JSON file headers (set default: false, IDs, desc, etc.)
  5. Edit container properties
  6. Edit individual child component properties
  7. Import design options in Captivate
  8. Reselect design option to apply changes
  9. Preview in browser
  10. Repeat steps 5 to 9 ad nauseum
    1. This is where the WYSIWYG editor would help the most
  11. Update thumbnail & final import.

    4 replies

    shreya_7932
    Participating Frequently
    August 11, 2026

    Hi deancaptivate,

    It sounds like you're working on creating custom design options in Adobe Captivate 13.1. Understanding your need for a WYSIWYG editor to simplify this process and avoid operational risks due to complex coding and folder management, here’s a structured approach you might find helpful:

    1. **Design Creation:** Start with Adobe Illustrator for initial design elements to align with your branding requirements.

    2. **Folder Management:** Create separate folders for layouts and content blocks. Duplicate built-in design options as you've done.

    3. **JSON Configuration:** Ensure the JSON headers are updated appropriately with correct IDs and descriptions.

    4. **Component Editing:** Adjust container and component properties as needed.

    5. **Importing Designs:** Import your design options into Captivate and apply the changes as necessary.

    6. **Preview and Iterate:** Frequently preview in the browser to verify your design, making necessary adjustments.

    For a more comprehensive guide, please refer to the HelpX documentation on [creating custom design options](https://helpx.adobe.com/in/captivate/help/create-custom-design-options-in-adobe-captivate.html).

    If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, please share more specific details about any unexpected behavior you're experiencing.

    Best regards,

    Adobe Captivate Support

    Dave Creamer of IDEAS
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    August 3, 2026

    Are you using Captivate 12/13 or Captivate Classic?

    (BTW, did you “like” your own post?🤣)

    David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
    deancaptivate
    Inspiring
    August 5, 2026

    13.1. And yes, it appears so. 😅

    **Not affiliated with Adobe or Captivate. I can't change my username.**
    deancaptivate
    Inspiring
    August 3, 2026

    Meant to say Adobe Illustrator in the first step of the workflow, not InDesign.

    **Not affiliated with Adobe or Captivate. I can't change my username.**