6 Online Storyboard Tools for Various Industries

Shifting from traditional pen-and-paper methods, the digital transformation introduces the era of online storyboard tools, advancing this classic technique into the digital age. These platforms prove indispensable in numerous fields, encompassing education, video production, marketing, and creative agencies, among others.

Benefits of Online Storyboard Platforms

• Streamlining the Creation Process: Online storyboard platforms expedite the creation process, accelerating the workflow and eliminating the need to start from scratch.
• Enhanced Team Collaboration: These platforms simplify teamwork, enabling real-time collaboration among team members for immediate feedback and adjustments.
• Creative Convenience: No traditional drawing skills are needed as these platforms offer the convenience of leveraging AI, templates, and stock images to create storyboards effortlessly.

6 Online Storyboard Tools

Explore these 6 storyboard solutions tailored for diverse industries:

1. StoryboardHero

StoryboardHero revolutionizes the storyboard creation process by integrating AI to help you craft storyboards in minutes. Unlike other tools that require manual creation, StoryboardHero does the heavy lifting for you, making it a standout choice for video production companies and creative agencies seeking high-quality, consistent scene imagery.

How to Create Storyboard with StoryboardHero

1. Login to StoryboardHero

Start by logging in to your StoryboardHero account.

2. Add a new project

Click “New Storyboard” and type your project title.

3. Enter Project Brief

Provide a concise overview of your project such as video type, duration, style, language, and more to guide the storyboard’s direction.

4. Automate Concept and Script Generation

Allow StoryboardHero to automatically generate concepts and scripts, which you can then customize.

5. Generate AI images

Once satisfied with the script, utilize AI to generate images for each scene, choosing from a range of art styles.

6. Review and Revise

Assess the generated images, make adjustments, or regenerate as needed. For premium sketches, additional credits are available.

7. Save and Share

After finalizing, download the storyboard as a PDF or share it online for collaborative review.

Pricing: Starting at $19/month

2. Canva

Canva, known for its graphic design capabilities, now offers an online storyboard creator. Featuring a vast array of templates and a rich stock photo library, Canva simplifies the storyboard process, making it accessible to novices and professionals alike.

How to Create Storyboard with Canva

1. Log In

Access your Canva account and search for “Storyboards” to find suitable templates.

2. Template Selection

Choose templates that align with your project needs.

3. Customize

Use drag-and-drop to add and adjust images. AI-generated images add a unique flair or streamline the graphic selection process.

4. Adjust Design Elements

Modify colors and fonts, and add personal images if needed.

5. Layout Optimization

Rearrange the layout for optimal visual flow.

6. Publish and Collaborate

Once satisfied, publish your storyboard and share it with your team or clients.

Pricing: Free for basic access; Pro plan at $29.99/month for enhanced features

3. StoryboardThat

StoryboardThat offers an intuitive online platform for personal, educational, and professional storyboard creation. It’s particularly useful for educational settings for lesson planning and group projects and for businesses in team building and product planning.

Storyboard Creation with StoryboardThat

1. Scene and Character Customization

Choose scenes and customize characters to fit your narrative, adjusting details like clothing and expressions.

2. Enhance with Elements

Add items, speech bubbles, and other narrative elements. Search functionality helps find specific items quickly.

3. Save Progress

Save your storyboard to revisit and continue later.

Pricing: Free with basic access; Premium features starting at $9.99

4. Miro

Miro provides a collaborative platform with pre-made storyboard templates, allowing for sketching, feedback, and story iteration either in real-time or asynchronously. It’s ideal for users looking for extensive customization options.

How to Create Storyboard with Miro

1. Select a Template

Choose from Miro’s storyboard templates.

2. Define Your Story

Outline the main actors or personas and build your storyboard on Miro’s expansive board.

3. Incorporate Diverse Files

Add documents, photos, videos, and PDFs to compile all relevant information in one place.

4. Save and Export

Complete your storyboard and export it in your preferred format.

Pricing: Free with limited features; Starter plan at $8/month

5. Visme

Visme offers an online storyboard tool with drag-and-drop functionality and customizable templates. Access a comprehensive photo library to infuse your storyboards with your brand colors, icons, and shapes, making it a versatile choice for various creative projects.

How to Create Storyboard with Visme

1. Log In

Login to your Visme account and click on the dashboard’s video tab. Scroll through the icons and tap on the Storyboards icon to find a template.

2. Customize

Upload personal photos or use the stock photo library to design your storyboard.

3. Add Script or Shot Details

Incorporate presenter notes for a comprehensive script.

4. Download or Share

Export your storyboard as a PDF or share it directly online.

Pricing: Free basic plan; Starter plan at $29/month

6. MakeStoryboard

MakeStoryboard stands out for its flexibility, supporting video, drawing, and animatic storyboarding. It caters to all popular formats with customizable frames and supports creating multiple storyboard versions easily.

How to Create Storyboard with MakeStoryboard

1. Login

Log in and input your storyboard details.

2. Create Storyboard

Choose images or blank frames to start your storyboard.

3. Customize Settings:

Adjust frame numbers, durations, and shot types.

5. Upload or Sketch

Add images or directly sketch in the tool.

6. Add Descriptions

Include detailed descriptions and transitions.

7. Rearrange and Finalize

Organize frames and finalize your storyboard.

Pricing: Individual subscription at $14/month; Team subscription at $48/month

Choosing the Right Online Storyboard Tool: Key Considerations

• Understanding Your Business or Project Needs: Take a close look at your business or project requirements to ensure that the online storyboard tool aligns with the specific features you need. For instance, if you’re a marketing agency, you may find an online storyboard tool with templates tailored for advertising campaigns indispensable.
• Mindful Budgeting: Keep your budget in mind and explore tools that offer a cost-effective solution without compromising essential features. If you’re a small startup you might find value in a free or affordable storyboard tool, meanwhile, if you’re from a larger corporation you may opt for a premium choice.
• User-Friendly Design: Evaluate the tool’s ease of use to ensure that creating storyboards is a simple and efficient process. A tool with a user-friendly interface, drag-and-drop functionality, and intuitive controls can significantly enhance your overall user experience.
• Promoting Collaboration: Seek tools that support teamwork by providing features like real-time collaboration, instant feedback, and seamless communication. In a video production context, a tool enabling team members to collaborate on storyboards simultaneously can boost efficiency.
• Template Diversity: Explore tools that offer a wide range of templates suitable for various industries and project types. An educational institution, for example, might find value in a storyboard tool with templates designed specifically for lesson plans and student projects.

Conclusion

These online storyboard solutions are designed to enhance creativity and collaboration across various industries. With user-friendly features and diverse functionalities, these tools are equipped to bring your storytelling visions to life. Explore, experiment, and find the perfect fit for your next project!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is an online storyboard tool?

An online storyboard tool is a digital platform that enables users to create visual narratives or storyboards. It offers features like templates, image libraries, collaboration tools, and AI functionality.

Why are online storyboard tools preferred over traditional methods?

Online tools offer efficiency, collaboration, and accessibility, allowing users to create storyboards without needing drawing skills and to collaborate in real-time.

Can beginners use StoryboardHero effectively?

Yes, StoryboardHero and similar tools are designed to be user-friendly, making storyboard creation accessible to users regardless of their design experience.

How do online storyboard tools differ from AI storyboard generators?

Online storyboard tools provide a platform for creating storyboards with features like templates and collaboration tools. AI storyboard generators use artificial intelligence to automate parts of the creation process, such as generating images based on text inputs.