20 Best Storyboard Software Reviewed in 2025
Best Storyboard Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best storyboard software:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Product management comes with a lot of moving parts—tight timelines, team input, and the pressure to keep ideas on track. That’s where storyboard software can help. It gives shape to your concepts and helps everyone stay on the same page.
From my experience, the right tool can cut down on confusion and bring structure to your creative process. I’ve looked into the most reliable options out there and pulled together a shortlist worth considering.
In this article, you’ll get a clear look at the top storyboard tools—their features, what they do well, and where they might fall short—so you can decide which one works best for your team.
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Best Storyboard Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top storyboard software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for non-designers creating polished storyboard slides quickly | Free plan available | From $14.99/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for AI-generated storyboards | Free demo available | From $19/user/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for speed-focused manual storyboarding | Free trial available | From $12/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for detailed illustrations | Free trial available | From $0.99/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for educational use | Free trial available | From $8.99/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for film production teams | Free plan + free demo available | From $49/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for animation studios | 21-day free trial | From $74.50/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for collaborative animatics with built-in script syncing | Free trial available | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for organizing visual concepts and creative briefs | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $12.50/user/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for technical previsualization of complex camera setups | Free demo available | From $8.99/month (billed annually) | Website |
Best Storyboard Software Review
Below are my detailed summaries of the best storyboard software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Canva
Best for non-designers creating polished storyboard slides quickly
Canva is a versatile online design tool, popular among marketers and small business owners for creating visual content. It provides an array of templates and design elements to simplify the creation of storyboards and other graphics.
Why I picked Canva: Its vast library of templates makes it easy for anyone to create professional-looking storyboards. You can quickly customize designs with drag-and-drop functionality, making it accessible even if you lack design skills. Canva's collaboration features allow teams to work together on projects in real time. The platform also offers a wide range of stock photos and illustrations to enhance your visuals.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop editor that simplifies the design process. You can access a wide range of customizable templates for various design needs. Canva also offers a rich library of stock photos and illustrations, which can enhance your storyboards.
Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Access to stock photos
- Easy drag-and-drop interface
- Extensive template library
Cons:
- Requires internet for full features
- Limited advanced editing tools
StoryboardHero is an AI-powered storyboard generator designed for video creators and agencies. It simplifies the creation of storyboards and scripts, enhancing productivity and creativity.
Why I picked StoryboardHero: This tool offers AI-generated images and script-to-storyboard features, making it unique. Users can customize storyboards and regenerate images to fit their style. The platform supports collaborative workflows, allowing team sharing and commenting. It provides full rights for professional use without branding, ensuring your team's work remains yours.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-generated scripts and images, a script-to-storyboard conversion tool, and options for hand-drawn images. You can edit scripts and storyboards as needed, making it flexible for different project requirements. The platform also supports team collaboration with sharing and commenting features.
Integrations include Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Vimeo, YouTube, Dropbox, Google Drive, Slack, and Trello.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Full rights for professional use
- Customizable storyboard styles
- AI-generated images and scripts
Cons:
- Limited hand-drawn image options
- No story improvement suggestions
MakeStoryboard is an online tool designed for filmmakers and animators, offering swift storyboard creation capabilities. It helps users visualize their ideas efficiently, making it a favorite for quick project turnarounds.
Why I picked MakeStoryboard: It allows you to create storyboards quickly with its intuitive interface and easy-to-use drawing tools. You can sketch out scenes or upload images, making it flexible for different creative needs. The platform supports collaboration, enabling teams to share and edit storyboards together. Additionally, it provides a clean layout that keeps your projects organized and easy to navigate.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a user-friendly interface that lets you create storyboards with minimal effort. You can draw directly on the platform or import your own images to build scenes. The tool also offers a timeline feature, which helps you organize and plan the sequence of your storyboards effectively.
Integrations include Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro, Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, Trello, Asana, monday.com, and Jira.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports team collaboration
- Flexible image upload options
- Quick setup and start
Cons:
- Limited customization for templates
- Limited advanced drawing tools
Clip Studio Paint is a digital painting and illustration software widely used by artists, illustrators, and comic creators. It offers a range of tools for creating detailed artwork, making it a favorite for professionals who require precision and depth in their projects.
Why I picked Clip Studio Paint: It provides an extensive suite of illustration tools with advanced brush customization, allowing you to create intricate designs. You can easily manage layers and use vector tools to refine your artwork. The software supports animation, giving you the flexibility to create dynamic storyboards. Additionally, its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced artists.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced brush customization, allowing you to create unique textures and effects in your illustrations. The software offers vector tools that help you refine your artwork with precision. You can also animate your designs, adding motion to your storyboards and illustrations.
Integrations include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Painter, Wacom tablets, Huion tablets, XP-Pen tablets, Bamboo tablets, iPad, macOS, and Windows.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Animation features and layer management capabilities
- Supports vector-based drawing
- Advanced brush customization
Cons:
- Can be resource-intensive
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
Storyboard That is an online storyboard creator tailored for educators and students. It provides a platform for creating visual stories, enhancing learning and engagement in the classroom.
Why I picked Storyboard That: It caters to educational settings with features like customizable templates and a vast image library. Teachers can create assignments and templates to guide students in their projects. The tool supports multiple languages, making it accessible for diverse classrooms. Additionally, it offers privacy settings that ensure student data remains secure.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop interface that simplifies storyboard creation for students. You can find a wide selection of characters, scenes, and props to enhance storytelling. The platform also allows for exporting storyboards in various formats for easy sharing and presentation.
Integrations include Google Classroom, Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, Schoology, and Edmodo.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive image library
- Customizable educational templates
- Easy for young students
Cons:
- Some features need the paid plan
- Internet is required for full use
StudioBinder is a complete production management software designed for film and video production teams. It offers tools for creating storyboards, shot lists, and managing production schedules, making it a vital resource for organized filmmaking.
Why I picked StudioBinder: It provides a centralized hub for your entire production process, from storyboarding to post-production. You can create detailed shot lists and schedules, ensuring your team stays on track. The tool's intuitive interface simplifies complex tasks, making it accessible for all team members. It also supports collaboration, allowing your team to work together in sync.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an intuitive storyboard creator that helps you visualize your scenes with ease. You can also create detailed shot lists and manage your production schedule directly from the platform. The tool's collaborative features ensure that your team can stay connected and aligned throughout the production process.
Integrations include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, Trello, Asana, monday.com, Microsoft Teams, and Vimeo.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports detailed shot lists
- Intuitive storyboard creator
- Extensive production management tools
Cons:
- Limited customization for templates
- Slight learning curve for beginners
Toon Boom Storyboard Pro is a professional-grade storyboard software tailored for animation studios and filmmakers. It provides tools for creating detailed storyboards and animatics, facilitating the transition from concept to production.
Why I picked Toon Boom Storyboard Pro: Its integration of drawing and animation capabilities makes it ideal for animation studios. You can sketch, animate, and refine storyboards all within one platform, optimizing your workflow. The software offers advanced drawing tools that cater to artists' needs, enabling precise and detailed work. Additionally, it supports collaboration, allowing teams to work together efficiently on complex projects.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced drawing tools that let you create detailed and dynamic storyboards. The software supports animatics, allowing you to bring your storyboards to life with motion and sound. You can also take advantage of its timeline feature to organize and plan your storyboard sequences effectively.
Integrations include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, Autodesk Maya, Toon Boom Harmony, After Effects, Storyboard That, and CorelDRAW.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective timeline management
- Supports animatics for dynamic storyboards and complex projects
- Detailed drawing and animation tools
Cons:
- High system requirements
- Steep learning curve for beginners
Boords is an online storyboard software designed for creative teams working on video projects. It offers tools for animatics, scripting, and real-time collaboration, making it ideal for efficient pre-production workflows.
Why I picked Boords: This tool excels in team collaboration with its real-time editing and secure sharing features. Users can create and manage storyboards easily, improving communication and feedback with clients. The platform's intuitive interface supports quick learning for team members. Additionally, Boords includes AI tools to generate custom characters, enhancing the creative process.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include animatics, which allow you to turn storyboards into animations, and asset management for organizing your project's visual elements. The tool also offers customizable templates for shot lists and call sheets, which can save your team time. Real-time collaboration and secure sharing options make it easy for your team to work together efficiently.
Integrations include Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro, Dropbox, Google Drive, Slack, and Trello.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable templates
- Real-time editing capabilities
- Intuitive for beginners
Cons:
- Limited frame customization for illustrators
- Interface can feel rigid for advanced workflows
Milanote is a visual collaboration tool tailored for creative professionals like designers and writers. It provides a flexible platform for organizing ideas, projects, and storyboards, making it ideal for brainstorming and planning.
Why I picked Milanote: It allows you to visually organize your thoughts with boards and cards, providing a creative workspace. You can easily drag and drop images, text, and links to build your storyboards. The tool's flexibility lets you adapt your workflow to fit your project's needs. Additionally, Milanote supports collaboration, enabling your team to contribute and refine ideas together.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop interface that makes organizing content intuitive. You can create boards to arrange your ideas visually and add notes, images, and links to enrich your projects. The tool also offers templates to kickstart your storyboarding process, saving you time and effort.
Integrations include Slack, Jira, Asana, Trello, Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Adobe Creative Cloud, Notion, and Evernote.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports visual idea mapping
- Easy drag-and-drop organization
- Highly flexible for creative projects
Cons:
- Limited advanced design tools
- Some learning curve involved
FrameForge Studio is a visual planning tool that helps production teams lay out scenes in 3D before filming. It’s built for directors, cinematographers, and storyboard artists who need to plan camera angles, movements, and blocking in detail.
Why I picked FrameForge Studio:
FrameForge gives you full control over the previsualization process with tools that let you simulate real-world camera setups, lenses, and lighting. You can block actors, move cameras along tracks, and adjust timing to match your shot list. The built-in physics engine lets you preview what shots would actually look like based on your settings. If you're working with green screens, it also supports virtual sets so you can plan those shots more accurately. It’s a practical choice if your projects require more than just static images.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automatic camera stats that update as you build shots, storyboards that adapt when you change blocking, and multi-camera setup tools for simulating live or complex shoots. You can also import your script and have it broken down into scenes with automatic shot tracking. The software supports stereoscopic 3D and VR headset previews if you’re working on immersive content.
Integrations include Final Draft, Shot Designer, Movie Magic Scheduling, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, Celtx, ScriptE, and DaVinci Resolve.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Adjustable actor positioning with fine control
- Allows real-world camera simulation
- Supports VR and stereoscopic planning
Cons:
- Not ideal for basic storyboards
- Best suited for advanced users
Other Storyboard Software
Here are some additional storyboard software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Wonder Unit Storyboarder
Open-source software for creative professionals
- Previs Pro
For real-time camera and scene previsualization
- Krita
For open-source digital painting
- Adobe Photoshop
For detailed graphic design
- LTX Studio
For AI-assisted story generation and visual creativity
- Moviestorm
For virtual set creation
- Plot
For collaborative storytelling
- ShotPro HQ
For 3D pre-visualization
- Storyboarder.ai
For one-click AI storyboard generation from scripts
- Celtx
For script-to-storyboard workflows
Storyboard Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best storyboard software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like ease of use and collaboration features. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Create and edit storyboards
- Export storyboards in various formats
- Support collaborative features
- Provide templates for a quick start
- Offer layer and timeline management
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Integration with animation tools
- Advanced drawing and sketching capabilities
- Real-time feedback and commenting
- Customizable storyboard templates
- Multilingual support
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Easy navigation and workflow
- Minimal learning curve
- Access to tutorials and guides
- Responsive design for various devices
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates and resources
- Onboarding webinars and workshops
- Supportive chatbots for guidance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat support
- Access to a comprehensive help center
- Response time for inquiries
- Quality of support documentation
- Availability of community forums
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing plans
- Availability of free trials
- Features offered in basic plans
- Discounts for annual subscriptions
- Flexibility in pricing tiers
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Positive feedback on core features
- User satisfaction with support services
- Comments on ease of use
- Feedback on integration capabilities
- Overall value for money perceptions
How to Choose Storyboard Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Ensure the software can grow with your team, accommodating more users or projects without a hitch. Think about future needs and whether the tool can handle increased demand. |
| Integrations | Check if it integrates with other tools you use, like Adobe Creative Suite or project management apps, to streamline your workflow and enhance productivity. |
| Customizability | Look for features that let you tailor the software to your workflow, like customizable templates, to save time and match your team’s specific needs. |
| Ease of Use | The software should be intuitive with a minimal learning curve. Look for drag-and-drop interfaces or tutorials that make it easier for your team to get started quickly. |
| Budget | Consider the software’s cost against your budget. Look for flexible pricing plans or discounts for longer commitments to ensure it fits financially. |
| Security Safeguards | Your team’s data should be protected. Check for features like encryption, secure access controls, and compliance with data protection regulations. |
| Collaboration | Ensure the tool supports real-time collaboration, allowing team members to work together efficiently and provide feedback directly within the platform. |
| Support | Consider the level of customer support available. Look for 24/7 support options, detailed documentation, and responsive assistance to solve any issues promptly. |
Trends in Storyboard Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different storyboard software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-Assisted Storyboarding: AI is being used to suggest storyboard layouts and scenes, saving time and sparking creativity. Some tools now offer AI-generated images, helping users visualize concepts quickly.
- 3D Visualization: More storyboard software is incorporating 3D features, allowing users to create and view scenes in three dimensions. This trend helps teams better understand spatial relationships and scene dynamics.
- Interactive Storyboards: Tools are evolving to include interactive elements, enabling users to add clickable links, audio, and video. This makes storyboards more engaging and useful for presentations.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Enhanced collaborative features let teams work on storyboards simultaneously from different locations. This trend is crucial for remote teams needing to maintain efficiency and alignment.
- Cloud-Based Solutions: Cloud storage and access are becoming standard, allowing teams to work from anywhere without losing data. This trend supports remote work and ensures that storyboards are always accessible and up-to-date.
What Is Storyboard Software?
Storyboard software is a digital tool that helps users create visual representations of stories, often used in film, animation, and marketing. Filmmakers, animators, and creative professionals generally use these tools to plan scenes and visualize narratives, enhancing communication and project planning. Drag-and-drop interfaces, AI-assisted layouts, and real-time collaboration features support creative workflows and team alignment. Overall, these tools help users save time and improve the clarity and effectiveness of their visual storytelling.
When choosing the right storyboard software for your team, these features can make a big difference:
- Drag-and-drop storyboard creator: Makes arranging scenes and visual elements intuitive, even for those without design experience.
- AI storyboard tool: Offers smart layout suggestions that can speed up your workflow and help generate new ideas when you're stuck.
- 3D storyboard support: Adds dimension to your planning by letting you build and view scenes in three dimensions, helping teams better understand spatial dynamics.
- Interactive storyboards: Add clickable links, audio, and video elements to bring your storyboard to life and make presentations more dynamic.
- Collaborative storyboard software: Enables multiple users to work on the same project in real time—ideal for creative teams working across locations.
- Cloud-based storyboard tool: Keep your work accessible and up to date, whether you're at the office, on set, or working remotely.
- Advanced drawing tools: Provide precision for artists and illustrators who need full creative control over each frame.
- Timeline storyboard features: Help you sequence scenes clearly and manage project pacing from start to finish.
- Customizable storyboard templates: Start faster with built-in layouts that can be adjusted to fit your specific use case.
- Storyboard export options: Save and share your boards in multiple formats for easy feedback, client reviews, or internal presentations.
Benefits of Storyboard Software
Adopting digital storyboard tools can transform how your team plans, shares, and refines creative projects. Here’s what you can expect:
- Boosted creativity: AI-assisted layouts and flexible templates give you room to explore new directions without starting from scratch.
- Team collaboration made easier: Real-time updates and cloud-based access let your team contribute from anywhere, keeping everyone connected.
- Faster workflows: Drag-and-drop tools and prebuilt templates reduce setup time, so you can focus on the actual storytelling.
- Stronger visual communication: With 3D storyboards and interactive features, your team and stakeholders can visualize the concept more clearly.
- Remote storyboard creation: Cloud-based access ensures you’re not tied to one location, which is especially helpful for distributed teams.
- Detailed planning support: Timeline and drawing tools help map out scenes, manage complexity, and maintain creative quality.
- Flexible sharing: With various export options, it's easy to share your work on social media or in whatever format suits your collaborators or clients best.
Costs and Pricing of Storyboard Software
Selecting storyboard software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in storyboard software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Storyboard Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic storyboard creation, limited templates, and basic export options. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$30/user/ month | Customizable templates, drag-and-drop interface, and cloud-based access. |
| Business Plan | $30-$80/ user/month | Real-time collaboration, advanced drawing tools, and timeline management. |
| Enterprise Plan | $80-$100+/ user/month | 3D visualization, AI-assisted layouts, dedicated support, and comprehensive security safeguards. |
Storyboard Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about storyboard software:
Can a storyboard be copyrighted?
Yes, you can copyright a storyboard. Once it’s created, it’s protected as a piece of original work, which means others can’t legally copy or distribute it without permission. Just keep in mind that copyright protects the actual content, not the general idea or concept behind it.
What should a storyboard not include?
A storyboard shouldn’t include anything that distracts from the main story. That means skipping unnecessary scenes, overly detailed visuals, or too much text. The goal is to communicate the core flow of your project clearly, not overwhelm your team with every tiny detail.
How do I choose the right storyboard software for my team?
Start by thinking about how your team works. Do you need real-time collaboration? Drawing tools? Integration with other platforms? Look for software that checks those boxes, is easy to learn, and fits your budget. Bonus if it can scale with your team as your projects grow.
What are the benefits of using storyboard software over traditional methods?
Storyboard software helps you work faster and stay organized. It makes it easier to update your visuals, share feedback, and collaborate with your team—all without printing or scanning anything. Compared to pen and paper, it’s more flexible, especially for fast-paced or remote teams.
Are there free storyboard software options available?
Yes, quite a few tools offer free plans with basic features. These are great for freelancers, students, or small teams just starting out. Just be aware that free versions often come with limitations—like fewer templates or limited exports—so you might outgrow them over time.
How do I ensure my storyboard software is secure?
Look for tools that use encryption, offer user permissions or access controls, and follow standard data protection practices. It’s also worth checking how often the software gets updates or security patches. Keeping your software up to date is one of the easiest ways to stay protected.
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