Common SCORM Publishing Mistakes in Storyline—and How to Avoid Them
- LMSPortals
- Apr 25
- 5 min read
Publishing e-learning content in SCORM format using Articulate Storyline should be straightforward. Yet, many course creators run into frustrating issues that could have been avoided with the right know-how. Let’s walk through the most common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
1. Choosing the Wrong SCORM Version
Mistake
Many users don't pay enough attention to whether they’re publishing to SCORM 1.2, SCORM 2004 (2nd, 3rd, or 4th Edition), or another option. They just pick one and move on.
Why It Matters
Each SCORM version has different capabilities and limitations. SCORM 1.2 is widely supported but has a smaller data limit. SCORM 2004 offers better tracking and sequencing but might not be compatible with all LMS platforms.
How to Avoid It
Know your LMS requirements: Check which SCORM version your LMS supports best.
Match features to needs: If you need detailed tracking like bookmarking, consider SCORM 2004 (3rd or 4th Edition).
Test a sample: Publish a short version of your course first and test it in your LMS.
2. Overlooking Reporting and Tracking Settings
Mistake
People often leave the default "Passed/Incomplete" or "Complete/Incomplete" settings without checking if they fit the course goals.
Why It Matters
Incorrect reporting settings can cause the LMS to report wrong completion statuses. Learners might finish a course but not get credit, or vice versa.
How to Avoid It
Set clear course objectives: Decide if completion is based on viewing slides, passing a quiz, or both.
Choose appropriate tracking: In Storyline, you can track by slide views, quiz results, or a combination.
Test different outcomes: Run the course through different scenarios to ensure tracking is working properly.
3. Publishing With the Wrong LMS Standard Settings
Mistake
Storyline offers publishing formats like "LMS" and "LMS with xAPI or cmi5." Sometimes, creators accidentally choose the wrong one.
Why It Matters
If you pick an incompatible output, your LMS might not launch the course, track it, or save progress correctly.
How to Avoid It
Stick to standard LMS output unless xAPI/cmi5 is requested.
Verify LMS compatibility: Consult with your LMS administrator if unsure.
4. Ignoring File Size and Optimization
Mistake
Loading huge media files (high-res videos, heavy images) into Storyline without optimizing them first.
Why It Matters
Large SCORM packages load slowly, crash browsers, or fail to upload to LMSs with file size limits.
How to Avoid It
Compress media: Optimize videos and images before importing.
Use streaming services: Host large videos externally and embed them.
Publish with compressed output: Storyline’s "Publish" settings let you compress media automatically.
5. Not Testing SCORM Files Before Uploading
Mistake
Skipping SCORM testing and uploading directly into production LMS environments.
Why It Matters
Bugs, tracking failures, or broken navigation could sneak into your live course and damage credibility.
How to Avoid It
Use SCORM Cloud: It's a free, trusted tool for testing SCORM packages.
Create a staging environment: Test uploads in a non-public area first.
Test different user behaviors: Complete, exit mid-course, fail quizzes—simulate everything learners might do.
6. Failing to Set a Clear Exit Course Button
Mistake
Some courses don't have a reliable "Exit Course" button or action.
Why It Matters
If users don't exit properly, their progress might not save. This is a bigger deal in SCORM 1.2, which doesn't auto-commit data as often as SCORM 2004.
How to Avoid It
Add a clear Exit button: Use Storyline’s "Exit Course" trigger.
Warn users: If the LMS needs extra steps (like clicking a close button), tell users explicitly.
Test exit behavior: Confirm that exiting correctly updates course status in the LMS.
7. Mismanaging Resume Behavior (Bookmarking)
Mistake
Forgetting to configure how the course handles bookmarking—whether it should remember where learners left off.
Why It Matters
Learners expect to pick up where they left off. If they can’t, it leads to frustration and non-completions.
How to Avoid It
Set resume behavior in Storyline: Choose "Prompt to Resume" or "Always Resume" if bookmarking is needed.
Test it: Exit mid-course and ensure reopening the course brings you back to the same spot.
8. Incorrect Use of Completion and Success Status
Mistake
Confusing "completion" (Did they finish?) with "success" (Did they pass?) when configuring LMS tracking.
Why It Matters
Mixing these up can misreport user data—especially important for compliance training.
How to Avoid It
Understand the terms:
Completion = course finished
Success = passed/failed outcome
Match to LMS requirements: Some LMSs only recognize one or the other. Configure Storyline settings accordingly.
9. Setting the Passing Score Wrongly
Mistake
Setting the passing score in the quiz but forgetting to align it with the LMS settings.
Why It Matters
If Storyline expects a different passing score than the LMS, learners could pass a quiz but still be marked as incomplete.
How to Avoid It
Set passing score once: Do it in Storyline, and ensure you don’t override it in the LMS.
Double-check LMS import settings: Many LMSs let you adjust SCORM settings on import—verify they match.
10. Poor Naming Conventions for Files
Mistake
Publishing SCORM files with random, unclear names like "Course123_final_FINAL2.zip."
Why It Matters
Messy file names confuse LMS administrators and make version control a nightmare.
How to Avoid It
Create a simple naming standard: Something like "[CourseTitle]v[VersionNumber][Date].zip".
Stick to it: Always publish new versions following the same logic.
11. Not Updating the Manifest Properly
Mistake
Assuming Storyline always generates a perfect imsmanifest.xml file (the file that defines SCORM structure).
Why It Matters
If your SCORM package’s manifest is broken or missing key details, the LMS may not launch the course.
How to Avoid It
Review the manifest: Open the imsmanifest.xml and check for errors if you’re having issues.
Let Storyline handle it: Unless you know XML, don’t manually edit the manifest.
Keep course structure simple: The cleaner your module structure in Storyline, the fewer chances of manifest problems.
12. Forgetting About Mobile Compatibility
Mistake
Publishing courses without considering whether learners will access them on mobile devices.
Why It Matters
Courses that don’t work well on mobile frustrate users and lead to high dropout rates.
How to Avoid It
Use "Modern Player": Storyline’s Modern Player is responsive by default.
Test on multiple devices: Smartphone, tablet, desktop—test everywhere.
Avoid Flash: Storyline no longer relies on Flash, but older course templates might.
Summary: A Few Final Tips
Mistakes in SCORM publishing can be small—but their impact can be massive. By understanding these common traps and setting up a checklist for each project, you can save yourself (and your learners) a lot of headaches.
Quick Pre-Publish Checklist:
Pick the correct SCORM version.
Set proper reporting and tracking.
Optimize file size.
Confirm exit behavior.
Test everything on SCORM Cloud.
Getting SCORM right isn't rocket science—it’s about discipline and attention to detail. Nail the process, and you’ll deliver polished, LMS-friendly courses every time.
About LMS Portals
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The system includes built-in, SCORM-compliant rapid course development software that provides a drag and drop engine to enable most anyone to build engaging courses quickly and easily.
We also offer a complete library of ready-made courses, covering most every aspect of corporate training and employee development.
If you choose to, you can create Learning Paths to deliver courses in a logical progression and add structure to your training program. The system also supports Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and provides tools for social learning.
Together, these features make LMS Portals the ideal SaaS-based eLearning platform for our clients and our Reseller partners.
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