CreateInstall vs InstallShield

Struggling to choose between CreateInstall and InstallShield? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

CreateInstall is a Development solution with tags like opensource, windows, installer, software-distribution.

It boasts features such as Visual interface to customize installation flow, Build installers for distributing Windows software, Open-source, Support for multiple languages, Customizable UI themes, Silent install option, Installer compression and pros including Easy to use, Free and open source, Good documentation, Active community support, Customizable and extensible, Good for basic to intermediate installers.

On the other hand, InstallShield is a Development product tagged with setup, installer, deployment, packaging.

Its standout features include Create installers for Windows, macOS, Linux, Support for MSI, EXE, AppX installers, Wizard-driven interface, Multiple languages support, Custom actions and logic, Version checking capabilities, Integration with build tools, Virtualization support, Patching capabilities, Rollback functionality, Administrative installs, and it shines with pros like Wide platform and installer format support, Intuitive visual interface, Powerful customization options, Robust patching and upgrading features, Integration with popular build tools, Good technical support.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

CreateInstall

CreateInstall

CreateInstall is an open-source software installer creator for Windows. It allows you to easily build professional-looking installers for distributing your Windows software, with an intuitive visual interface to customize the installation flow.

Categories:
opensource windows installer software-distribution

CreateInstall Features

  1. Visual interface to customize installation flow
  2. Build installers for distributing Windows software
  3. Open-source
  4. Support for multiple languages
  5. Customizable UI themes
  6. Silent install option
  7. Installer compression

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Easy to use

Free and open source

Good documentation

Active community support

Customizable and extensible

Good for basic to intermediate installers

Cons

Limited to Windows platform

Not ideal for very complex installers

Less flexible compared to commercial installer tools

Lacks some advanced installer features


InstallShield

InstallShield

InstallShield is a software tool used to create installers or setup packages for distributing software to end users. It simplifies the complex process of making installers for Windows and other platforms.

Categories:
setup installer deployment packaging

InstallShield Features

  1. Create installers for Windows, macOS, Linux
  2. Support for MSI, EXE, AppX installers
  3. Wizard-driven interface
  4. Multiple languages support
  5. Custom actions and logic
  6. Version checking capabilities
  7. Integration with build tools
  8. Virtualization support
  9. Patching capabilities
  10. Rollback functionality
  11. Administrative installs

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Wide platform and installer format support

Intuitive visual interface

Powerful customization options

Robust patching and upgrading features

Integration with popular build tools

Good technical support

Cons

Steep learning curve

Complex pricing model

Limited trial version

Can be overkill for simple installers