Click and watch this video for a step-by-step guide on seamlessly importing Storyline slides!
How to Add Storyline Slides to Another Storyline Project
eLearning companies and instructional designers often use Articulate Storyline 360, a leading e-learning development tool, to create interactive and engaging digital learning experiences.
In this blog, we will show you step by step how to import a Storyline file, share tips for a smooth process, and fix common issues with simple solutions.
Why Import a Storyline Slides into an Existing Storyline Project?
Before we start, let’s look at why importing Articulate Storyline 360 files is helpful:
✔ Reuse Content – Save time by using existing slides, interactions, and media.
✔ Better Teamwork – Let multiple developers work on different parts and combine them easily.
✔ Consistency & Efficiency – Keep a uniform design and avoid repeating work in eLearning projects.
Articulate Storyline 360 offers robust features that allow developers to seamlessly import new Storyline files into existing projects.
In large eLearning projects, you might need to add a new Storyline file to an existing project. This helps streamline content, reuse templates, and work better with your team.
Whether you are building eLearning courses or managing training modules, these tips will help you get the most out of Storyline 360.
Step-by-Step Process – How to Import a Storyline File into another Storyline Project
In Articulate Storyline 360, you can import slides from one Storyline project into an existing project. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open Your Existing Storyline Project:
1. Launch Articulate Storyline 360 on your computer.
2. Open the project where you want to import a new file by selecting File > Open.
Step 2: Access the Import Option:
Navigate to the “File” tab.
1. Select “Import” from the dropdown menu.
2. Choose “Storyline” to import from another Storyline project.
Go to the “Slides” Tab
1. Click on the “New Slide Tab” button in the Home tab.
2. Choose “Import” → “Storyline“ from the dropdown menu.
A file explorer window will appear, prompting you to locate the Storyline file (.story) you want to import.
Step 3: Select the Storyline File to Import
1. Navigate to the folder containing the Storyline file.
2. Select the .story file and click Open.
Storyline will load the contents of the selected file into the Import Storyline Slides window.
Step 4: Choose the Slides to Import
1. A preview window will appear, showing all the scenes and slides from the selected file.
2. Check the slides you want to import.
3. Click Import to add the selected slides to your existing project.
Step 5: Arrange and Edit as Needed
1. The imported slides will appear in your project.
2. If necessary, rearrange the slides by dragging them into the correct sequence.
Ensure that themes, fonts, and interactions align with your project’s branding guidelines.
Step 6: Review and Test Imported Content
Common Issues When Importing Storyline Files and How to Fix Them
Problem 1: Media File Conflicts
Solution: Rename any duplicated media files (images, audio, or videos) before importing to prevent unintended overwrites.
Problem 2: Different Player Settings
Solution: After importing, review the Player settings under the “Home” tab and adjust them to match your project’s branding.
Problem 3: Misaligned Slide Layouts
Solution: After import, manually apply the correct Master Slide layout to ensure design consistency.
Problem 4: Overlapping or Duplicated Variables
Solution: Review all variables in the Triggers panel and rename conflicting ones to avoid breaking course logic.
Best Practices for a Smooth Import Process Storyline Files
To avoid potential issues and maximize efficiency, follow these expert tips:
Use a Consistent Naming Convention
1. Clearly label scenes, slides, and variables to avoid confusion after import.
2. Example: Instead of “Scene 1” use “Onboarding_Module1.”
Check for Variable Conflicts
1. Before importing, review variable names to prevent clashes between the new and existing content.
2. Rename any duplicate variables to maintain course logic.
Check Media and Assets
1. Verify that images, audio, and videos are properly linked and available.
2. If missing assets occur, relink them in the media library.
Align Design and Branding
1. Ensure that the imported slides follow the same theme, fonts, and color scheme as your main project.
2. If needed, adjust the Master Slide settings after import.
Test Interactions and Navigation
1. Run a preview to check that buttons, triggers, and interactive elements work as expected.
2. Confirm that imported quizzes still track correctly within the Learning Management System (LMS).
Maintain Backups
1. Save a copy of your existing Storyline project before importing new content.
2. This allows you to revert to the previous version if needed.
Advanced Tips for eLearning Developers Using Storyline 360
If you’re managing large-scale eLearning development, these advanced techniques will help streamline your workflow:
Create a Master Template for Faster Imports
1. Develop a master project template with predefined slides, interactions, and branding.
2. This allows easy integration of new modules while maintaining a consistent look and feel.
Organize Content with Scene-Based Imports
1. Instead of importing individual slides, import entire scenes to keep related content grouped together.
2. This is particularly useful for microlearning modules or scenario-based training.
Utilize Shared Libraries for Reusable Assets
1. Store commonly used assets (buttons, animations, templates) in a shared folder to avoid duplication.
2. Helps maintain uniformity across multiple Storyline projects.
Summary
Importing a new Storyline file into an existing project is a powerful feature that fosters collaboration and efficiency in eLearning development. By adhering to the steps and best practices outlined above, eLearning developers can create cohesive and dynamic courses that meet diverse learning objectives.
By following the steps and best practices outlined in this blog, you can efficiently merge and manage Storyline 360 projects without compromising design or functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Articulate Storyline 360 used for?
A. Articulate Storyline 360 is a comprehensive eLearning authoring tool used to design interactive courses, quizzes, and simulations for digital learning platforms.
Q2. Where can I find comprehensive training for Articulate Storyline 360?
A. Please access a wide range of tutorial videos to master Articulate Storyline 360. We cover topics from beginner basics to advanced course development, including interactive slides, animations, quizzes, branching scenarios and more.
Explore our full range of Articulate Storyline 360 tutorials here: https://www.swiftelearningservices.com/articulate-storyline-360-free-tutorials/
Q3. How do I import a new Storyline file into an existing project?
A. To import a Storyline file:
Step 1: Open your existing project.
Step 2: Go to Slides > New Slide > Import > Storyline.
Step 3: Select the .story file you want to import.
Step 4: Choose the slides/scenes you need and click Import.
Step 5: Review and test the imported content.
Q4. How can I create a question bank in Storyline 360?
A. To create a question bank, go to the “Slides” tab, click on “Question Banks,” select “Create Question Bank,” and then add or import questions as needed.
Q5. Who are the best providers of custom eLearning development services?
A. eLearning companies like swift elearning services, we offer custom eLearning solutions, including content development, corporate training solutions, and eLearning translation services.
Q6. What is the difference between Articulate Storyline 360 and Rise 360?
A. Storyline 360 is designed for advanced, interactive eLearning content, while Rise 360 is a web-based tool focused on responsive, mobile-friendly courses.
Q7. How do I publish a Storyline 360 course for an LMS?
A. Click Publish > LMS, select SCORM, xAPI, or AICC, and adjust settings before exporting.
For more information, please visit our Custom eLearning Development Services page.
