InstallShield vs CreateInstall

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

InstallShield is a Development solution with tags like setup, installer, deployment, packaging.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including 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.

On the other hand, CreateInstall is a Development product tagged with opensource, windows, installer, software-distribution.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like Easy to use, Free and open source, Good documentation, Active community support, Customizable and extensible, Good for basic to intermediate installers.

Feature	InstallShield	CreateInstall
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

Product Overview

InstallShield

Description: 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.

CreateInstall

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

InstallShield Features

• 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

CreateInstall Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

InstallShield

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

CreateInstall

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

Pricing Comparison

InstallShield

• One-time Purchase
• Subscription-Based

CreateInstall

• Open Source