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Best Storyboard Software Tools of 2021 (Free & Paid)

Updated 17 September 2021

Buyer's Guide
Storyboard Software Directory

Storyboarding is a vital part of the pre-production process. Finding the best storyboard software for you will get your project off to an ideal start.

Storyboarding and animatics for modern video teams. Get organized, produce your best work.

Storyboarding software comes in many shapes and sizes, and caters to varying abilities. If you're more comfortable drawing stick figures, you likely won't need the same features as a professional storyboard artist.

When looking at different storyboard software options, consider whether you'll use the features you're paying for. For example, Toon Boom Storyboard Pro or Frameforge offer very different features compared to Storyboard That. Maybe you could start with a free storyboard template, then consider storyboard software at a later date. Sometimes, less is more.

Buyer's Guide

Will you be working with other people?

Will you be making storyboards with other people? If so, you might want to stay clear of Mac, Windows, or iPad storyboarding software. Instead, look for an online storyboard creator which will allow you to collaborate with other people in real-time. Making changes is much easier when you can all access the same storyboard.

How will you use your storyboard?

Storyboarding is just one part of the pre-production process. If you're involved in animation or video production, you'll likely make an animatic after your storyboard is completed. In that case, you'll want to find storyboard software which integrates with the other tools in your workflow. Adobe's After Effects is a popular choice of animation software, and caters to everything from complex transition effects to character animation.

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Do you need a drawing tool?

Your storyboard will need images. There are two options; draw them yourself, or look for storyboard software with an image library. If a sophisticated drawing tool is a high priority, you should consider specialist image editing software. Adobe's Photoshop is the gold standard for many, but new tools like Procreate for iPad offer a great image editing experience too (sadly procreate isn't available for Android users yet). But, be warned! Software like Photoshop isn't set up to deal with storyboarding out of the box. Simple tasks like re-arranging frames can quickly become tedious.

What's your budget?

As a rule, storyboard software falls into two camps when it comes to price. One-time purchase desktop software for Mac & Windows, or online storyboard software, paid for with a subscription (there are also some open source options available). Traditionally, storyboard artists tend to use desktop software, although this has changed in recent years.

Storyboard Software Directory

The collaborative storyboarding app for creative teams

Free Free trial Web based Collaboration

Desktop previs & storyboard software

Desktop Paid

Desktop storyboard generator

Desktop Paid

Interactive scene layout tool for planning photo and video shoots

Mac Paid

Open-source screenplay visualiser

Mac Desktop Free Open Source

Desktop pre-production software for visual storytelling

Mac Desktop

Online digital storyboarding focussed on education

Free Free trial Web based

Storyboarder makes it easy to visualize a story as fast you can draw stick figures.

Mac iOS Free Open Source

Video, photo, TV & film production management software

Web based Free trial

Desktop storyboard software which combines drawing and animation tools with camera controls

Desktop Mac Paid

Online design tool offering some storyboard templates

Free trial Free Collaboration Web based

Online storyboard software with commenting

Free trial Web based Collaboration

Online storyboard creator with script editing

Web based Free trial Paid

3D animation software which can produce storyboards

Mac Paid Desktop Windows

Find Your Perfect Storyboarding Software

There are many flavors of storyboard software out there. Whether you're a professional storyboard artist or just starting out, doing your research will help you find the best options for you.

Storyboarding and animatics for modern video teams. Get organized, produce your best work.