Every software tool you use now has AI bolted on. Your authoring tool. Your design software. Your video editor. Even your email client.

But here's the uncomfortable truth: 99.9999% of them are just using ChatGPT under the hood.

The AI Integration Paradox:

We're living in the "AI features everywhere" era. Every company is scrambling to add AI to their product because:

• Investors expect it

• Competitors are doing it

• Users are asking for it

• It justifies price increases

But most of these integrations are like getting grocery store sushi. Sure, it's sushi. But is it good sushi?

Why Standalone AI Tools Often Win:

1. They're Purpose-Built

Standalone AI tools are designed to do ONE thing exceptionally well. Built-in features are designed to be "good enough" without requiring users to leave the platform.

There's a massive difference.

2. You Get the Full Feature Set

When software companies integrate AI, they typically:

• Use limited API access

• Restrict advanced features

• Simplify controls (which limits power users)

• Add their own "improvements" that make things worse

You're getting Diet AI when you could have the full-strength version.

3. You're Not Paying Twice

Here's what really grinds my gears: Companies license AI tools (often at bulk rates), build a watered-down version into their software, then charge YOU premium prices for it.

Looking at you, Articulate with ElevenLabs integration.

You're literally paying more for a worse version of something you could access directly.

Our AI Tool Stack (And Why):

Let me share what we actually use and why we choose standalone tools over built-in options.

For Text and Content: Claude

We're massive fans of Claude. It's:

• More analytical and concise

• Better at understanding complex instructions

• Excellent for coding and technical content

• More to the point (less fluff)

For eLearning script writing, course outlines, and technical documentation? Claude is unrivaled.

But We Still Use ChatGPT For:

• Complex reasoning tasks

• Brainstorming and creative ideation

• Tasks requiring "thinking" through multiple steps

• When we need a different perspective

The point? Different AI tools have different strengths. Don't limit yourself to one.

For Voice Generation: ElevenLabs (Directly)

A lot of eLearning tools now offer AI voice generation. Most use ElevenLabs on the backend.

But they give you:

• Limited voice options

• Restricted control over prosody and emotion

• Lower quality outputs

• Higher per-character costs

Going directly to ElevenLabs gives you:

• Full voice library

• Advanced voice cloning

• Precise control over delivery

• Better pricing

• Higher quality audio

For Image Generation: It Depends

Adobe Firefly (Built-In):
We love this. It's bundled with our Adobe subscription and it's genuinely excellent. The integration makes sense because:

• It works seamlessly with Photoshop/Illustrator

• We're already paying for Adobe

• The quality is competitive with standalone tools

• The licensing is clear for commercial use

But for cutting-edge generation:
We use FAL (Fast AI Library) to access EVERYTHING. And we mean everything.

If you have FOMO about missing the latest AI model (guilty), FAL gives you access to:

• Flux models

• Stable Diffusion variants

• Latest experimental models

• Multiple AI providers in one place

When Built-In AI Makes Sense:

I'm not saying standalone is ALWAYS better. Built-in AI works when:

1. It's Actually Good
Some companies do AI integration well. Adobe Firefly is a perfect example. They built their own model, trained it properly, and integrated it seamlessly.

2. It's Bundled in Your Existing Subscription
If you're already paying for it and the quality is acceptable? Use it. We have generative tools bundled with our Envato subscription and they're brilliant for quick tasks.

3. Convenience Matters More Than Quality
Sometimes "good enough" is actually good enough. If you need a quick voiceover for an internal training module? The built-in tool might be fine.

4. Your Company Restricts External Tools
If IT policy locks you into specific tools, work within those constraints. (Or hire external agencies like us who can use whatever tools produce the best results.)

The "ChatGPT Under the Hood" Problem:

Here's the thing: Most AI integrations are just ChatGPT with a fancy wrapper.

That's not necessarily bad, but you should know what you're paying for.

When a tool advertises "AI-powered features," ask:

• What model are they using?

• What are the limitations compared to direct access?

• Am I paying extra for this?

• Can I get better results elsewhere?

Usually the answer is: Yes, you can do better.

Our Recommendation: The Hybrid Approach

Use Built-In AI When:

• It's included in your existing subscription

• Quality meets your needs

• Integration saves significant time

• The company built their own model (like Adobe)

Use Standalone Tools When:

• Quality matters

• You need advanced features

• You're doing high-volume work

• You want the latest capabilities

Keep Options Open When:

• You have FOMO about new AI developments (like us)

• Your projects have varying requirements

• You want to avoid vendor lock-in

• You're experimenting with new workflows

The FAL Advantage:

We mentioned FAL earlier. It deserves its own section.

FAL gives you access to practically every AI model available:

• Image generation models

• Video generation

• Audio processing

• Experimental and cutting-edge models

If you're the type who gets FOMO about missing out on the latest AI capabilities? FAL is your safety net.

One subscription. Everything. No commitment to a single AI provider.

The Bottom Line:

Don't let software companies make your AI tool decisions for you.

Built-in AI features are convenient, but they're often:

• More expensive

• Lower quality

• More restricted

• Less flexible

The best approach? Use the right tool for each job.

Claude for analytical content. ChatGPT for creative reasoning. ElevenLabs for professional voiceovers. Adobe Firefly when you're already in the Adobe ecosystem. FAL when you want access to everything.

Or, if your company restricts external tools?

Hire agencies (like us) who can use whatever tools produce the best results without the corporate restrictions.

What AI tools are you using? Are you stuck with built-in features or do you venture outside the walled garden?

Drop a comment with your AI tool stack - we're always looking for new tools to test.

And if your company restrictions are holding back your eLearning quality? Let's talk about how external development can give you access to the best tools available.