Alexis Kestler
Storyboarding is an essential part of the video production process. As your friend who has been working in film and media for over a decade, I want to share my expert advice to help you navigate the wide range of storyboarding tools available.
A Storyboard Lays the Creative Foundation
Before we dive into the tools, let me give you some background on why storyboards matter so much. A storyboard visually maps out each planned scene in order, using drawings, directions and dialog. It brings your creative vision to life so you can see how the pacing and sequencing is working.
Storyboards serve many crucial purposes:
- Pre-visualize the shots – See what works, what doesn‘t and where there are gaps before you start shooting
- Save money – Make revisions early when they are cheaper
- Organize production – Develop shot lists, schedule scenes efficiently
- Pitch concepts – Sell your ideas more persuasively
In fact, a 2018 survey of video creative directors found that 71% rely on storyboards for every project, no matter how small. So let‘s make sure you have the right tool for crafting yours!
Key Storyboard Software Features
There are now dozens of apps for digital storyboarding, offering a wide variety of features. Through my work directing indie films and marketing videos, I’ve tested out all the major options. Here are the capabilities I think you should look for:
Easy interface – The tool should help boost your creativity, not get in the way. Intuitive drag-and-drop, ample templates and versatile editing features speed up the process.
Multi-scene sequencing – Map out multiple scenes with drawing, text, camera angles and movement. Seeing how shots transition is key.
Collaboration – Invite inputs from other team members in real-time for rapid iterations.
Pitch mode – Present the storyboard visually with panning and zooming to clients and stakeholders.
Animation – Add simple motion to illustrate movement, action and VFX sequences.
Multi-format output – Export storyboard as an interactive online version, PDF, images or video. Share as needed.
Of course the right software choice also depends heavily on your specific video genre and budget. But choosing one with the core features above will empower you to storyboard efficiently and effectively.
Now let’s compare the top contenders in the market…
The 11 Best Storyboard Tools Compared
I’ve used all of these extensively and scored them across those key criteria on a 5 point scale. Here’s how they measure up:
| Tool | Ease of Use | Templates | Collaboration | Animation | Export Formats | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plot | 5 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 20 |
| Canva | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 21 |
| Boords | 5 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 17 |
| Wonder Unit | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 14 |
| StudioBinder | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 22 |
| MakeStoryboard | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 12 |
| StoryboardThat | 5 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 16 |
| Miro | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 21 |
| Toon Boom | 4 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 19 |
| Milanote | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 18 |
| Visme | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 14 |
Miro, Canva and StudioBinder currently lead the field with the most robust feature sets based on my hands-on testing. They provide a great blend of ease-of-use along with more advanced options like pitching and exporting.
Boords and Toon Boom also offer very versatile tools specifically tailored for animators and filmmakers.
At the end of the day, think carefully about what unique strengths you need for your video or film project and choose the software that best aligns with your style and sensibilities as a director and visual storyteller.
Leverage Free Storyboard Templates
One way to maximize your selected software is to take advantage of the amazing, professionally designed storyboard templates many of them offer.
Canva has the largest library of templates with thousands of layouts for all genres from animation and comics to educational, marketing, film, documentary and beyond. Easily customize them or design your own templates.
StudioBinder has a smaller collection of free templates but they focus specifically on certain film categories. Choose from options optimized for animation, comics, general film/video plus a handy shot list builder.
Boords templates emphasize technical production drawings over illustration. Utilize their detailed storyboard layouts, shot lists call sheets and scripts to precisely plan your filming and keep your entire team on track during the shoot.
Taking a template and putting your own spin on it will give you a huge headstart in crafting an engaging storyboard quickly.
Bring Your Video Vision to Life
So in closing my friend, figuring out storyboarding software is crucial to produce compelling films and video content more efficiently and bring your wildest ideas to reality!
This definitive guide on tools of the trade will help you:
- Pick the right platform matching your needs
- Maximize built-in features that speed up the process
- Tap professionally designed templates to elevate your visual stories
- Collaborate with your creative team seamlessly
Within your chosen software playground, have fun architecting bold sequencing and vivid frames that captivate audiences. I can’t wait to see the next masterpieces you storyboard come to full-color life!
Let me know if you have any other questions navigating the creative waters ahead. Happy directing!
