Software Support

Adobe Animate is used to create vector graphics and animations for cartoons, advertisements, games, and other interactive content. This program is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs. This software can be used on both Windows and Mac machines.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Learning Adobe Animate CC
• An Overview of Adobe Animate
• More Adobe Animate LinkedIn Learning Tools

This program is industry-standard audio editing software, and it works seamlessly with Adobe Premiere Pro for editing a video’s audio. Adobe Audition is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs. This software can be used on both Windows and Mac machines.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Learning Adobe Audition
• Adobe Audition: Mixing Music and Dialog
• More Adobe Audition LinkedIn Learning Tools

Adobe Character Animator combines live motion-capture with a multi-track recording system to control layered 2D puppets drawn in Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. This software is not yet available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs, or can be used with a paid Adobe Creative Cloud account. This software can be used on both Windows and Mac machines.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Introducing Adobe Character Animator
• Adobe Character Animator
• More Adobe Character LinkedIn Learning Tools

Adobe Express is a cloud-based media creation application that makes it easy to create social media graphics, fliers/brochures, promotional videos, and single-page websites. This program is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via your free UW-Madison Adobe ID. This software is web-based, and can be accessed from a browser.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Adobe Express Essential Training
• More Adobe Express LinkedIn Learning Tools

Adobe Support:

• Learn Adobe Express
• Adobe Express User Guide

This program is a graphics editor, typically used for vector (line-based) images. Adobe Illustrator can be used for comics, logos, research poster creation, fliers/brochures, business cards, CVs and resumes, and many other graphic-based projects. This program is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the lab and for checkout. This software is available for both Windows and Mac machines.

Software Training for Students Support:

• STS Training Manual for Illustrator
• STS Workshops for Illustrator

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Illustrator 2025 Essential Training
• More Adobe Illustrator LinkedIn Learning Tools

This program is a document creator, typically used for creating print materials. Adobe InDesign can be used for research poster creation, fliers/brochures, magazines, business cards, CVs and resumes, and other printed materials. This program is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the lab and for checkout. This software is available for both Windows and Mac machines.

Software Training for Students Support:

• STS Training Manual for InDesign
• STS Workshops for InDesign

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• InDesign 2025 Essential Training
• InDesign Quick Start
• InDesign Secrets
• More Adobe InDesign LinkedIn Learning Tools

This program is a graphics editor, typically used for raster (pixel-based) images. Adobe Photoshop can be used for photo editing, research poster creation, fliers/brochures, and many other graphic-based projects. This program is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the lab and for checkout. This software is available for both Windows and Mac machines.

Software Training for Students Support:

• STS Training Manual for Photoshop 1
• STS Training Manual for Photoshop 2: Retouching and Color Correction
• STS Workshops for Photoshop

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Photoshop 2025 Essential Training
• More Adobe Photoshop LinkedIn Learning Tools

This industry-standard video editing software is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs. This software can be used on both Windows and Mac machines, but needs a strong processor and lots of RAM. Premiere Pro is much more advanced than Apple’s iMovie, and has a lot more functions and features.

Software Training for Students Support:

• STS Training Manual for Premiere Pro

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• What is Adobe Premiere Pro?
• Learning Adobe Premiere Pro
• Getting Started with Premiere Pro for the Non-Video Pro
• Premiere Pro for Self-Taught Editors
• Adobe Premiere Pro 2025 Essential Training
• More Adobe Premiere Pro LinkedIn Learning Tools

Premiere Rush or “Rush” is the light version of the industry-standard video editing software. It is a free download and is also available via your free UW-Madison Adobe ID.  This software can be used on both Windows and Mac machines, as well as on iOS and Android. Premiere Rush is comparable to Apple’s iMovie, but has a few more functions and features. Premiere Rush files can also be opened and further edited in Premiere Pro for more advanced video editing functions.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Using Adobe Rush
• Adobe Premiere Rush
• When to Use Adobe Premiere Rush

Adobe Support

• Premiere Rush Tutorial

DaVinci Resolve is a free editing software for Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. While this software is known for color grading and color correction, the latest version provides a full suite of tools for editing, color correcting, mixing, and rendering video. Resolve also includes motion graphics, visual effects, and audio post-production tools. There is a paid version that allows for more options including 3D rendering, but this is usually overkill for most projects. We recommend the free version.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Learning DaVinci Resolve
• DaVinci Resolve: Editing Basics

DaVinci Resolve Support:

• DaVinci Resolve 19 Training

This industry-standard video editing software is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the on select Macs in UW-Madison computer labs. This software needs a strong processor and lots of RAM, so it is not recommended for use on most laptops. There is, however, an iPad version of the software. Final Cut Pro is similar in function to Adobe Premiere Pro, and has a lot more features than Apple’s iMovie.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Final Cut Pro Essential Training
• Learning Final Cut Pro for iPad
• More Final Cut Pro LinkedIn Learning Tools

GarageBand is an advanced audio editing software designed mostly for music, with the ability to create synthesized music and percussion in a multi-track overlay. It can also be used for voice-based projects like podcasts. GarageBand is available for free on all Mac and iOS devices via the App Store. GarageBand is also available on the Macs in the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the labs and for checkout.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• GarageBand Essential Training
• GarageBand Podcasting
• More GarageBand LinkedIn Learning Support

This program is a good introductory and easy-to-learn video editing software. iMovie is available for free on all Apple devices via the App Store. It is also available on the Macs in the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the labs and for checkout.

Software Training for Students Support:

• STS Training Manual for iMovie

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• iMovie 10.1.16 Essential Training
• iMovie for iOS (iPad/iPhone) Essential Training
• More iMovie LinkedIn Learning Tools

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio is the industry-standard video streaming software, commonly used by Twitchers and YouTubers. It is also a good program for video recording because it allows for both webcam and screen capture recording. As an open source program, OBS is available as a free download for Mac, Windows, or Linux.

OBS Support:

• Help Center

This program can be used for recording audio or video on Mac computers, including screen-capturing video. QuickTime is available for free on all Apple devices via the App Store. It is also available on the Macs in UW-Madison computer labs, both in the labs and for checkout.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Record Audio and Video with QuickTime
• More QuickTime LinkedIn Learning Tools

Create comics from images and hand-drawn artwork with this simple plug-and-play program! Comic Life has built-in templates, comic-style fonts, speech bubbles, and image filters to make your comic look authentic. Comic Life is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison computer labs.

Comic Life Support:

• Support Center

This word processing software is Google’s version of Microsoft Word. Like Word, it can create word documents that incorporate images and other design elements. Google Docs is all online and designed for collaborative work. All documents are housed on Google Drive, so you can easily invite colleagues to edit, suggest edits, and/or comment. Google Docs is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW–‍Madison Google Workspace for Education (formerly G Suite).

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Introduction to Google Docs
• Google Docs Essential Training
• More Google Docs LinkedIn Learning Tools

Note: Since Google Docs is based heavily on Microsoft Word’s interface, many of the software training links listed under Microsoft Word may be applicable to both software programs.

This spreadsheet software is Google’s version of Microsoft Excel. Like Excel, it has the ability to create customizable data visualizations, although it does have less features. Google Sheets is all online and designed for collaborative work. All documents are housed on Google Drive, so you can easily invite colleagues to edit, suggest edits, and/or comment. Google Sheets is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW–‍Madison Google Workspace for Education (formerly G Suite).

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Introduction to Google Sheets
• Google Sheets Essential Training
• Google Sheets: Advanced Topics
• More Google Sheets LinkedIn Learning Tools

Note: Since Google Sheets is based heavily on Microsoft Excel’s interface, many of the software training links listed under Microsoft Excel may be applicable to both software programs.

This slideshow software is Google’s version of Microsoft PowerPoint. Unlike PowerPoint, it has limited functions for animations, video, and audio. However, Google Slides is all online and designed for collaborative work. All documents are housed on Google Drive, so you can easily invite colleagues to edit, suggest edits, and/or comment. Google Slides is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW-Madison G-Suite.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Introduction to Google Slides
• Google Slides Essential Training
• Google Slides: Design and Deliver Great Presentations
• More Google Slides LinkedIn Learning Tools

Note: Since Google Slides is based heavily on Microsoft PowerPoint’s interface, many of the software training links listed under Microsoft PowerPoint may be applicable to both software programs.

This slideshow software is Apple’s version of Microsoft PowerPoint/Google Slides. Like PowerPoint, it has the ability to have animations and play/record video. Keynote is available for free on all Apple devices via the App Store. It is also available on the Macs in the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the labs and for checkout.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Create Powerful Presentations with Apple Keynote
• More Keynote LinkedIn Learning Tools

This spreadsheet software is the industry-standard for numbers and accounting. It also has the ability to create customized data visualizations. Similar programs are the online-based Google Sheets and Apple’s Numbers. Microsoft Excel is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via UW-Madison’s Office 365. It is also available via the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the lab and for checkout.

Software Training for Students Support:

• STS Manual for Excel 1
• STS Manual for Excel 2
• STS Workshops for Excel

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Getting Started with Excel (Learning Path)
• Master Microsoft Excel (Learning Path)
• Excel Essential Training (Office 365)
• Excel: Charts in Depth
• Excel: Advanced Formulas and Functions
• Excel: Avoiding Common Mistakes
• Excel Tips Weekly
• More Microsoft Excel LinkedIn Learning Tools

This slideshow software is the industry-standard for presentations. PowerPoint has the ability to customize templates, add animations, and play/record video and audio. Similar programs are Apple Keynote/Google Slides. PowerPoint is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via UW-Madison’s Office 365. It is also available via the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the lab and for checkout.

Software Training for Students:

• STS Training Manual for PowerPoint

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Getting Started with PowerPoint (Learning Path)
• Learning PowerPoint 2019
• Learning PowerPoint Online
• Master Microsoft PowerPoint
• PowerPoint: From Outline to Presentation
• PowerPoint Quick Tips
• PowerPoint Tips Weekly
• More Microsoft PowerPoint LinkedIn Learning Tools

This word processing software the industry-standard for creating research papers, reports, and resumes/CVs. Similar programs to Word are Apple Pages and Google Docs. This program has the ability to create word documents that incorporate images and other design elements (color, a variety of fonts, etc.). Microsoft Word is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via UW-Madison’s Office 365. It is also available via the UW-Madison computer labs, both in the lab and for checkout.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Office 365: Word Essential Training
• Learning Word Online (Office 365)
• Getting Started with Microsoft Word (Learning Path)
• Improve Your Microsoft Word Skills (Learning Path)
• Master Microsoft Word (Learning Path)
• More Microsoft Word LinkedIn Learning Tools

Piktochart is another online graphic design platform that works similar to Canva, but we recommend it more for data visualizations and data-heavy infographics. While the program has paid features, you can typically make all your documents with the free account. This platform also comes with a built-in database of free images and icons (and some at low costs) and gives you the ability to upload your own content. Your files are saved to your account and kept on the Piktochart server, but has a maximum of 5 documents on the free account. You can also download the files in select formats.

Piktochart Support:

• Video Tutorials
• Support Center

Pixton is an online comic creator designed to be a simple template-based system to drag and drop. While the program has paid features, you can typically make a basic comic with the free account. This platform also comes with a built-in database of free characters, images, and icons. The paid account allows you to upload your own content, print, and download. See also, ComicLife for another comic creator available on campus!

Pixton Support:

• Help Center (Click on the “Help” button at the bottom right of the screen)

Prezi is an online presentation software designed for spatial presentations, rather than the typical linear slideshow presentation model found in Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Apple Keynote. Using a canvas, the presentation has fly-throughs that zoom in on particular content. While more visually dynamic than most typical slideshows, it can be jarring for an audience and lead to motion sickness if not careful! Their basic license is free to create from a template or existing PowerPoint slides, record videos, and create dynamic designs and data visualizations with Prezi Design.

Software Training for Students Support:

• STS Training Manual for Prezi

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Prezi Essential Training

Google Sites is an online tool that allows users to create websites. It offers several templates and limited customization compared to professional website-building tools, like WordPress or Wix. However, it requires very little prior knowledge about website building and allows for collaboration. Google Sites is free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via the UW–‍Madison Google Workspace for Education (formerly G Suite).

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Google Sites Essential Training

Google Support:

• Google Sites Support

LinkedIn is a free online professional profile and social media site. This site is great for those looking to have an online presence for job applications without creating a full website. There is space for a headshot, resume, education history, and other professional accomplishments.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Learning LinkedIn
• Rock Your LinkedIn Profile
• LinkedIn Quick Tips

This online program can be used to create interactive reports and presentations. Sway can be used to make single page websites, graphic essays, or presentations. Sway allows the creator to design the site to be viewed as a scrolling page top to bottom or left to right. It can also be created to be viewed in a slide layout. Microsoft Sway is available for free to all UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via UW-Madison’s Office 365.

DesignLab Support:

• DesignLab’s Sway on Sway
• DesignLab’s Instructional Video: Designing Sway

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• Sway Essential Training

Office 365 Support:

• Sway Quick Start
• Add Video and Audio in Your Sway
• Embed Content in Your Sway
• Share Your Sway

Weebly is a website builder that is great for building personal/business websites and online stores. Using their templates and drag-and-drop editor, you can customize your website without knowing HTML or CSS. Keep in mind that the free plan constrains the amount of storage your website has, so you are limited in how much you can upload and add to your site. Additionally, you must pay for one of their more inclusive plans to remove the Weebly branding from your site.

Weebly Support:

• Help Center

WordPress’s answer to Wix and Weebly, WordPress.com is a drag-and-drop website builder that is great for simple websites and blogs. Unlike the .org, WordPress.com hosts your website and provides everything you need to get started. WordPress.com also offers paid plans, which give you access to more features and removes ads.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• WordPress.com Essential Training

WordPress.org is an open-source software that is best for more complicated websites and more advanced web designers. For this software, you will need to provide your own website hosting (such as Amazon Web Services), and, while you can download and use templates and plug-ins from WordPress.org, you may have to pay a third party for more customization options. WordPress.org is great if you know HTML and CSS, or if you are working with a professional web designer.

LinkedIn Learning Support:

• WordPress Essential Training

Google Earth renders maps the earth, moon, and mars using superimposing satellite images, aerial photography, and GIS data onto a 3D globe, allowing users to see cities and landscapes from various angles. With it’s creation tools, you can draw on the map, add your photos and videos, customize your view, and share and collaborate with others. You can also create “fly throughs” of various locations.

Google Support:

• Google Earth Resources

My Maps allows you to make custom Google Maps that highlight places of interest with personalized icons and colors. You can also draw on the maps! My Maps are all online and designed for sharing. All maps are housed on Google Drive and are also accessible under Google Maps > “My Places.” You can easily invite colleagues to edit, suggest edits, comment, or add their own points. My Maps is available to anyone with a Google account.

Google Support:

• My Maps Help Center
• My Maps Forum

NatGeo MapMaker is a free online custom map maker that allows you to highlight places of interest with personalized icons/images and drawings on one of seven base maps. You can also add built-in layers to the map, such as climate data. You need to “Save As” to have your map link sent to you as an email. All maps are housed on the NatGeo server, but after 6 months of inactivity, your projects may be deleted.

NatGeo MapMaker Interactive Support:

• MapMaker Help