How to Try our Software
Our software runs locally on your computer.
If you need help, please contact us. We are happy to help you.
Download and save the install file on your computer
Click on the download file you just saved to run the install
To access LeaderGuide Pro or AuthorTec, open Microsoft Word and click the software tab along the top of your screen
To access the Learning Design Tool, use your computer’s Start menu
The fastest, easiest way to build professionally formatted facilitator guides and participant guides.
An automated instructional design template & course outline tool with cognitive prompts for crafting learning objectives.
Easily perform advanced functions in Microsoft Word to increase productivity and ensure consistency.
Windows only. Microsoft Word add-ins.
System Requirements
To run our software, you need a desktop version of Microsoft 365.
To install our software, you need full system admin privileges.
Ensure Success
What is required to install GCL software?
Your computer must be running a licensed desktop version of Microsoft Office 365.
You must download our software install file and save it to your computer.
To run the install you must have full system admin privileges. So you might help from IT.
You need to know whether you have a 64-bit or 32-bit Windows operating system.
How do I find out whether I have a 32-bit or 64-bit Windows operating system?
Open File Explorer
Select your C drive
You have 32-bit if you only see a Program Files folder
You have 64-bit if you see a Program Files folder and a Program Files (x86) folder
How do I ensure a successful install?
Do not run the install over the internet.
Download and save the install file to your computer.
Before running the install, close Word or PowerPoint & use Control Panel to uninstall any older versions of our software.
After the install, you, as the user, need to open Word and follow the prompts to allow your new tool to complete its setup & register.
Are these software tools cloud-based?
Great Circle Learning software products are digitally secured global templates and managed COM add-ins to desktop versions of Windows Microsoft 365 Word & PowerPoint.
All of our software is developed by our Chief Product Architect & Microsoft MVP, Richard V. Michaels.
Free Trial FAQs
How long is the free trial ?
The free trial runs for 15 days.
Can I run a free trial more than once?
You cannot run a free trial of the same tool more than once on the same computer.
Do I need a key to run the free trial?
Yes. After you install, a wizard will help you register. A key will be emailed to you after you register. To launch the activation wizard & enter your free trial key simply open Word and click on any button on the ribbon of the tool your are trying.
What I can do for free?
Fully try the features of the product you are considering. For the Learning Design Tool and LeaderGuide Pro, the files you create will be limited to use on your computer only, and cannot be used for production purposes.
Can I use what I create & what happens if I stop using the tool I created it with?
Everything you create using Great Circle Learning software is yours. And, the files will remain on your computer and available to you even if you stop using our tools. There is an exception: The files you create for free with the Learning Design Tool & LeaderGuide Pro cannot be used as work deliverables.
Are there limits to what I can do for free?
For the Learning Design Tool & LeaderGuide Pro, while the free trial is running, you can only open the files your create via the Open button on the LeaderGuide Pro or Learning Design Tool ribbon on your computer.
How do I access my new software?
For the Learning Design Tool & LeaderGuide Pro, open Word and click on the tool’s tab along the top of your screen to bring up its ribbon.
Can I share the files I create?
Yes. Our tools create Word files that you can share. Note that while using the Learning Design Tool & LeaderGuide Pro for free you must PDF your files to show them to others. Once you purchase a license, you can share files as Word documents.
How do I get help? Can I join a user group community? Do you provide free support?
We will reach out to you after you download to help you get started. We also offer written & video tutorials on this website. And you are always welcome to contact us. After you buy a license we will invite you into the User Group for your tool & to special events to learn & share & talk to your colleagues from all over the world.