Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toon Boom Storyboard Pro - Professional storyboard software for creating detailed animatics, camera moves, and sequences in animation and live-action production.
- 2#2: Boords - Online collaborative storyboard tool for quickly building, animating, and sharing professional storyboards with teams.
- 3#3: Storyboard That - Drag-and-drop storyboard creator with thousands of characters, scenes, and props for easy visual storytelling.
- 4#4: StudioBinder Storyboard Creator - Integrated online storyboard tool for filmmakers with script import, shot lists, and production scheduling features.
- 5#5: Storyboarder - Free open-source desktop app for rapidly sketching, organizing, and exporting storyboards with thumbnails and animatics.
- 6#6: FrameForge - 3D storyboard and previsualization software for precise camera setups, lighting, and scene planning.
- 7#7: ShotPro - Mobile and desktop 3D storyboard app for creating interactive previs, camera blocking, and animatics on the go.
- 8#8: Milanote - Visual organization tool for building flexible storyboards, mood boards, and creative planning boards collaboratively.
- 9#9: Canva - User-friendly design platform with customizable storyboard templates, drag-and-drop editing, and export options.
- 10#10: Figma - Collaborative design tool for prototyping interactive storyboards, wireframes, and visual narratives in real-time.
These tools were selected and ranked based on key factors including feature set (such as animation, collaboration, and export capabilities), usability, technical quality, and overall value, ensuring a comprehensive list that balances power, accessibility, and versatility.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key features of leading storyboard software, such as Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, Boords, Storyboard That, and others. It helps readers compare tools, usability, and functionality to find the best fit for their creative projects, whether in animation, video, or live-action production.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toon Boom Storyboard Pro Professional storyboard software for creating detailed animatics, camera moves, and sequences in animation and live-action production. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Boords Online collaborative storyboard tool for quickly building, animating, and sharing professional storyboards with teams. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Storyboard That Drag-and-drop storyboard creator with thousands of characters, scenes, and props for easy visual storytelling. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | StudioBinder Storyboard Creator Integrated online storyboard tool for filmmakers with script import, shot lists, and production scheduling features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Storyboarder Free open-source desktop app for rapidly sketching, organizing, and exporting storyboards with thumbnails and animatics. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 6 | FrameForge 3D storyboard and previsualization software for precise camera setups, lighting, and scene planning. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | ShotPro Mobile and desktop 3D storyboard app for creating interactive previs, camera blocking, and animatics on the go. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Milanote Visual organization tool for building flexible storyboards, mood boards, and creative planning boards collaboratively. | creative_suite | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Canva User-friendly design platform with customizable storyboard templates, drag-and-drop editing, and export options. | creative_suite | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Figma Collaborative design tool for prototyping interactive storyboards, wireframes, and visual narratives in real-time. | creative_suite | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.8/10 |
Professional storyboard software for creating detailed animatics, camera moves, and sequences in animation and live-action production.
Online collaborative storyboard tool for quickly building, animating, and sharing professional storyboards with teams.
Drag-and-drop storyboard creator with thousands of characters, scenes, and props for easy visual storytelling.
Integrated online storyboard tool for filmmakers with script import, shot lists, and production scheduling features.
Free open-source desktop app for rapidly sketching, organizing, and exporting storyboards with thumbnails and animatics.
3D storyboard and previsualization software for precise camera setups, lighting, and scene planning.
Mobile and desktop 3D storyboard app for creating interactive previs, camera blocking, and animatics on the go.
Visual organization tool for building flexible storyboards, mood boards, and creative planning boards collaboratively.
User-friendly design platform with customizable storyboard templates, drag-and-drop editing, and export options.
Collaborative design tool for prototyping interactive storyboards, wireframes, and visual narratives in real-time.
Toon Boom Storyboard Pro
specializedProfessional storyboard software for creating detailed animatics, camera moves, and sequences in animation and live-action production.
Automatic lip-sync and phoneme generation directly in animatics for rapid dialogue visualization
Toon Boom Storyboard Pro is an industry-leading software for creating professional storyboards and animatics, tailored for animation, film, and TV production pipelines. It provides advanced drawing tools, 3D camera controls, timeline editing, sound integration, and lip-sync features to evolve static boards into dynamic pre-visualization sequences. Used by major studios like Disney and DreamWorks, it supports seamless workflows from concept to final animation.
Pros
- Comprehensive toolset including Photoshop layers, 3D cameras, and animatics with sound/lip-sync
- Seamless integration with Toon Boom Harmony and other industry pipelines
- Robust export options for PDF, movies, and XML for downstream tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dense interface and advanced features
- High pricing may deter hobbyists or small independents
- Resource-heavy, requiring powerful hardware for smooth performance
Best For
Professional animation studios, filmmakers, and storyboard artists seeking an end-to-end solution from sketching to polished animatics.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $59 USD/month; perpetual license $1,495 USD (with optional maintenance).
Boords
specializedOnline collaborative storyboard tool for quickly building, animating, and sharing professional storyboards with teams.
AI script-to-storyboard generator that automatically creates visual boards from text scripts
Boords is a cloud-based storyboard software designed for filmmakers, animators, and marketers to create professional storyboards quickly and collaboratively. Users can upload images or sketches, add text annotations, dialogue, and notes, then rearrange panels via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It supports real-time team collaboration, exports to PDF, PNG, or video formats, and features an AI tool that generates storyboards directly from scripts.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for rapid panel arrangement
- Real-time collaboration and commenting for teams
- AI-powered script-to-storyboard generator saves significant time
Cons
- Free plan includes watermarks and limited exports
- No native mobile app for on-the-go editing
- Advanced customization options are somewhat limited compared to desktop tools
Best For
Filmmakers, ad agencies, and animation teams seeking fast, collaborative storyboarding without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Free plan available; Pro at $19/user/month (billed annually); Business at $49/editor/month with advanced features.
Storyboard That
specializedDrag-and-drop storyboard creator with thousands of characters, scenes, and props for easy visual storytelling.
Vast, searchable library of 25,000+ customizable clipart assets optimized for educational storytelling
Storyboard That is a web-based platform for creating storyboards, comics, graphic novels, and visual stories using a drag-and-drop interface with thousands of customizable characters, scenes, props, and backgrounds. It excels in educational settings, helping students visualize narratives for writing, history, science, and literacy projects. The tool supports easy sharing, printing, and embedding, with templates and lesson plans to facilitate classroom use.
Pros
- Massive library of over 25,000 customizable assets including characters and scenes
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface suitable for all ages
- Educational resources like lesson plans and collaboration tools
Cons
- Lacks advanced professional features like camera angles or 3D modeling
- Free plan includes watermarks and limited exports
- Web-only access with no offline functionality
Best For
Educators, students, and classrooms creating engaging visual storyboards for academic projects.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Premium individual plans at $7.99/month or $59.99/year; school and district plans with volume pricing.
StudioBinder Storyboard Creator
specializedIntegrated online storyboard tool for filmmakers with script import, shot lists, and production scheduling features.
One-click conversion of storyboards into fully animated animatics with customizable timing, voiceover, and soundtrack
StudioBinder Storyboard Creator is a web-based tool integrated into the StudioBinder production management platform, designed for filmmakers to build storyboards with uploaded images, hand-drawn sketches, scene notes, and dialogue. It supports drag-and-drop panel arrangement, customizable templates, and collaboration features for teams. Users can easily convert static boards into animated animatics with timing, transitions, voiceover, and music, streamlining pre-production workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration with shot lists, call sheets, and full production suite
- Animatic creation with audio and timing controls
- Real-time collaboration and cloud-based access for teams
Cons
- Limited advanced drawing tools compared to dedicated software
- Full features require paid subscription beyond basic free plan
- Best suited within the broader StudioBinder ecosystem, less ideal standalone
Best For
Production teams and filmmakers who need integrated pre-production tools beyond just storyboarding.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features and watermarks; paid plans start at $29/user/month (Indie) for unlimited boards and no watermarks.
Storyboarder
specializedFree open-source desktop app for rapidly sketching, organizing, and exporting storyboards with thumbnails and animatics.
Integrated animatic timeline that syncs audio with storyboard frames for instant playback and export as video.
Storyboarder is a free, open-source desktop application designed for storyboarding and animatics in film and animation pre-production. It enables users to sketch frames directly in the app, add notes, dialogue, and timing via a dope sheet, and supports layers, onion skinning, and basic rigging for character posing. Users can import audio to create animatics and export to PDF, images, or video formats, making it ideal for quick iterations.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Intuitive sketching tools including onion skinning and basic rigging
- Seamless animatic creation with audio import and dope sheet timing
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like 3D camera controls or complex compositing
- No built-in collaboration or cloud syncing
- Interface feels somewhat dated and lacks polish compared to paid alternatives
Best For
Independent filmmakers, animators, and students seeking a no-cost tool for rapid storyboarding and animatic prototyping.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, no paid tiers or subscriptions).
FrameForge
specialized3D storyboard and previsualization software for precise camera setups, lighting, and scene planning.
Fully interactive 3D virtual sets for precise shot previsualization and rehearsal
FrameForge is a professional 3D previsualization software designed for filmmakers, enabling the creation of virtual sets, character blocking, and precise camera choreography in an immersive 3D environment. It goes beyond traditional 2D storyboarding by allowing users to build detailed scenes with props, lighting, and actors, then generate animatics, storyboards, and shot lists for pre-production. The tool supports collaborative workflows and integrates with major production pipelines for efficient planning of complex shoots.
Pros
- Powerful 3D set building and real-time camera simulation
- High-quality animatic and storyboard exports
- Robust tools for lighting, blocking, and multi-camera setups
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to 3D complexity
- Requires decent hardware for smooth performance
- Subscription pricing may deter casual users
Best For
Professional filmmakers, directors, and cinematographers planning intricate shots and virtual productions.
Pricing
Subscription tiers: Indie at $29/month, Pro at $59/month, with custom Studio/Enterprise plans.
ShotPro
specializedMobile and desktop 3D storyboard app for creating interactive previs, camera blocking, and animatics on the go.
Interactive Beat Board for visualizing scene timing, pacing, and camera moves in real-time
ShotPro is a mobile storyboarding app designed primarily for iPad users, allowing filmmakers to sketch frames, add shot notes, camera movements, dialogue, and timings with Apple Pencil precision. It supports creating beat boards, shot lists, and exporting to PDF or images for pre-production workflows. Ideal for on-location storyboarding, it emphasizes speed and intuitiveness over complex animations.
Pros
- Seamless Apple Pencil integration for natural sketching
- Comprehensive tools like beat boards and shot directors for pacing and camera simulation
- Quick export options to PDF, JPEG, and Final Draft formats
Cons
- Limited to iOS/iPadOS with no desktop or web version
- Basic collaboration features compared to cloud-based competitors
- Pro features require one-time IAP, which may feel steep for casual users
Best For
Filmmakers and directors who need fast, portable storyboarding on iPad during pre-production or on set.
Pricing
Free download with Pro upgrade via one-time in-app purchase (~$19.99) unlocking full features.
Milanote
creative_suiteVisual organization tool for building flexible storyboards, mood boards, and creative planning boards collaboratively.
Infinite zoomable canvas for freeform, expansive storyboard layouts
Milanote is a visual collaboration tool that provides an infinite canvas for organizing notes, images, links, and files into customizable boards. As a storyboard software, it enables users to arrange media into panel sequences for planning films, animations, or presentations visually. Its flexible drag-and-drop interface supports creative workflows, with real-time team collaboration and export options like PDF or images.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop for flexible panel arrangements
- Strong media embedding (images, videos, embeds) for rich storyboards
- Real-time collaboration ideal for team brainstorming
Cons
- No dedicated timeline or sequencing tools for animations
- Limited native drawing or illustration features
- Free plan restricts storage and board size
Best For
Creative teams and solo visual thinkers prototyping rough storyboards and mood boards collaboratively.
Pricing
Free plan with limits (100 items/board); Pro $9.99/user/month (annual billing); Teams from $99/month for 3 users.
Canva
creative_suiteUser-friendly design platform with customizable storyboard templates, drag-and-drop editing, and export options.
Extensive template library with drag-and-drop customization for instant storyboard creation
Canva is a versatile online graphic design platform that enables users to create storyboards through customizable templates, drag-and-drop editing, and a vast library of images, icons, and animations. It supports quick visual storytelling for pitches, videos, and presentations with features like frame-by-frame layouts and basic transitions. While not a dedicated storyboard tool, its intuitive interface makes it accessible for rapid prototyping without advanced design skills.
Pros
- Extremely user-friendly drag-and-drop interface ideal for beginners
- Huge library of storyboard templates and stock assets
- Real-time collaboration and easy sharing options
Cons
- Lacks advanced storyboard-specific tools like automatic frame numbering or script integration
- Free version includes watermarks and limited exports
- Premium features like animations and resizing require paid subscription
Best For
Non-designers, marketers, and teams needing quick, visually appealing storyboards without specialized software.
Pricing
Free plan available; Canva Pro at $12.99/user/month; Teams at $14.99/user/month (billed annually).
Figma
creative_suiteCollaborative design tool for prototyping interactive storyboards, wireframes, and visual narratives in real-time.
Real-time multiplayer collaboration for simultaneous storyboard editing
Figma is a cloud-based collaborative design tool primarily used for UI/UX design, prototyping, and wireframing, which can be adapted for storyboarding by arranging frames as panels with annotations and transitions. It excels in creating interactive prototypes that simulate storyboard flows, making it suitable for digital narratives and user journeys. The platform supports real-time multiplayer editing, version control, and a vast library of plugins to enhance storyboard creation.
Pros
- Real-time collaboration for team storyboarding
- Powerful prototyping tools for interactive sequences
- Extensive plugin ecosystem for custom storyboard assets
Cons
- Not specialized for traditional comic-style storyboards
- Learning curve for advanced prototyping features
- Performance issues with very large, complex files
Best For
UI/UX designers and product teams creating collaborative digital storyboards and interactive prototypes.
Pricing
Free Starter plan; Professional at $12/user/month (annual); Organization at $45/user/month (annual); Enterprise custom.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top storyboard tools, the winner, Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, leads with unmatched professional features for detailed animatics and sequences. Boords and Storyboard That stand out as excellent alternatives, offering robust collaboration and user-friendly drag-and-drop interfaces, respectively, to suit diverse needs. Each tool brings unique strengths, making the choice dependent on specific workflows and priorities.
Dive into creating your next visual masterpiece with Toon Boom Storyboard Pro—its professional capabilities are tailored to elevate your storyboarding process. For collaborative or beginner-friendly options, don’t hesitate to explore Boords or Storyboard That, as they excel in their respective strengths.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
