An authoring system is a specialized system that allows a producer or designer to design and assemble the elements of a multimedia presentation without any software engineering. OptImages MediaMogul and Script Systems ABCD-I are examples of authoring systems used for CD-i. Often, authoring systems allow you to custom engineer add-on modules or to buy add-on modules that provide additional functionality.

There are a several authoring systems for CD-i on the market. The capabilities and ease of use of these systems may vary widely. If you have questions about the suitability of an authoring system for your title design, ask the vendor for references to other CD-i developers who have produced similar types of titles with the system in question.