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CreateInstall VS InstallShield

Compare CreateInstall VS InstallShield and see what are their differences

CreateInstall logo CreateInstall

Professional installer software is an essential component for any software developer.

InstallShield logo InstallShield

If your software targets Windows, InstallShield is your solution.
  • CreateInstall Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-08-05
  • InstallShield Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-30

CreateInstall features and specs

  • Customization Flexibility
    CreateInstall offers extensive customization options, allowing developers to tailor installation processes to their specific needs, including custom scripts and dialogs.
  • Multi-language Support
    The software supports multiple languages, enabling developers to create installations for a global audience easily.
  • Ease of Use
    The interface of CreateInstall is user-friendly, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced developers to create installation packages without extensive training.
  • Comprehensive Feature Set
    CreateInstall includes a wide range of features such as registry modification, file extraction, and shortcut creation, providing all necessary tools for professional installations.
  • Affordability
    Compared to some competitors, CreateInstall is more affordable, making it a good option for small to mid-sized companies with budget constraints.

Possible disadvantages of CreateInstall

  • Limited Integrations
    CreateInstall lacks extensive integration options with third-party software, which may limit its functionality for some users requiring advanced integrations.
  • Windows-only Focus
    The software is primarily designed for Windows installation packages, which might not meet the needs of developers looking for cross-platform solutions.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, mastering advanced features and scripting may require a steep learning curve for some users.
  • Outdated User Interface
    Some users may find the user interface to be outdated compared to more modern installation tools, which could affect user experience.
  • Support Limitations
    CreateInstall's support options may be limited compared to larger companies, potentially affecting response times and the availability of thorough support resources.

InstallShield features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    InstallShield provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of creating installation packages, making it accessible even for users with limited technical expertise.
  • Flexibility
    Supports multiple installation formats including MSI, EXE, UWP, and more, allowing developers to cater to a wide range of deployment scenarios.
  • Comprehensive Feature Set
    Includes a broad array of features such as custom scripting, automation, and integration with popular development environments like Visual Studio.
  • Scalability
    Suitable for projects of all sizes, from small applications to complex enterprise-level solutions.
  • Strong Support and Documentation
    Provides extensive resources, including tutorials, guides, and customer support, to help users navigate and troubleshoot the software.
  • Seamless Updates
    Facilitates easy updates to existing software installations, ensuring users always have the latest features and security patches.

Possible disadvantages of InstallShield

  • Cost
    InstallShield is a premium product and can be expensive, which might not be justifiable for smaller companies or independent developers.
  • Complexity
    While it is feature-rich, the sheer number of options and settings can be overwhelming for new users or those with simpler needs.
  • Performance
    Some users report that the application can be resource-intensive and slow, particularly when working with large projects.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, mastering all of InstallShield's capabilities can take significant time and effort, particularly for more advanced features.
  • Dependency on Windows
    Primarily focused on Windows platforms, which could be a drawback for developers needing cross-platform support.
  • Limited Customization
    While offering many features, the flexibility can sometimes be insufficient for highly specialized tasks or unique requirements that need deep customization.

Analysis of InstallShield

Overall verdict

  • InstallShield is generally considered a good and reliable installation authoring tool, especially for enterprise-level software deployment needs. Its consistent updates and extensive support make it a robust choice for software developers looking for a comprehensive solution for application installation and deployment.

Why this product is good

  • InstallShield, a product from Revenera, is a widely recognized software tool for creating software installers or packages. It is praised for its comprehensive set of features that make it easier for developers to deploy applications efficiently. Key benefits include its support for Windows Installer (MSI) installations, flexible update capabilities, customization options, and integration with popular development environments. Additionally, InstallShield offers options for creating traditional setup programs and advanced installation suites.

Recommended for

    InstallShield is highly recommended for software developers and IT professionals who require a flexible and powerful tool to create installers for Windows applications. It is particularly suited for large enterprises and independent software vendors (ISVs) who need advanced setup solutions with extensive customization and deployment options.

CreateInstall videos

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InstallShield videos

InstallShield - Build an Installer

More videos:

  • Review - A quick look at InstallShield 2013

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to CreateInstall and InstallShield)
Website Builder
57 57%
43% 43
Package Builder
43 43%
57% 57
Tool
100 100%
0% 0
Website Design
46 46%
54% 54

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing CreateInstall and InstallShield, you can also consider the following products

Inno Setup - Inno Setup is a free installer for Windows programs.

Setup Factory - Setup Factory Software Installer Builder for Windows.

NSIS - NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System) is a professional open source system to create Windows...

Debreate - Debreate is a utility to aid in building Debian packages (.deb).

Advanced Installer - Advanced Installer is a Windows installer authoring tool for installing, updating, and configuring your products safely, securely, and reliably.

3DP Chip - Enumerates main hardware (mainboard, processor, sound, network, graphics) and offers driver...