The latest new features in Articulate 360 are not incremental tweaks, they represent meaningful shifts in how eLearning is designed and developed.
If you trained several versions ago and have been confidently building ever since, you may not realise just how much capability has been added across Articulate 360. The updates are not cosmetic. They fundamentally shift what can be done inside the tool and how efficiently it can be done.
From embedded AI to advanced animation control, the platform is now far more self-contained. Many tasks that once required external tools, additional software or technical workarounds can now be handled directly within Rise and Storyline.
Below are some of the most significant features that are reshaping modern eLearning development.
Rise 360: Greater Creative Freedom
1. Custom Blocks
One of the most significant enhancements in Articulate Rise 360 is Custom Blocks.
Originally, Rise was intentionally structured around predefined blocks. That simplicity was its strength — but it limited flexibility.
Custom Blocks allow designers to move beyond template-driven layouts.
You can now:
- Create diagram-style slides directly in Rise
- Combine text, images, shapes, video and audio within one visual layout
- Design infographic-style content inside the platform
This gives designers far greater visual control without moving into Storyline or external presentation software.
At present, Custom Blocks support visual diagram creation, with interactivity developments expected in the future.
The shift here is important. Rise is no longer simply a structured page builder. It now supports more design-led thinking within a responsive framework.
2. Code Block Capability
Rise 360 now includes a Code Block feature. For designers working with developers or with coding capability themselves this allows HTML, JavaScript and other custom code to run directly within a Rise lesson.
This opens the door to:
- Learning journals
- Free text entry responses
- Custom games
- Embedded chatbots
- Ticker graphics
- Custom interactive tools
If you can code it, you can likely render it within Rise’s Code Block. This dramatically expands the ceiling of what Rise can do, reducing the need to exit the ecosystem for richer interactions.
3. Improved Block Management
The Manage Blocks functionality in Rise improves workflow efficiency. Designers can:
- Reorder blocks easily via drag and drop
- Copy blocks across lessons
- Restructure content quickly
For large projects or course redesigns, this accelerates layout refinement significantly. Seemingly small usability features like this compound over multiple modules.
Storyline 360: More Depth Than Ever
Storyline has always been the tool of choice for advanced interactivity. It is now even more capable.
1. Accessibility Checker
An integrated accessibility checker helps designers identify and address issues during development. This supports:
- WCAG compliance efforts
- Screen reader compatibility
- Improved keyboard navigation
Accessibility is no longer a post-build consideration. The tool now actively supports inclusive design during development.
2. Enhanced Animation Control
Beyond AI-supported JavaScript, Storyline includes expanded animation capabilities such as emphasis effects and more precise timeline control.
For designers creating simulations or visually guided walkthroughs, these refinements enable more polished and professional outputs.
3. LaTeX Support for Mathematical Equations
For organisations delivering technical, engineering or mathematical training, Storyline now supports LaTeX markup for equations.
This allows accurate mathematical notation without relying on external image exports. It is a niche feature but for relevant sectors, it is highly valuable.
AI Assistant: A True Workflow Shift
The integration of AI Assistant across both Articulate Storyline 360 and Articulate Rise 360 is a genuine workflow enhancement.
The AI Assistant can support you with:
- Drafting course content
- Generating knowledge check questions
- Rewriting tone (formal, informal, simplified, executive)
- Summarising source material
- AI Voiceover and automated closed captions
- Custom animation
- Creating feedback variations
- Producing quiz questions aligned to your content
You retain full editorial control. Every output can be reworded, refined or reshaped to suit your audience and compliance needs.
Instead of replacing instructional design judgement, AI reduces drafting time and accelerates the early stages of build. That shift alone improves production efficiency across large course portfolios.
Fewer External Tools. More Built-In Capability.
When you combine all these new features, a clear pattern emerges. Articulate is increasingly capable of supporting the full eLearning development lifecycle within its own ecosystem. The need to rely on multiple external apps is reducing. That matters operationally. Fewer tools mean:
- Less context switching
- Reduced file management issues
- Faster iteration cycles
- Cleaner development workflows
For organisations building at scale, this translates directly into efficiency and cost management.
How the Global Certified Articulate Training Network Stays Ahead
B Online Learning, as part of this global training network, Certified Articulate Storyline and Rise programs are continuously updated to reflect new features, refined workflows and emerging best practice. From AI Assistant integration and Custom Blocks in Rise to accessibility tools and advanced animation control, the curriculum keeps pace with the platform.
For past students, this makes the updated programs an ideal refresher – an opportunity to revisit the tools with a sharper lens and unlock functionality that may not have existed when you first trained.
For those new to eLearning design, the Certified pathway provides a structured, practical starting point. It builds solid foundations while introducing modern capabilities from day one, ensuring you learn the tools as they are now used.
The goal is not simply to teach features. It is to build confident, capable eLearning designers who understand how to apply the platform effectively in real-world projects.
You can explore upcoming Certified Articulate training dates on our website.
