6 Online Storyboard Tools for Various Industries

Traditionally, storyboards are created through pen and paper.? But in our fast-paced, ever-changing world, a new avenue has opened up—online storyboard tools. These tools bring the age-old practice into the digital era. They are incredibly valuable across various sectors, from education and video production to marketing, creative agencies, and beyond.

Why Use an Online Storyboard Tool?

• Save time: Speed up your storyboard creation process without starting from scratch, ensuring an efficient workflow.
• Easy collaboration: Create storyboards online with your team in real time, allowing for instant feedback, comments, and more.
• No drawing skills required: Generate your own storyboards effortlessly using AI or choose from templates and stock images, even if you don't have drawing skills.

6 Online Storyboard Tools?

Here are the 6 storyboard tools you can use for various industries:?

1. StoryboardHero

StoryboardHero is an online storyboard tool that utilizes AI to assist you in creating storyboards within minutes. While there are various online storyboard tools allowing you to craft your own, StoryboardHero stands out by creating one for you! Whether you're conceptualizing video ideas or creating detailed storyboards, StoryboardHero has you covered. What sets it apart is its ability to generate high-quality and consistent images for every scene. This type of online storyboard tool is particularly advantageous for video production companies and creative agencies.

How to Create Storyboards with StoryboardHero

1. Login to StoryboardHeroStart by logging in to your StoryboardHero account.
2. Add a new projectClick “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. Provide a Concise Project DescriptionOffer a brief overview of your project to establish the storyboard's direction.
5. Automatically Generate Concepts and ScriptsLet StoryboardHero effortlessly create concepts and scripts for you. Customize and tweak them as necessary.
6. Utilize AI to Generate ImagesWhen content meets your satisfaction, employ AI to craft images for each frame. Select your preferred art style and patiently await the results.
7. Review and Edit ImagesEvaluate the generated images for each scene. If adjustments are needed, easily regenerate them. You can also purchase additional credits if you opt premium sketches by their team of skilled artists.
8. Finalize and DownloadRefine or revise until you achieve the desired outcome. Once everything is finalized, download it as a PDF or share it online for seamless collaboration with your team or clients.

Pricing

Starts at $19/month

2. Canva

Canva is a widely utilized graphic editing tool across various industries, and it now features an online storyboard creator. With numerous templates, Canva simplifies the creative process, offering a diverse collection of stock photos and illustrations to enhance designs. Its user-friendly interface supports easy drag-and-drop functionality, streamlining the design process for simplicity and convenience—ideal for beginners.

How to Create Storyboards with Canva

1. Login to CanvaSign in to your Canva account and search for "Storyboards" to discover relevant templates.
2. Choose Appropriate TemplatesExplore the available storyboard templates and select those that suit your project requirements.
3. Personalize with Drag-and-DropUtilize the drag-and-drop feature to effortlessly incorporate images, icons, and stickers. Generate AI images for a unique touch or to simplify the graphic search process.
4. Adjust Colors and FontsFine-tune your storyboard by modifying colors and font styles. Feel free to include your own images as necessary.
5. Modify LayoutEffortlessly rearrange the layout to achieve the desired flow and visual appeal.
6. Publish and ShareOnce content with your storyboard, click on publish and share it with your team or clients.

Pricing:

• Free with limited access to features
• Pro plan starts at $29.99/month with access to premium features

3. StoryboardThat

StoryboardThat is an easy-to-use online storyboard tool for personal, educational, and business needs. It suits classrooms for lesson planning, projects, and group work, while also being handy for team building and product planning in business settings. With its simple drag-and-drop feature and basic storyboarding tools, it makes visual storytelling accessible to everyone.

How to Create Storyboards with StoryboardThat

1. Select ScenesChoose scenes based on your preferences, including characters of different ages or professions. Customize details such as accessories, shoes, clothes, and hairstyles to tailor the characters to your storyline.
2. Enhance with Additional ElementsAdd more elements to your storyboard, such as items, speech bubbles, and other features. Directly search for specific elements to suit your narrative.
3. Save Your WorkClick on save and exit to preserve your progress and return to it later.

Pricing

• Free with limited features
• Starts at $9.99

4. Miro

Miro offers ready-made storyboard templates, providing a shared space for limitless creativity. You can sketch scenarios and images, receive instant feedback, and iterate stories in real-time or asynchronously with this tool. This tool is ideal for individuals seeking greater customization freedom.

How to Create Storyboards with Miro

1. Select TemplateStart by selecting a storyboard template within the Miro platform.
2. Identify Your Main ActorDefine the main actor or persona you intend to target in your storyboard.
3. Build Your StoryboardConstruct your customer journey seamlessly on the expansive Miro board. Utilize the limitless space to bring your narrative to life.
4. Incorporate Additional File TypesUpload various file types, including documents, photos, videos, and PDFs, consolidating all relevant information in one central location.
5. Save and ExportOnce your storyboard is complete, save and export it in your preferred format—whether as an image, PDF, or directly to Google Drive.

Pricing

• Free with limited features
• Starter plan starts at $8/month

5. Visme

Visme is an online storyboard tool featuring convenient drag-and-drop functionality and customizable templates. With access to a rich photo library, you can seamlessly incorporate your brand colors, add icons, and integrate shapes into your storyboards

How to Create Storyboards with Visme

1. Log inLog in to your Visme account and navigate to the Video tab on the dashboard.
2. Explore TemplatesScroll through the icons and select the Storyboards icon to access a template.
3. Customize VisualsCustomize your storyboard by uploading personal photos or exploring the stock? photo library.
4. Add InformationUse presenter notes to incorporate information about your script or shot details.
5. Download or ShareDownload your storyboard as a PDF for printing or effortlessly share it with your team online.

Pricing

• Basic plan is free with limited templates and design assets
• Starter plan starts at $29/month

6. MakeStoryboard

MakeStoryboard is an online storyboard tool offering versatile solutions for video, drawing, and animatic storyboarding. With customizable frames and support for flexible aspect ratios encompassing all popular formats, it allows users to effortlessly create multiple versions of their storyboards. This straightforward and versatile tool is ideal for various creative projects.

How to Create Storyboards with MakeStoryboard

1. LoginLogin to your MakeStoryboard account.
2. Add DetailsInput the storyboard name and type to begin your project.
3. Start StoryboardingBegin with images or choose blank frames as your starting point.
4. Adjust SettingsFine-tune storyboard settings, including frame numbers, duration, shot types, and more.
5. Upload or SketchUpload images from your device, sketch frame by frame, or explore stock photos in their library.
6. Add Essential TextInclude essential text such as descriptions, transitions, etc.
7. Rearrange FramesEasily rearrange frames to achieve the desired sequence.
8. Share and SaveShare your storyboard online or download it as a PDF, animatic, or image.

Pricing

• Individual subscription starts at $14/month
• Team subscription starts at $48/month

Key Factors in Choosing the Best Online Storyboard Tool

• Business Type or Project Requirements: Assess the unique needs of your business or project to ensure the storyboard tool supports the specific features required. For example, if you’re part of a marketing agency, an online storyboard tool with templates tailored to advertising campaigns may be essential for you.

• Budget Constraints: Consider your financial limitations and explore tools that provide a cost-effective solution without compromising essential features. For instance, if you’re a small startup you might benefit from a free or affordable storyboard tool, meanwhile, if you’re from a larger corporation, you may invest in a premium option.

• User Interface Intuitiveness: Evaluate how user-friendly the tool is, ensuring that creating storyboards is a straightforward and efficient process. A tool with a drag-and-drop interface and intuitive controls can enhance your overall user experience.

• Collaboration Features: Look for tools that facilitate teamwork by offering features such as real-time collaboration, instant feedback, and seamless communication. In a video production setting, a tool that allows team members to collaborate on storyboards simultaneously can enhance efficiency.

• Template Variety: Explore tools that provide a diverse range of templates to suit different industries and project types. An educational institution might benefit from a storyboard tool with templates designed for lesson plans and student projects.

Final Thoughts

No need to fall behind. You've got all the choices. Dive in, check out the tools, and move your projects ahead. With straightforward features and easy-to-use interfaces, you're all set to bring your creative ideas to life. Don't hold back—make the most of what's available and open up new possibilities for your storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is an online storyboard tool?

An online storyboard tool is a digital platform or application that allows users to create visual representations of a story or concept. It typically provides features such as templates, image libraries, and collaboration tools to streamline the storyboard creation process.

What makes online storyboard tools preferable over traditional pen-and-paper methods?

Online storyboard tools offer the advantage of speed, efficiency, and collaboration. They allow real-time collaboration, instant feedback, and the flexibility to work from anywhere.

Is StoryboardHero suitable for users with no design experience?

Absolutely! StoryboardHero is designed to be user-friendly. It simplifies the process, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users. You can create storyboards with ease, even without design expertise.

Is an online storyboard tool the same as an AI storyboard generator??

While both aim to simplify creating storyboards, they have differences. An online storyboard tool is a broader digital platform with features like collaboration tools and templates. On the other hand, an AI storyboard generator specifically uses artificial intelligence for efficient and creative element creation. Both are available online, but not all online storyboards include AI. If you want AI features, look for tools that mention AI integration such as StoryboardHero.