Digital tools for multimedia creation

1. Introduction

Multimedia content has become an indispensable form of communication, learning and professional expression. Video, animation, infographics, sound, interactive materials, screenshots and photos provide new possibilities for the presentation of ideas. By using digital tools, educational and research processes become richer, more dynamic and more attractive. In academic and business contexts, multimedia is used to disseminate knowledge, document procedures, promote projects and develop communication skills.

2. Video production tools

Video is a powerful medium because it combines visual and auditory elements into a single message. Advanced tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro allow for professional editing with multi-channel footage, color adjustments, audio synchronization, and adding effects. They are used in research projects, documenting fieldwork, or creating promotional films.

Simpler tools like Filmora and CapCut are aimed at a wider audience. They have templates, automatic transitions, and an intuitive interface, so promotional material can be quickly produced as needed. In the context of popularizing science, for example, a scientist can create a short video that explains a complex scientific concept in an accessible way, while the audience can be encouraged to create their own popular science video essays that present research results or explain interesting phenomena from everyday life.

3. Animation tools

Animation is particularly useful when it is necessary to explain processes that are difficult to capture with a camera. Adobe After Effects enables complex 2D and 3D animations and special effects, while Blender provides a free solution for modeling, rendering, and visualization. In popularizing science, these solutions are often used to display molecular structures, visualize archaeological finds, reconstruct historical spaces, or explain dynamic phenomena that are difficult to capture with traditional filming.

4. Tools for designing infographics and static visuals

Infographics allow you to present large amounts of data in a concise and understandable way. Canva, Piktochart and Venngage offer rich libraries of templates that users can customize to their needs.

In the context of popularizing science, infographics are used to visualize research results, show the course of historical scientific discoveries, or compare different theoretical approaches. Scientists and educators use them in public presentations to summarize key messages, bring complex phenomena closer to a wider audience, and facilitate the understanding of data that would seem abstract or overly technical in text form.

5. Tools for sound processing and podcasting

Sound has recently been present in education thanks to the popularity of podcasts and digital radio shows. Audacity offers easy audio recording and editing and is available for free. Adobe Audition provides advanced processing options and effects, while  GarageBand is popular among Mac users for its integration with other Apple tools.

Distribution most often takes place via Spotify for Podcasters.  In the popularization of science, podcasts serve as an accessible way of explaining research, presenting scientific topics and encouraging public debate. Scientists and communicators can record introductory episodes in which they explain key concepts, talk to guests from different fields, or present current research results to a wider audience.

6. Interactive content tools

Interactive tools introduce an element of play and engagement into learning. H5P can be integrated with systems such as Moodle and Canvas LMS and offers the creation of quizzes, interactive videos and digital books. Genially allows the creation of interactive presentations, posters and educational games, while  Articulate Storyline provides professional solutions for developing e-courses.

In the popularization of science, the application is particularly diverse: interactive simulations of scientific phenomena, problem-solving scenarios based on real discoveries, or knowledge games that allow the audience to explore topics at their own pace. Such formats encourage active participation and curiosity by requiring users to make decisions, explore, and experiment, making complex scientific concepts more accessible and interesting to a wider audience.

7. Screen capture and livestream tools

Screen recording and live streaming tools are used to show proceedings and broadcast events. OBS Studio offers a free and powerful solution for recording and streaming, and is also used in professional conference broadcasts. Camtasia combines recording with built-in editing tools. ScreenPal is suitable for quick recordings and short tutorials.

In popularizing science, these tools are used to demonstrate the work of research software, prepare visually clear explanations of complex processes, or broadcast scientific events live to a wider audience. By using screenshots and live streaming, authors can create accessible educational materials that help understand research methods, techniques, and results.

8. Image and photo editing tools

High-quality visual communication relies on photos and graphics. Adobe Photoshop remains the standard in professional design, but requires experience. GIMP provides a free alternative with most of the necessary functions, while Pixlr is a simple online tool available in your browser.

In popularizing science, these tools are used to prepare illustrations in popular science articles, create visual materials for public presentations, or create posters and graphics for science festivals and campaigns. Authors use them to create clear and attractive visuals that help interpret research results, present projects to a wider audience, and shape a recognizable visual identity for scientific initiatives.

9. Conclusion

The diversity of digital multimedia tools demonstrates how dependent modern forms of scientific communication are on visual, auditory and interactive formats. Scientists now have access to resources that were once only available to professional production companies, opening up a wide range of opportunities for creatively presenting research and increasing the visibility of scientific work to the public. The availability of technology allows for more effective communication of complex concepts, the creation of accessible explanations and the design of formats that stimulate curiosity and audience engagement.

From professional video editing to simple infographic creation tools, every author can choose a solution that suits their goals and technical capabilities. Ultimately, the purpose of these tools is not only to aesthetically enhance content, but also to improve the clarity of communication, the comprehensibility of scientific information, and the quality of interaction between the scientific community and the general public

10. References

• CARNET E-laboratory. Tools for creating digital content. https://e-laboratorij.carnet.hr/category/izrada-digitalnog-sadrzaja/
• Abdulrahaman, M. D., Faruk, N., Oloyede, A. A., Surajudeen-Bakinde, N. T., Olawoyin, L. A., Mejabi, O. V., Imam-Fulani, Y. O., Fahm, A. O. and Azeez, A. L. (2020). Multimedia tools in the teaching and learning processes: A systematic review. Heliyon, 6(11), e05312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05312
• Digital Learning Institute. Top 5 Benefits of Multimedia in eLearning. https://www.digitallearninginstitute.com/blog/top-5-benefits-of-multimedia-elearning