Adapt Authoring Tool vs OpenOLAT
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted learning & courses options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Not the right match-up?
Adapt Authoring Tool
Build responsive HTML5 e-learning courses
VS
OpenOLAT
Web-based learning management system for institutions
| Feature | Adapt Authoring Tool | OpenOLAT |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Learning & Courses | Learning & Courses |
| License | GPL-3.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Language | JavaScript | Java |
| Setup difficulty | Medium | Hard |
| Min. RAM | 1,024 MB | 4,096 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal | docker, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 558 | ★ 434 |
| First released | 2014 | 2011 |
| Replaces | Articulate Rise, Adobe Captivate | Moodle, Blackboard |
Why pick each one
Choose Adapt Authoring Tool if…
- Released under the GPL-3.0 license
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Written in JavaScript
Choose OpenOLAT if…
- Released under the Apache-2.0 license
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Written in Java
Frequently asked questions
Is Adapt Authoring Tool or OpenOLAT better?
Adapt Authoring Tool is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler medium setup. Consider OpenOLAT if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are Adapt Authoring Tool and OpenOLAT free and open-source?
Yes. Adapt Authoring Tool is licensed under GPL-3.0 and OpenOLAT under Apache-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Adapt Authoring Tool and OpenOLAT with Docker?
Adapt Authoring Tool: yes. OpenOLAT: yes.