Authorware

Authorware was originally a company founded in 1987 by Michael Allen as well as the multimedia product produced by Authorware, Inc. Allen originally helped in the development of the PLATO Learning Management System (PLM) collaborative learning system during the 1970s. Authorware is an interpreted, flow-chart based, graphical programming language. Authorware is used for creating interactive programs that can integrate sound, text, graphics, simple animation, and digital movies.

Authorware programs start by creating a flowline, which is a flowchart showing the structure of the user's program. The user can add and manage text, graphics, animation, sound and video; develop interactivity and add navigational elements such as links, buttons, and menus. Macromedia Director movies can also be integrated into an Authorware project. Xtras, or add-ins, can also be used to extend the functionality of Authorware, which is similar to HyperCard's XCMDs. Authorware's power can be even better utilized with the use of variables, functions and expressions.

Authorware, Inc. merged with MacroMind-Paracomp in 1992 to form Macromedia.