Authorware was used for creating interactive elearning programs that could integrate a range of multimedia content, particularly electronic educational technology (also called e-learning) applications.

TUTOR programmers were able to build powerful scripted systems that included simulations and games.

Authorware used a visual interface with icons, representing essential components of the interactive learning experience.

By simply placing the icons in sequence and adjusting their properties, authors could instantly see the structure of program they were creating and, most importantly, run it to see what learners would see.

Once production shifted to Adobe's off-shore development facility in Bangalore, India, the free-flow of information that had been enjoyed between Macromedia's engineering team and its beta testers was curtailed.

The original strength in education of Authorware could be linked to its roots in pedagogical models based on constructivist views.

"Xtra Extensions" (or "Xtras") could also be used to extend the functionality of Authorware, which is similar to HyperCard's XCMDs.

Working with these templates, businesses and schools could rapidly assemble multimedia training materials without needing to hire a full-fledged programmer.

Being both AICC- and SCORM-compliant, Authorware could be used to deliver content via any Learning Management System that supported AICC or SCORM.