Articulate Storyline and Rise 360 are widely used to create interactive eLearning, but preparing courses for a global audience involves more than translating the words on the screen. Localization may also involve adapting layouts, multimedia, captions, terminology, and other learner-facing elements for each target language.
This guide explains the main differences between translating Storyline and Rise 360 courses, the workflows available in Articulate 360, and practical steps for preparing, translating, reviewing, and publishing multilingual eLearning content.
Choosing Between Articulate Storyline and Rise 360
Storyline 360 and Rise 360 support different course-authoring approaches, so the best choice depends on the type of training you are creating.
Storyline 360 is designed for highly customized and interactive learning experiences. It is well suited to branching scenarios, simulations, complex interactions, assessments, and courses that require detailed control over the learner experience.
Rise 360 uses a web-based, responsive design approach that makes it easier to create courses that adapt across desktop and mobile devices. It is often useful for content-focused training, compliance courses, and learning experiences that need to be developed quickly.
Both platforms can be used for multilingual training, but the localization workflow and the types of content requiring review can differ.
Articulate Localization for Storyline and Rise 360
Articulate 360 now includes built-in Localization workflows for both Storyline and Rise. These tools can support multilingual course production, including AI-assisted translation, language management, glossary support, and in-context review. Articulate currently states that its built-in AI translation supports more than 80 languages.
However, automated translation does not remove the need for linguistic and technical review. Localized courses should still be checked for terminology, text fit, multimedia, accessibility, cultural appropriateness, and overall functionality.
Steps for Translating and Localizing Articulate Courses
The exact process depends on whether you are working with Storyline 360 or Rise 360, but the following steps provide a practical framework for preparing and managing a multilingual course.
Step 1: Prepare Your Course Content
Before diving into translation, prep your course materials with these tips:
- Finalize the source course: Complete major content, design, and interaction changes before sending the course for translation.
- Identify localization requirements: Make a list of text, images, audio, video, captions, assessments, downloadable files, and other learner-facing content that may require localization.
- Plan for text expansion: Leave enough space for translations that may be longer than the source text. Review text boxes, buttons, navigation elements, and other areas where additional text could affect the layout.
Step 2: Choose Your Localization Workflow
Articulate 360 offers built-in Localization workflows for Storyline and Rise, while traditional translation workflows can also involve exporting content for external translation. The right approach depends on your project requirements, target languages, review process, and whether you are working with an internal team or professional localization provider.
For professional localization, consider how the workflow will handle translation, terminology management, multimedia, linguistic review, technical QA, and final publishing—not just the translation file itself.
Step 3: Manage the Translation Workflow
For Storyline 360 or Rise 360 projects, establish the source language, target languages, terminology, and review process before translation begins. Keep the original source course unchanged so that you have a reliable reference throughout the project.
When using Articulate’s built-in Localization workflow, manage the target language versions within Articulate 360. When using an external translation workflow, follow the appropriate export and import process for the specific authoring tool.
For detailed Storyline instructions, see our How to Translate a Storyline Course.
For detailed Rise 360 instructions, see our How to Translate a Rise 360 Course: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026).
Best Practices for Translating Storyline and Rise 360 Courses
Want to excel? Check these out:
Planning for Translation
Finalize your source content before translation and identify all text, multimedia, graphics, captions, and downloadable assets that need localization.
Writing Translation-Friendly Content
Use clear and consistent language. Avoid unnecessary idioms, slang, and ambiguous wording that can make localization more difficult.
Maintaining Terminology
Use a glossary or terminology list for product names, technical terms, recurring phrases, and other important language. Articulate’s Localization tools support custom glossaries for translation consistency.
Reviewing Multimedia
Review audio, video, captions, images, and downloadable files separately because not every learner-facing element is handled through the same text-translation workflow.
Benefits of Localizing Articulate Courses
Localization can help organizations deliver training to learners in different languages while maintaining a consistent course structure and learner experience. It can also help organizations adapt terminology, multimedia, and other content for specific markets.
For responsive Rise courses, localization should still be reviewed across different devices. For Storyline courses, additional attention may be needed for interactive elements, layouts, triggers, variables, and other customized course components.
From Translation to Full eLearning Localization
Translation changes the language of your course, while localization considers how the complete learning experience works for the target audience. Depending on the project, this may include linguistic adaptation, terminology, multimedia, graphics, captions, layout, accessibility, and technical QA.
For organizations that need support across these areas, Transcend provides eLearning Localization Services for global training content.
Whether you are translating a Storyline simulation or a responsive Rise 360 course, successful localization requires a workflow that considers both language and course functionality. Start with a finalized source course, choose the appropriate localization workflow, review the translated content in context, and test the final version before publishing.
Transcend Translation provides eLearning localization support for organizations preparing Storyline, Rise 360, and other digital learning content for global audiences. Learn more about our eLearning Localization Services or request a quote for your project.