Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toon Boom Storyboard Pro - Professional storyboarding software for animation and live-action with 3D camera moves, animatics, and seamless integration into production pipelines.
- 2#2: Boords - Online collaborative storyboarding tool for quickly creating, animating, and sharing professional storyboards with teams.
- 3#3: Storyboarder - Free open-source desktop app for rapid storyboarding with animatic export and multi-platform support.
- 4#4: FrameForge - 3D previsualization software for building virtual sets and storyboarding complex shots with realistic camera simulation.
- 5#5: StoryBoard Quick - Digital storyboarding tool with drawing assistance, Photoshop integration, and animatic features for filmmakers.
- 6#6: StudioBinder - Cloud-based production platform with integrated storyboarding, shot lists, and collaboration for film teams.
- 7#7: Storyboard That - Drag-and-drop online storyboarding platform with extensive libraries of characters, scenes, and props for education and professionals.
- 8#8: Milanote - Visual organization tool for creating digital storyboards, mood boards, and project planning on an infinite canvas.
- 9#9: Canva - Design platform with customizable storyboarding templates, drag-and-drop elements, and easy sharing for quick visuals.
- 10#10: Figma - Collaborative interface design tool for building interactive prototypes and storyboards with vector editing and real-time teamwork.
Tools were selected based on key factors: feature depth (including 3D integration, collaboration, and export capabilities), user experience (intuitive design and accessibility), and overall value, ensuring a balanced lineup that caters to both beginners and seasoned creators.
Comparison Table
Storyboarding is a critical tool in visual storytelling, shaping the narrative and visual language of projects. This comparison table explores top software options, including Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, Boords, Storyboarder, FrameForge, StoryBoard Quick, and more, highlighting key features and strengths. Readers will discover which tools align with their workflow and needs for effective storyboarding.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toon Boom Storyboard Pro Professional storyboarding software for animation and live-action with 3D camera moves, animatics, and seamless integration into production pipelines. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Boords Online collaborative storyboarding tool for quickly creating, animating, and sharing professional storyboards with teams. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Storyboarder Free open-source desktop app for rapid storyboarding with animatic export and multi-platform support. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 10/10 |
| 4 | FrameForge 3D previsualization software for building virtual sets and storyboarding complex shots with realistic camera simulation. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | StoryBoard Quick Digital storyboarding tool with drawing assistance, Photoshop integration, and animatic features for filmmakers. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 6 | StudioBinder Cloud-based production platform with integrated storyboarding, shot lists, and collaboration for film teams. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Storyboard That Drag-and-drop online storyboarding platform with extensive libraries of characters, scenes, and props for education and professionals. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Milanote Visual organization tool for creating digital storyboards, mood boards, and project planning on an infinite canvas. | creative_suite | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Canva Design platform with customizable storyboarding templates, drag-and-drop elements, and easy sharing for quick visuals. | creative_suite | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Figma Collaborative interface design tool for building interactive prototypes and storyboards with vector editing and real-time teamwork. | creative_suite | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
Professional storyboarding software for animation and live-action with 3D camera moves, animatics, and seamless integration into production pipelines.
Online collaborative storyboarding tool for quickly creating, animating, and sharing professional storyboards with teams.
Free open-source desktop app for rapid storyboarding with animatic export and multi-platform support.
3D previsualization software for building virtual sets and storyboarding complex shots with realistic camera simulation.
Digital storyboarding tool with drawing assistance, Photoshop integration, and animatic features for filmmakers.
Cloud-based production platform with integrated storyboarding, shot lists, and collaboration for film teams.
Drag-and-drop online storyboarding platform with extensive libraries of characters, scenes, and props for education and professionals.
Visual organization tool for creating digital storyboards, mood boards, and project planning on an infinite canvas.
Design platform with customizable storyboarding templates, drag-and-drop elements, and easy sharing for quick visuals.
Collaborative interface design tool for building interactive prototypes and storyboards with vector editing and real-time teamwork.
Toon Boom Storyboard Pro
specializedProfessional storyboarding software for animation and live-action with 3D camera moves, animatics, and seamless integration into production pipelines.
Direct animatic timeline with photorealistic camera moves and multi-layer audio syncing
Toon Boom Storyboard Pro is an industry-leading storyboarding software tailored for animation, film, and TV professionals, enabling the creation of detailed boards, animatics, and pre-visualization sequences. It offers advanced tools for sketching panels, adding camera moves, syncing audio, importing 3D models, and exporting to various formats for production pipelines. Seamlessly integrated with Toon Boom Harmony, it bridges storyboarding directly into full animation workflows, making it a staple in studios worldwide.
Pros
- Comprehensive animatic creation with audio sync and camera controls
- Seamless integration with Toon Boom Harmony and Photoshop
- Robust 2D/3D import and export options for professional pipelines
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- High cost for individual users
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware
Best For
Professional animation studios and filmmakers needing advanced storyboarding that transitions smoothly into production.
Pricing
Subscription from $65/month (Essentials) to $83/month (Pro); perpetual licenses ~$1,600-$2,000.
Boords
specializedOnline collaborative storyboarding tool for quickly creating, animating, and sharing professional storyboards with teams.
AI-powered storyboard generator that creates full boards from simple text descriptions
Boords is a cloud-based storyboarding platform tailored for filmmakers, animators, and creative teams, enabling quick creation of professional storyboards via drag-and-drop tools and thousands of pre-made assets. It features an AI-powered generator that turns text prompts into complete storyboards, real-time collaboration, and versatile export options like PDF, images, and video. The tool streamlines pre-production workflows by allowing annotations, revisions, and sharing without needing design expertise.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with vast asset library
- AI storyboard generator for rapid prototyping from text
- Robust real-time collaboration and export options
Cons
- Free plan severely limited in exports and boards
- Per-user pricing scales quickly for large teams
- Lacks advanced manual drawing tools for illustrators
Best For
Ideal for filmmakers, ad agencies, and remote creative teams seeking fast, collaborative storyboarding without complex software.
Pricing
Free plan with basics; Pro at $19/editor/month (annual) or $29 monthly; Team/Agency plans from $49/editor/month (annual); Enterprise custom.
Storyboarder
specializedFree open-source desktop app for rapid storyboarding with animatic export and multi-platform support.
Select-and-repeat tool for instantly duplicating and tweaking poses across frames
Storyboarder is a free, open-source storyboarding software developed by Wonder Unit, designed for quick and efficient creation of animated storyboards. Users can sketch frames using simple drawing tools with onion skinning, add dialogue, notes, and camera information, and organize sequences into beats with timing strips. It excels in rapid iteration for pre-production, exporting to PDF, images, or video formats for easy sharing.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no subscriptions
- Lightning-fast workflow for sketching and iterating boards
- Strong export options including PDF, images, and video
Cons
- Limited advanced drawing tools and effects compared to pro software
- No built-in collaboration or cloud features
- Interface feels basic and lacks polish for complex projects
Best For
Independent animators, filmmakers, and storyboard artists seeking a lightweight, no-cost tool for rapid pre-production sketching.
Pricing
Free (fully open-source, no paid tiers)
FrameForge
specialized3D previsualization software for building virtual sets and storyboarding complex shots with realistic camera simulation.
Interactive 3D set constructor with thousands of drag-and-drop props, characters, and environments
FrameForge is a professional 3D storyboarding and previsualization software tailored for filmmakers, enabling users to construct detailed virtual sets, position actors and props, and choreograph complex camera movements. It supports the creation of animated storyboards with realistic lighting, physics, and rendering capabilities, bridging traditional storyboarding with full production previz. The tool excels in planning shots for film, TV, and commercials, with export options for integration into editing and VFX pipelines.
Pros
- Vast library of modular 3D assets for quick set building
- Advanced camera animation and motion path tools
- Photorealistic rendering with dynamic lighting and shadows
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to 3D complexity
- Subscription pricing may deter casual users
- Primarily Windows-focused with limited mobile support
Best For
Professional directors, DPs, and VFX teams needing precise 3D previsualization for intricate film and TV shots.
Pricing
Subscription tiers starting at $39/month (billed annually) for Pro plan, with free trial available.
StoryBoard Quick
specializedDigital storyboarding tool with drawing assistance, Photoshop integration, and animatic features for filmmakers.
One-click conversion of static storyboards into fully timed animatics with audio support
StoryBoard Quick is a specialized storyboarding software designed for filmmakers, animators, and directors to quickly create professional storyboards and animatics. It features intuitive sketching tools, image and video import, customizable panels, and a timeline for adding timing, camera moves, and voiceovers. The software supports exporting to PDF, movies, and image sequences, streamlining pre-production workflows.
Pros
- Rapid sketching and panel layout tools for quick ideation
- Seamless animatic creation with timeline, audio, and transitions
- One-time purchase model with no recurring fees
Cons
- Limited advanced illustration tools compared to full drawing apps
- No real-time collaboration or cloud syncing features
- Interface feels somewhat dated despite functional workflow
Best For
Independent filmmakers and pre-vis artists who prioritize speed and simplicity in storyboarding over advanced artistic capabilities.
Pricing
Perpetual license starting at $99 for standard edition; Pro version at $199 with advanced features.
StudioBinder
enterpriseCloud-based production platform with integrated storyboarding, shot lists, and collaboration for film teams.
Direct storyboard export to interactive shot lists
StudioBinder is a comprehensive filmmaking platform with dedicated storyboarding tools that allow users to upload images, add annotations, voiceovers, and create animatics. It integrates storyboards directly into shot lists, schedules, and production boards for a streamlined pre-production workflow. While versatile for teams, its storyboarding features shine in collaborative environments but may lack the depth of specialized standalone tools.
Pros
- Seamless integration with shot lists and production schedules
- Real-time collaboration for teams
- Animatic creation with audio and transitions
Cons
- Less specialized than dedicated storyboarding apps
- Full features require paid plans
- Overkill for solo creators focused only on boards
Best For
Film production teams needing integrated storyboarding within a full pre-production suite.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; Pro at $29/user/month, Team at $49/user/month for advanced storyboarding.
Storyboard That
specializedDrag-and-drop online storyboarding platform with extensive libraries of characters, scenes, and props for education and professionals.
Expansive, categorized library of over 30,000 customizable assets tailored specifically for narrative storytelling
Storyboard That is an intuitive online platform designed for creating storyboards, comics, graphic novels, and visual stories through a drag-and-drop interface. It features an extensive library of customizable characters, scenes, backgrounds, props, and text options, making it ideal for quick visual planning. Primarily aimed at educators, students, writers, and beginners, it supports educational projects, lesson planning, and creative storytelling across various formats.
Pros
- Vast library of pre-made, customizable assets including characters with emotions and poses
- Extremely user-friendly drag-and-drop interface suitable for all ages
- Strong educational tools like assignments and rubrics for teachers
Cons
- Limited advanced features for professional filmmakers (e.g., no frame timing or camera angles)
- Free version includes watermarks and restricted exports
- Customization can feel basic compared to pro tools like Photoshop integration
Best For
Educators, students, and beginner writers who need simple, engaging tools for visual storytelling and classroom projects.
Pricing
Free limited version; paid plans start at $7.99/user/month (Basic) or $9.99/user/month (Super) with annual discounts, including unlimited projects and no watermarks.
Milanote
creative_suiteVisual organization tool for creating digital storyboards, mood boards, and project planning on an infinite canvas.
Infinite canvas for unrestricted, freeform storyboard layouts and arrangements
Milanote is a visual collaboration platform that functions as a digital whiteboard for organizing ideas, images, notes, and links into customizable boards, making it adaptable for storyboarding through sequential panel arrangements. Users can drag and drop assets to create visual narratives for films, ads, or presentations, with support for templates and real-time team collaboration. While versatile for creative planning, it lacks specialized storyboarding tools like automated panel generation or timeline previews found in dedicated software.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick panel assembly
- Strong media embedding for images, videos, and links
- Real-time collaboration ideal for team storyboarding
Cons
- No dedicated storyboard templates or auto-sequencing tools
- Limited export options for professional video/storyboard formats
- Free plan restricts storage and board exports
Best For
Creative professionals and teams seeking a flexible, visual tool for informal storyboarding and idea mapping without complex animation needs.
Pricing
Free plan with 100MB storage limit; Pro at $9.99/user/month (unlimited boards); Teams at $12.50/user/month.
Canva
creative_suiteDesign platform with customizable storyboarding templates, drag-and-drop elements, and easy sharing for quick visuals.
Vast, customizable storyboard templates powered by AI tools for instant visual generation
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design platform that supports storyboarding through customizable templates, drag-and-drop panels, and a vast library of images, icons, and animations. Users can quickly assemble visual sequences for films, presentations, or marketing campaigns, adding text annotations, transitions, and exports in PDF or video formats. While not a dedicated storyboarding tool, its versatility makes it accessible for rapid prototyping without a steep learning curve.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick panel creation
- Extensive template library tailored for storyboards
- Real-time collaboration and easy sharing/export options
Cons
- Lacks specialized storyboarding tools like automated frame numbering or onion skinning
- Free version includes watermarks on premium elements
- Can feel bloated for complex, professional workflows
Best For
Ideal for beginners, marketers, and small teams needing fast, visually appealing storyboards without advanced software.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; Canva Pro at $12.99/user/month unlocks premium templates and removals watermarks; Enterprise plans available.
Figma
creative_suiteCollaborative interface design tool for building interactive prototypes and storyboards with vector editing and real-time teamwork.
Real-time multiplayer editing for simultaneous storyboard collaboration
Figma is a versatile cloud-based design platform primarily known for UI/UX prototyping, but it supports storyboarding through frames as panels, auto-layout for sequencing, and prototyping for transitions. Users can sketch rough concepts, import assets, add annotations, and share interactive prototypes mimicking storyboard playback. Its infinite canvas and vector tools enable flexible panel arrangements, though it's not a dedicated storyboarding tool.
Pros
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration for team storyboarding
- Prototyping tools for interactive, playable storyboards
- Infinite canvas and vector editing for flexible panel creation
Cons
- Lacks specialized storyboarding features like timelines, onion skinning, or audio sync
- Steeper learning curve for non-designers
- Performance issues with very large, complex files
Best For
Design teams and digital creators needing collaborative, interactive storyboards for UI/UX, ads, or animation pre-vis.
Pricing
Free plan for individuals; Professional at $12/user/month; Organization at $45/user/month.
Conclusion
The reviewed storyboarding tools span a range of use cases, from professional animation pipelines to quick team projects. Leading the pack is Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, celebrated for its comprehensive 3D integration and production-ready features. Boords shines as a collaborative favorite for real-time teamwork, while Storyboarder stands out as an exceptional open-source option for rapid creation. Each tool offers distinct strengths, ensuring suitability for diverse needs.
For those aiming to elevate their visual storytelling, Toon Boom Storyboard Pro is the top choice—its professional tools can streamline workflows and bring creative visions to life. Explore the top-ranked tool or dive into the alternatives to find the perfect fit for your projects.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
