assignment 6 create a storyboard

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How to Create a Storyboard

Last Updated: January 10, 2024

This article was co-authored by Joey Wallace . Joey Wallace is a Professional Photographer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Joey is the Creative Director and Lead Wedding Photographer at Joey Wallace Photography, providing photography and videography services. With over 10 years of experience, Joey has been honored as one of Atlanta’s Best Photographers for the past 5 years and has documented hundreds of weddings. Joey Wallace Photography has also been featured and recognized by publications including The Knot, WeddingWire, Brides Atlanta, and Featured on Zola. This article has been viewed 894,640 times.

When you’re planning a video, the first step in the process is to bring your script to life and present it to other people. A storyboard is a series of thumbnails that show the breakdown of the video, illustrating the key scenes — how the setting will look, who will be present, and what actions will take place. It’s often used as a mock-up for movie scenes, music videos, TV production, etc. and can be created by hand or using a digital medium. Read on to learn how to map your story, illustrate the keyframes and fine tune your storyboard.

• Make a list of the main events of the story in the order they will be told. This is how they will appear on screen.
• If you’re storyboarding for a commercial, establish what scenes will occur and in what order.

• Pick scenes that show the plot developing from start to finish.
• Turning points are important to show. Any time there’s a plot twist or an important change, include it in the storyboard to move the story along.
• You may also want to depict changes in setting. If the story begins in one city and moves to another, make sure that will be clear in your illustrations.
• If you’re storyboarding for a commercial, the process is no different: pick key images that will represent the flow and direction of the film from start to finish. As a general guideline, keep in mind that for a typical 30-second commercial, a storyboard should have no more than 15 frames. Factor in two seconds per frame on average.

• If you're working on a film and breaking it down shot by shot, create what's called a shot list. For each shot on the list, you'll need to think about the shot's composition and other details involving how it will actually be filmed.
• Remember that the point of the storyboard is to provide visual clarity and keep everyone on the same page. It’s not supposed to be a work of art in and of itself. Take a practical view when it comes to the level of detail you choose for your storyboard. You don’t want your viewer to get lost in trying to interpret your illustrations instead of seeing the bigger picture.
• A good storyboard will be easily understood by anyone viewing it. Potentially, a director, cameraman, scene selector, or even a prop specialist (just to name a few) may refer to the storyboard for reference, guidance and direction.

• For example, you might want to have a cell that depicts a conversation between two main characters. What needs to be conveyed in this image? Are the characters fighting, smiling, or moving toward a destination? Some sort of action should take place in each drawing.
• Take the setting into account as well. Is it important to have a certain view in the background behind the characters?

• The cell sizes should be drawn in the same aspect ratio as the finished video, such as 4:3 for a TV screen or 16:9 for a feature film screen. You can purchase special thumbnail sheets with these dimensions.
• A storyboard template for advertising should be comprised of rectangular frames into which you insert the visuals. If you want to include captions, make sure there’s space where you can write in video descriptions. There should also be a column for the audio, which is where you include the dialogue and sounds or music.
• If you find yourself storyboarding for more than one project, it helps to have a good Wacom™ tablet, so you can board directly into Photoshop.
• If you don’t want to design the images, you can hire a storyboard artist to provide the drawings. You will describe what goes on each frame and give the artist a written script to work from. He or she will provide you with either black and white or color illustrated frames that you can scan into the board in sequential order.

• Composition (lighting, foreground/background, color palette, etc.)
• Angle from which the camera is shooting (high or low)
• The type of shot (wide shots, close-ups, over-the-shoulder shots, tracking shots, etc.) [1] X Research source
• Props (objects in the frame)
• Actors (people, animals, cartoon talking couch, etc.: anything that can act rather than be acted upon)
• Special effects

• Consider adding color. If you’re creating an advertising storyboard, this will help your ideas pop.
• Remember that it’s not necessarily important that the drawings look realistic or perfect. Depending on the viewing audience, simple stick figures might suffice. In most cases, storyboards don't need to be perfect, they only need to make sense to your team.

Fine-Tuning

• Instead of drawing all of your characters as though they were standing on the same horizontal line, put them in perspective. Have some standing a little further from the camera and some standing closer. The ones standing further from the camera should appear smaller, with their feet higher up on the page, and the ones standing closer should appear larger, with their feet lower on the page.
• When it's time to translate the storyboard to film, you'll have a much better idea of how to direct the shot.

• For example, if you want to cut from one room to another, have a character in the first room look toward the door because they hear a noise.
• This helps the story's continuity and keeps the viewer engaged.

• Remember to accept others' input as you go along, especially if you're working with a talented film crew. A storyboard is meant to be edited and changed. It can often be improved by ideas you might not have thought up on your own.
• Most film directors have a different style when it comes to storyboarding. Some map out every last detail, while others use it as a loose guide.

Expert Q&A

• If you can't draw, there is software available that will let you create storyboards by selecting and placing objects from a graphics library. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Storyboards have uses other than planning videos, such as illustrating a sequence of actions or designing complex websites. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Do not expect to make a perfect storyboard with one try, it takes practice. Look at other people's storyboards and see how they do it. It takes some time to perfect your style.
• When designing a storyboard, use codes such as W/S: wide shot, M/S: medium shot, C/U: close up. Also, use INT (interior) and EXT (exterior).

Things You'll Need

• Thumbnail sheets
• Storyboard sheets
• Drawing supplies
• Imaging software

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://accad.osu.edu/digital-animation-technology-mentoring-program-young-women
• ↑ http://nofilmschool.com/2013/09/storyboarding-tips-dreamworks/
• ↑ http://nofilmschool.com/2013/08/storyboarding-with-coen-brothers-storyboard-artist/

About This Article

To create a storyboard, sketch out thumbnails to bring the scenes to life. These drawings should include composition, type of shot, props, and special effects. Below each cell, write a description of what’s happening in the scene, including dialogue and the length of the shot. Additionally, number your cells so they’re easy to reference when talking about them with others. To learn how to fine-tune your storyboard by using three-point perspective, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Make a Storyboard: Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

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• Create Your Storyboard Here →

I t’s always good to go into a creative endeavor with a plan. Whether it’s for a music video, ad campaign, or short film, a storyboard can be extremely useful. Storyboards help creatives see what their project will look like before they create it. In this post, we’ll look at how to make a storyboard, and why you should.

How to Make a Storyboard in StudioBinder

Watch full tutorial playlist ➚

How to Make a Storyboard

What is a storyboard.

The process of taking the vision in your head and turning it into images on screen usually begins with a storyboard. And this serves two functions— to refine your ideas on paper and to share these ideas with your film crew . Therefore, the more you understand how to make a storyboard, the more efficient they can be.

So: what is a storyboard ?

STORYBOARD DEFINITION

A storyboard is a visual representation of a film sequence which breaks down the action into individual panels. It sketches out how a video sequence will unfold and functions as a trial-run for your finished film, video, or commercial, laid out in a comic book-like form.

Storyboard qualities:

• Contains of drawings, reference images or photographs that represent each shot in a scene.
• Provides a visual guide for look, feel and movement.
• Indicates the staging of actors and camera placement.
• May include dialogue and sound direction.

Famed filmmakers throughout cinema history have made storyboards to plan out their shoots. Here’s a storyboard example for Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho :

Psycho storyboard example  •  Made in StudioBinder

As you might be able to tell, a storyboard requires a fair amount of effort. So why use one?

Storyboard Variations

Types of storyboards.

There are a few different types of storyboards. But it’s important to keep in mind that, for the most part, they all serve the same purpose: to allow you to plan out your project.

You don’t have to be a great drawer  •  How to make a storyboard

Also referred to as the traditional storyboard, this type utilizes drawings created by a director, DP, or storyboard artist.

For the hand-drawn method, you can download our free storyboard template pack and then use our guide on how to use a storyboard template . 

Digital storyboard

This is probably the most popular form of storyboarding today, since digital storyboards can more easily be shared and edited. Digital storyboards can also utilize personalized drawings— or they can be computer renderings, photographs, or borrowed still.

Thumbnail storyboard

Quick and easy  •  How to make a storyboard with thumbnails

A thumbnail board is great for anyone who wants to quickly jot out how they see a sequence working, rather than focusing on individual smaller details for each shot. Thumbnail storyboards typically use smaller panels with rougher drawings and fewer text.

An animatic is essentially an animated storyboard. In other words, it is a crudely animated version of your movie. This can give you a greater sense of how shots will be timed and cut together. There is a drawback, however: they take a lot more time to create, and can be too detailed, removing spontaneity from the later creative process.

Animatics are popular in animation. You can take a look at our template for animated storyboards:

A digital storyboard board made in StudioBinder

Time to look at how to put all this information together and make a storyboard.

Related Posts

• How to storyboard a fight scene→
• Storyboarding camera movement →
• How to create a documentary storyboard →

The Storyboard ABC’s

6 steps to make a storyboard.

Building a storyboard should feel exciting – this is the sandbox where you can imagine how your project is going to look. Here’s a step-by-step guide using StudioBinder's storyboard creator .

Even though we're using a particular software, the process is universal — whether your working digitally or with good old pencil and paper.

A typical Storyboard Example  •  Made in StudioBinder

Let's get 'boarding!

Step 1: Decide on your presentation format

Before you start gathering images, drawing panels,  hiring a storyboard artist , or doing any nuts-and-bolts illustration and pre-visualization work, you need to choose how you want to present your storyboards.

If you want to draw basic, straightforward sketches, you may want to create a board with twelve panels on a page. But if you want your illustrations to be detailed and complex, you may want larger frames, in which case you’ll only have a few panels per page.

The latter technique is typically the preferred option if you are planning on using your boards to pitch your project, since you can wow potential clients or investors with your visuals.

With StudioBinder, you can toggle between view types. This means that if you change your mind on your approach later, it’s no sweat. You can easily choose a different format.

Whether you prefer 4-column view...

Storyboard Formatting

...Or a one-column storyboard, you have the option.

Step 2: Read the scene

It should come as no surprise that to make a good storyboard, you need to understand the scene you’re boarding. What is the core purpose of the sequence? What are you trying to get across? How is the plot moving forward, and how are characters affected?

All these considerations will inform your shot choices and camera movement .

StudioBinder does some of the script-to-storyboard work for you. An imported screenplay will automatically have each scene turned into a blank storyboard, allowing you to see exactly which board relates to which sequence.

You can get even more specific by tagging certain lines in the script to create associated panels. Now, you have direct reference and inspiration between the script and storyboard.

From script to storyboard

Step 3: create or find your images.

Once you’ve determined the aspect ratio and other settings for your project, you’ll need to start creating or gathering images. 

Basically, there are two options. The first is the old-school method of drawing out each panel. How can you make a storyboard if you can't draw? Here are some alternative storyboarding methods for non-artists .

The second option is the more modern incarnation of using storyboarding software and sourcing pre-existing visuals. You can take photos of your own, or use images from TV shows and movies as your visual references. As long as they clearly communicate your vision, there's no reason not to.

Regardless of your approach, StudioBinder lets you upload images easily from anywhere (even previous projects). You can use your webcam to capture hand-drawn panels. You can order your shots according to the narrative by simply clicking and dragging.

Storyboard images

No matter the medium you choose, the content of your boards should be approached with the same level of purpose and detail. This is where storyboard composition comes into play.

Remember, with storyboards you can make creative and practical decisions without consequence. For example, choosing your shot sizes , your camera angles , or your camera movement can be worked out in advance, saving you time and creative energy when you're actually on set.

You'll find our complete playlist of videos on these various elements in our Shot List series on YouTube . 

Step 4: Include descriptions and annotations

Now it’s time to add descriptions and annotation that will ensure the intention of each panel is clear. This can include shot descriptions, special notes, and visual annotations.

Storyboard Notes

You can use storyboard arrows to indicate movement. Is a character walking across frame? Is it a close-up shifting to a wide shot ? Or a tracking shot following the main character? Here are some quick examples of how arrows are used to indicate a moving camera . 

Storyboard arrows  •  How to draw a storyboard

If you're using software like StudioBinder, you can add storyboard notes along with dialogue and shot specs. You can then quickly add arrows and text to mark how things are moving. Don’t like what you’ve added? You can always re-do the step.

Annotating a storyboard

Step 5: share and collaborate.

It’s time to take your finished panels and distribute them to your team.

If you’re pitching a video concept , now is when you pull back the curtain on your boards and share them with clients. Or, you can share it with your cinematographer and other relevant departments to get their thoughts.

You can also send the board to your actors or models to allow them to know what to expect on set. Usually, this means sending a PDF.

That being said, if you’re using StudioBinder, sharing is easy with just a few clicks. Directors and 1st ADs may want edit access to elaborate on shot specs or logistics. Others, like clients or executives, may want comment access to provide feedback. You can share with a view-only link, or let collaborators work on specific pages rather than the entire project.

Sharing your storyboard

Step 6: print.

You’ve done all the hard work, so you’ll want to make sure you have your boards at your disposal on set. This means printing out hard copies to hand out to departments. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page.

StudioBinder’s customizable PDF generator allows you to print boards with professional presentation with added security. You can hide/include shot specs, determine your page layout, choose whether to have color, create front and back covers, add custom watermarks, and select headers and footers.

Print off your board

Storyboards can be the backbone of a production. When you’re feeling overwhelmed on set, it’s great to know that you can turn to your trusty storyboard. While there are some  do's and don'ts of storyboarding , the only thing that really matters is if they facilitate your imagination and your collaboration with the team.

Create a storyboard of your own

Now that you know how to make a boards, it's time to put all this practice into action. You've got a project burning a hole in your creative pocket. And you can even see how the scene plays out, shot by shot. Get started creating a visual representation of that vision and you'll be closer to seeing it come to life.

Up Next: StudioBinder storyboard creator →

Showcase your vision with elegant shot lists and storyboards..

Create robust and customizable shot lists. Upload images to make storyboards and slideshows.

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Blog Beginner Guides How To Make A Storyboard: Essential Tips & Formats

How To Make A Storyboard: Essential Tips & Formats

Written by: Tobi Ojenike Sep 26, 2023

Storyboards are vital for visual storytelling, acting as blueprints for the narrative, aiding organization and clarifying crucial visual elements. 

They’re indispensable in film, animation, advertising, gaming and more, enabling creators to anticipate issues and streamline the process. Producers create storyboards to help visualize the finished result by outlining scenes and sequences, making it simpler to identify potential problems or plot holes early in the creative process. 

To streamline the process of creating storyboards, let me walk you through the steps on how to create an effective storyboard. You can also always make use of the user-friendly storyboard templates and tools offered by Venngage for efficient storyboarding. Ready? Let’s get started!

Click to jump ahead:

• Understanding the basics of storyboarding
• 7 steps to create an effective storyboard 

11 Key elements you should include in your storyboard frame

What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating a storyboard, how to choose the right storyboarding format for different projects, faqs on how to make a storyboard, 7 steps on how to create a storyboard with venngage, understanding the basics of storyboarding .

A storyboard is a graphic depiction or series of sketches, drawings or photographs that lists the major events, shots and actions in a narrative, frequently in chronological order. Normally, it also includes comments or explanations to give more context and information about each frame.  

You can also think of it as a visual communication tool, as it acts as a blueprint for visual storytelling, enabling creators to plan and envision a project such as a movie, animation, YouTube video or even a graphic novel. 

Storyboards are used primarily in the creative professions to improve planning and communication. They aid in the conversion of written scripts or ideas into visual formats, ensuring that the story flows smoothly and that all participants have the same understanding. 

Storyboards reduce the possibility of expensive and time-consuming changes by facilitating team cooperation and serving as a reference point during production. 

Overall, storyboards are a crucial tool for preserving creative direction, effectiveness and clarity while diverse visual storytelling projects are being developed.

7 steps to create an effective storyboard

Creating an effective storyboard is a fundamental step in bringing your creative visions to life, whether in film, animation, video production or any visual storytelling medium.

A well-crafted storyboard serves as a roadmap, helping you plan, visualize and communicate your narrative with precision. In this guide, I will touch base on seven essential steps to craft a compelling and impactful storyboard. Let’s explore:

Step 1: Define your project and objectives

The first step in creating an effective storyboard is to define your project’s purpose and objectives. It’s crucial to define the project in detail before getting into the specifics of a storyboard. 

Decide if you’re making a short film, a commercial, a feature-length film or something else entirely such as a novel or designing a website. Understand the story you want to tell and identify the main message or goals you intend to achieve through your project. 

Step 2: Develop your script or narrative

If your project involves storytelling or a scripted sequence of events, the next step is to develop your script or narrative. Write a detailed script that outlines the dialogue, action and sequence of events. 

Then, break down your script into key scenes, actions and transitions that are essential to conveying your story effectively.

Step 3: Storyboard structure and format

Choose a suitable storyboard format that aligns with your project’s needs. You can opt for traditional, digital, vertical, horizontal or animatic formats depending on your project’s requirements. Determine the number of frames or panels you’ll need to represent each scene, shot or sequence effectively. 

Step 4: Sketch the frames

With your script or narrative as a reference, start sketching each frame. Visualize and draw the scenes, characters, objects and backgrounds in each frame. Pay attention to composition, framing and camera angles to convey the mood and emotion of each scene accurately.

Step 5: Add annotations and details

Alongside each frame, include clear and concise annotations or notes that describe the action, dialogue, camera movements and any other relevant details. Specify how scenes transition from one to another, including cuts, fades or other visual effects to ensure a smooth flow of the narrative.

Step 6: Review and revise

Seek feedback from team members, collaborators or stakeholders to ensure that your storyboard aligns with the project’s goals and effectively communicates your vision. Be open to making revisions based on feedback, focusing on improving clarity, storytelling and visual composition.

Step 7: Finalize and share

Once you’ve gathered feedback and made necessary revisions, create a polished version of your storyboard with clean, legible drawings and annotations. 

Share the finalized storyboard with all relevant team members, including directors, animators, designers or anyone involved in the project’s production. Effective communication and collaboration are essential to bringing your creative vision to life.

Last but not least, a great tip for creating an effective storyboard is to incorporate the design thinking principles into your storyboarding process. This would help you create narratives that are not only visually appealing but also deeply resonant with your audience. It encourages a holistic approach to storytelling that takes into account both the creative and user-centric aspects of visual communication.

Whether they are created by hand or by computer, all storyboards have the same information. In order to provide a clearer picture of what a video should look like, here are the essential elements that should be present in a storyboard

Title : The storyboard should contain the project’s title, the date it was created and any other relevant project information.

Panel number : Each page of the storyboard should be given a number and the panels should be arranged in the right order to ensure that the plot develops logically.

Camera directions : To assist the camera operator, projects in film, television or video may include camera instructions. Determining the camera’s movement, framing and angles may be necessary.

Sound and dialogue : Include essential information related to audio elements. This includes descriptions of background music, sound effects and most importantly, dialogue text or speech bubbles that convey character conversations, narration or voiceovers.

Transitions : During the production of movies and videos, transitions between shots or scenes are usually documented in the storyboard. Examples of this include cuts, fades, dissolves and other visual transitions.

Images/Drawings : The action or narrative is primarily represented visually in a storyboard. Any visual representation that represents what will appear on screen or in the finished product can be utilized for this, including sketches, drawings, photos and more.

Shot description : Each panel is accompanied by a caption or description that provides key details about what is happening in the scene. All relevant visual elements such as characters, activities, camera angles, etc should be covered.

Notes : Additional notes or comments may occasionally be added to provide context, explanations or instructions to the production team. Use them to highlight specific criteria or specifics.

Timing and duration : The length of each shot or scene can occasionally be defined, which helps with pacing and timing the project.

Props and clothing : If props and attire are included in the storyboard, the production team will be more likely to comprehend the precise visual aspects required for each scene. Collaboration between the costume department and the art department is also beneficial to ensuring a cogent and attractive final product.

Special effects : If necessary, special visual effects instructions for real-world effects or CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) can be provided.

When it comes to storyboarding, even the most experienced storytellers can stumble into pitfalls when crafting their storyboards. In this exploration, let’s into the common mistakes that can hinder the effectiveness of your storyboard and, ultimately, the success of your project. 

Lack of clarity

Mistake: Failing to clearly convey the narrative or sequence of events in your storyboard.

Why avoid: If your audience, team or collaborators can’t understand your storyboard, it can lead to miscommunication, confusion and a disjointed final product.

How to avoid: Use clear and concise visuals and annotations to represent each scene or shot. Ensure that the story’s progression is easy to follow.

Ignoring composition and framing

Mistake: Neglecting the visual composition, framing and camera angles in your storyboard.

Why avoid: Composition and framing play a significant role in visual storytelling. Ignoring them can result in bland or uninteresting visuals.

How to avoid: Pay attention to the placement of characters, objects and elements within the frame. Experiment with different angles and compositions to enhance the storytelling.

Overcrowded frames

Mistake: Trying to cram too much information or detail into a single storyboard frame.

Why avoid: Overcrowded frames can overwhelm the viewer and make it difficult to focus on essential story elements.

How to avoid: Simplify each frame, focusing on the key elements necessary to convey the scene. Use additional frames if needed to show different perspectives or actions.

Inconsistent visual style

Mistake: Failing to maintain a consistent visual style throughout the storyboard.

Why avoid: Inconsistencies in character design, colors or overall style can be distracting and disrupt the viewer’s immersion in the story.

How to avoid: Establish and adhere to a consistent visual style guide for characters, settings and props from the beginning of the storyboard.

Skipping story beats

Mistake: Missing important story beats or transitions in the storyboard.

Why avoid: Skipping crucial moments in the story can result in plot holes or an incomplete narrative.

How to avoid: Carefully plan and include all significant story beats, character interactions and transitions to ensure a cohesive and engaging story.

Neglecting annotations and descriptions:

Mistake: Failing to provide clear annotations, notes or descriptions for each frame.

Why avoid: Without adequate explanations, others may not fully understand the context, action or intent of each frame.

How to avoid: Include brief but descriptive annotations alongside each frame to clarify character actions, dialogue, camera movements and any other essential details.

Choosing the right storyboarding format is a crucial step in the creative process since it has a big impact on how your story develops. Every project, be it a movie, an animation, a presentation or a graphic novel, requires a different strategy. In this section, I will show you how to choose the right storyboarding format for your project. 

Consider the medium

Film and video: .

For traditional filmmaking, a horizontal or traditional storyboard format is commonly used. It allows you to plan out shots and scenes effectively. Digital formats are also popular for video projects. 

Source: Unsplash

Animation: 

Animation often benefits from digital storyboarding, as it allows for precise control over character movements and timing. Animatic storyboards with timing information can be particularly useful. For example, when creating an online course , using animation can help relay your ideas and lessons better.

Web design and UI/UX: 

Consider using digital or vertical storyboard formats for web and user interface projects, as these formats can better represent the vertical scrolling nature of websites and apps.

Project scale and complexity

Simple projects:.

For small or straightforward projects, such as short videos or single web pages, you may not need an elaborate format. Thumbnails or simple sketches on paper may suffice.

Complex projects: 

For larger, more complex projects like feature films, video games or multi-page websites, consider using more detailed and organized formats like digital or traditional storyboards.

Collaboration requirements

Remote collaboration: .

If your team is distributed or working remotely, digital storyboarding formats offer the advantage of easy sharing and collaboration through cloud-based tools. Venngage offers collaboration tools with real-time communication that can help you and your team work more efficiently and storyboard better.

In-person collaboration: 

For projects where team members work closely together in the same physical space, traditional storyboards or whiteboard-style storyboarding can facilitate real-time discussions and adjustments.

Source: Pexels

Audience and stakeholder presentation

Client or stakeholder presentation:.

When presenting marketing campaigns such as a marketing video for market expansion and growth to clients or stakeholders, consider using a visually polished and professional format, such as a digital or traditional storyboard. 

Internal use:

For internal discussions and brainstorming sessions, you can start with rougher formats like thumbnails or sketches and refine them later.

Artistic style and aesthetic

Artistic projects: .

If your project has a strong artistic or creative focus, consider formats that allow for more artistic expression, such as collage-style or mixed-media storyboards.

Technical projects: 

For projects where technical accuracy is crucial, stick to formats that provide precise details and measurements.

Flexibility and iteration

Time saving:.

When iteration is properly controlled, time can be saved in the long term. It enables you to identify possible problems early in the creative process and address them, minimizing the need for major modifications throughout production, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Quality improvement: 

You have the chance to improve and hone the quality of your storyboard through iterative procedures. You may pinpoint places that require development and make the required changes to guarantee that the final visual narrative is engaging and powerful.

Budget and resources

Resource availability:.

Consider the tools and resources available to you. Digital storyboarding may require access to software and hardware, while traditional storyboarding can be done with paper and pens, making it more cost-effective.

Planning effectively: 

Planning well requires that you are aware of your financial limitations. You may direct resources where they are most needed while preventing wasteful spending. This makes sure that your storyboard adheres to the project’s budgetary constraints.

Cost vs. quality: 

Finding a balance between the two is essential. Even if you want to make an engaging storyboard, you have to stay inside your budget. Making decisions like this entails maximizing the effect of your storyboard without going overboard.

Project deadline

Time constraints:.

If you have tight deadlines, a format that allows for quicker sketching and adjustments, such as digital storyboarding, may be preferable. The task’s completion deadline is clearly defined by the project’s deadline. 

It’s critical to allot enough time for storyboarding to avoid becoming hurried or hasty, which could degrade the standard of your visual storytelling.

Alignment with production schedule: 

Storyboards act as a road map for the production stage, streamlining the filming or animation process. The overall production schedule may be delayed if the storyboarding process is not finished on time, which could result in missed deadlines for the entire project.

Revision and feedback :

Revisions and feedback are regular parts of the creative process for storyboards, which frequently go through several versions. You may schedule these iterations and set aside time for feedback from partners or clients when you take the project deadline into account. 

It’s important to hit these feedback milestones in order to stay on schedule and prevent last-minute modifications that can throw off the schedule.

Do I need to be an artist to create a storyboard?

You don’t need to be an artist to create a storyboard, but basic drawing skills can be helpful. Stick figures and simple sketches can convey the main ideas effectively. To save time, Venngage offers easy-to-use and customizable storyboard templates that you can use to simplify the process.

What software or tools can I use to create a digital storyboard?

Digital storyboarding can be done using a variety of tools and technologies, from professional choices like Adobe Storyboard Pro and Toon Boom Storyboard to more user-friendly ones like Storyboard That or even PowerPoint. In this blog post, I discussed extensively on the various software you can use to create a storyboard and their pricing, as well as some storyboard examples to inspire your next big idea.

What is the purpose of adding dialogue or captions to a storyboard?

It is simpler for everyone involved to understand and execute the scene when dialogue or captions are included in a storyboard to help clarify the plot, communicate character conversation and emphasize crucial features.

How do I collaborate with others using a storyboard?

When working on a storyboard with others, team members are introduced to the visual plan and any necessary changes are then made based on their comments. Remote collaboration is facilitated by tools like project management software and cloud-based platforms.

What is the difference between a storyboard and a script?

A script is a written document that precisely details language, events and settings, while a storyboard is a visual blueprint of scenes and sequences with images. They work in tandem to produce a story.

Can I use a storyboard for non-visual projects, like business presentations?

Yes, you can use storyboards for non-visual tasks like corporate presentations. They can present important information, text and data in an organized and interesting fashion in place of images.

What materials do I need to create a storyboard?

You’ll need supplies like paper, pencils, erasers or digital tools like tablets and styluses to make a storyboard. Select a medium based on your skills and the needs of the project. The materials you choose will be heavily influenced by your personal preferences and the particular requirements of your project. While other artists choose the ease and versatility of digital tools, some prefer the tactile sense of conventional materials. 

How do I storyboard if I can’t draw?

If you can’t draw, you can portray scenes in your storyboard using photos, stock photos or pre-designed graphic assets. Instead of making detailed drawings, concentrate on the composition and ideas being conveyed.

How do I determine the appropriate aspect ratio for my storyboard frames?

The medium in which your project will be displayed as well as your desired level of creativity will both influence the optimal aspect ratio for your storyboard frames. Depending on the final output format, such as widescreen (16:9) for videos or standard (4:3) for older TV formats, the appropriate aspect ratio for your storyboard frames will vary.

Are there any techniques for creating visually appealing compositions in a storyboard?

Consideration of framing, camera angles, lighting and visual hierarchy are techniques for aesthetically pleasing compositions in a storyboard to generate captivating and understandable graphics.

How does a script fit into a storyboard?

A storyboard transforms language, action and narrative information from a script into a graphic representation of how scenes will be shot and arranged in the finished production. Together, the two coordinate the entire creative process.

Storyboarding doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Venngage makes the process of creating a video, presentation or other visual storytelling project simpler from conception to execution. With Venngage’s user-friendly platform and ready-to-use templates, you can start telling engaging tales and bringing your ideas to life in just 7 simple steps.

• Log in or register with Venngage: Log into your Venngage account or create a new one if you haven’t already. After doing this, you’ll have access to the platform’s features and templates.
• Select a template, then edit it: Look through Venngage’s collection of storyboard templates and choose one that suits your project. Once you’ve done that, you can start customizing the template you’ve chosen to meet your specific project. To reflect your visual style and narrative voice, customize the headings, sections, color scheme, font and layout.
• Add frames or panels : Each section of your storyboard template should have frames or panels where you can depict different scenes or images from your story. These frames are the visual representation of your story.
• Insert images: Images or sketches should be inserted into each frame or panel to reflect the visual elements of each scene. Use Venngage’s image upload feature to add your images or create drawings directly on the website.
• Organize and put in order: Put the panels or frames in the sequence that best fits the chronological progression of your story. Your story is more likely to be coherent and cohesive as a result of this.
• Review and finalize: Before putting the finishing touches on your storyboard, review it for accuracy, completeness and clarity. Ensure that your story is effectively conveyed. Save your project when you’re done, then share it with your group or other collaborators.
• Share : Venngage lets you export your storyboard in a variety of media formats, including PDFs and pictures. You may also make a link that people can share to give you feedback.

All in all, mastering the art of storyboarding is a valuable skill that can significantly elevate your ability to bring ideas to life in various creative fields, from film and animation to advertising and design. 

Remember that practice makes perfect, and as you continue to refine your storyboarding skills, you’ll find that your projects become more organized, visually compelling and effective in conveying your creative vision. 

So, grab your pens, digital tablets or whatever tools suit your style and start storyboarding your next masterpiece today. Happy storytelling!

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What Is a Storyboard? Your Ultimate Storyboarding Guide

Perhaps you’ve heard the term “storyboard” before from a character in a glamorous (and incredibly unrealistic) movie portrayal of an advertising agency.

Or, maybe it brings to mind a flurry of sketches tacked to a wall surrounded by creative types squinting at them with lowered brows, fingers stroking visible—and invisible—beards as they analyze the work in front of them.

The word “storyboard” could even mean absolutely nothing to you at all; you may have arrived at this article because you’re curious to learn more. 

Whatever your particular knowledge of the term, by the time you finish this article, you’ll have a much better understanding of what a storyboard is, why you might need one, when to use it, and a whole host of additional relevant information. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What is a storyboard?
• When and why do you need a storyboard?
• What elements make up a storyboard?
• What are the different types of storyboards?
• How to make a storyboard
• Wrap-up and next steps

So: what’s a storyboard? Let’s get started!

1. What is a storyboard?

Let’s begin with the basics. A storyboard is a graphic portrayal of a narrative, concept, or script, divided into sequential scenes (panels). They are generally used to map out how a script or story will look once it is animated or acted out, but people utilize them for a variety of situations. 

Think of the classic parable, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” If you were to create a storyboard for this tale, perhaps the first panel would show Goldilocks looking a little worse for wear in front of the bears’ house.

The next few scenes would portray her eating different porridges with a sour look on her face, followed by a drawing with her eating yet another bowl of porridge, this time with a smile. The images break down the story into bite-sized scenes and help people visualize how it will come to life.

“Storyboarding” is simply the act of creating a storyboard. For the best results, you’ll need to strike a balance between providing enough visual information to be able to tell the story so others can understand it and making it overly detailed.

Some storyboards can be very rough and simple; other times, they can be very elaborate. It depends on the situation, how much time you have, and what stakeholders (your team, clients, etc.) are looking to use them for (more on that later). 

2. When and why do you need a storyboard?

Stories are an excellent way to communicate information. They make it easier for people to understand complex concepts and tend to be more interesting than informative text.

And, since graphics are more straightforward than the written word, a storyboard can break down even more communication barriers. Given their versatility, it makes sense that people use them in a variety of situations.    

Who uses storyboards? 

People typically use storyboards to map out scenes that comprise a movie or an animation. As a visual medium that’s ideal for storytelling , video is incredibly popular for marketing and sales collateral, product use instructions, and even pitching internal strategies.

Marketers use videos to explain complicated value propositions, map out customer journeys, and entertain potential customers to boost brand awareness. 

Storyboarding helps ensure the message is on point and achieves the intended goal, and that the scenes all work together fluidly before moving onto any actual film production—which can save quite a lot of money in the long term!

While storyboard use is rife across virtually all industries, the movie industry heavily relies on them, especially for animated films. Filmmakers use them to pitch to studio bosses, tweak storylines, and map out scenery, among other things.

Storyboards are also excellent teaching vehicles for educators, especially when young children are the target audience. They can be low-budget (poster board, anyone?) and easy to create without a lot of resources.

Even better, they can illustrate concepts that youngsters may have trouble remembering without a visual aid, like how to wash their hands properly or how to react in case of a fire or other emergency. 

What are the advantages of using a storyboard?

A storyboard can help get everyone on the same page quickly. Humans process images a stunning 60,000 times faster than text , which means that no matter how brief you make your pitch or presentation, it will ultimately take longer for people to understand it because there are words involved. 

In addition to communicating ideas faster, a storyboard is also a great way to hone an idea without going too deep into further production. A script or a concept can sound amazing in principle, but you may create a storyboard and realize it just doesn’t translate well into visual scenes.  

A storyboard is an especially important part of the animation design process. Just like for any video, it provides a visual map that communicates the script or narrative, but it can also include critical requirements that will give clients an idea of cost and time to produce.

Establishing these parameters before moving forward into the drawing phase will lead to a much smoother process down the line, trust us! 

Finally, storyboards are also helpful to video editors, as they’ll be able to use them as points of reference to ensure the final cut adheres to the original vision.

So now you know why storyboards are so important and who uses them. Now onto how to create them!

3. What elements make up a storyboard?

A basic storyboard’s components are very straightforward.

In their basest form, all you’ll need to start is a concept, script, or story—this forms the basis for what you are trying to communicate through the visualization. However, the most comprehensive storyboards will include several of the following components:

• Dialogue or voiceover narration for each panel
• Time frame for each scene, which are especially critical for animation and film because they set the stage for budget, the feel of the final product, and the resources necessary to bring it to life
• Camera details, like the type of shot, camera location, and how to transition from scene to scene 
• Aspect ratio

Let’s move onto the types of storyboards you can create. 

4. What are the different types of storyboards?

Storyboards have evolved over time. What started as a way for Walt Disney Studios to explain the production process to animators in the 1930s is now a ubiquitous part of the film process and quite helpful in a multitude of situations.

Part of that evolution has included branching out beyond the traditional pencil-on-paper version to digital. So, what are the different types of storyboards you can create today?

Traditional storyboards

A traditional storyboard is probably what most people envision when they hear the term. The designer will typically use pencil to create conceptual sketches that form the basis of a movie or animation.

The panels are detailed enough for the production team and client to comprehend the narrative but are intentionally rudimentary, so if changes need to be made, the designer can complete them quickly and efficiently.   

Thumbnail storyboards

Thumbnail storyboards are used to hash out details of a scene in a movie. Though tiny and loosely drawn, they are more granular and detailed than a traditional storyboard because they include the type of shot you want for each part of the scene and how to position the camera. 

The actual drawings in a thumbnail storyboard don’t have to be anything more than stick figures! You can draw several versions of a thumbnail storyboard and choose the best one to add to your full storyboard. 

Digital storyboards

Many agencies and animation studios rely on digital storyboards to show what the final cut of an animation will look like. They design characters and scenery on computers, so by sharing a digital storyboard with a client, they achieve two goals with one output.

The client can see the character style and review the scenes, shots, and narration, all in one fell swoop. Pretty handy, right?

For inspiration, you can also take a further look at each of these four types in our guide to the best UI storyboard examples .

5. How to make a storyboard

For your first storyboard, start simply. You’ll need to start by creating a script (or at least have a concept you can elaborate on with relative ease). 

Once you have a script or some general notes on a narrative, you can start fleshing out ideas for portraying it visually in different scenes. A two-column chart can be helpful for this step. In one column you’ll include the script; in the other, you can start jotting down rough sketches of what it could look like.

When you’re satisfied with your chart, you can begin creating the storyboard, opting for either the traditional or digital version. If you want to get more detailed, first do your thumbnail storyboard and integrate it into your final product. Let the drawing begin!

For a more in-depth tutorial, check out this complete step-by-step guide on how to create a storyboard . 

6. Key takeaways and next steps

So there you have it! Now you know what a storyboard is, how to use a storyboard in a variety of situations, why they are so helpful, the different types, and even how to create your own.

If you’d like to learn more about animation but are completely new to the world of design, it’s worth easing in with a free introductory UI design course . At the same time, you can delve deeper into the fascinating topic of animation design with these articles:

• What is UI animation? A guide for beginners
• What does an animation designer actually do?
• 9 Awesome UI animation tutorials for beginners

Visualize scenes for your film with a storyboard in Milanote

Follow this simple step-by-step guide to learn the modern process of storyboarding in Milanote, a free tool used by top creatives.

How to create a film storyboard in 6 easy steps

Storyboards are a powerful way to visually organize the composition, action and look of a film before you start filming. As director, producer and screenwriter Martin Scorsese said, “The storyboard is the way to visualize the entire movie in advance.”

Traditionally, a storyboard would be sketched on paper, but with a modern digital tool, you can use photography , animation , notes to highlight key characters and scenes and easily go back and make edits. Many people devote their entire careers to storyboarding and they are one of the key tools used by directors, producers, and many other film crew members to communicate and bring a film to life.

Whether you’re creating a storyboard for a documentary, animation or feature film, this guide will take you through every step to refine your process and create a modern storyboard.

1. Identify key scenes in the script

When creating a storyboard, it’s crucial to know what story you’re telling. The best starting point is to break up the script or narrative you’ll be working from.

Mark up the key parts of the story by highlighting major beats such as actions, locations, wardrobe, staging, narrative arches, and major plot points. This will help you form the frames for the storyboard and figure out how you’ll move from one scene to the next.

Create a new board for your storyboard.

Create a new board

Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.

Add a note and paste a scene from your script.

Drag a note card onto your board

Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left hand toolbar.

Highlight the key scenes with the text highlighter.

2. Map out the key scenes

Next, map out the scenes you identified in the script. Give each one a number and a relevant title so it's easy to link them back to the broader story in the script.

Add a column for each frame.

Drag a column onto your board

Name it, then drag any relevant notes or images into your column

3. Add images or sketches

Now it’s time to begin visualizing each scene. This part of the process has been referred to as “idea landscaping”—a place to brainstorm the visual features of each beat within the landscape of a story.

Some storyboard artists might begin sketching with a pen and paper first, but with modern storyboards you can collect reference photography, illustrations, screenshots, location shoots, and even motion from anywhere.

Upload images for each frame.

Upload a file or document  

Click the "Upload file" button or just drag a file onto your board. You can add images, logos, documents, videos, audio and much more.

Websites like Shotdeck and Filmgrab are great places to gather reference images if you're not confident sketching.

4. Describe what happens in each frame

While each frame is a static image, try to communicate how it will look and feel as a moving sequence. Describes the style, mood, and behavior of characters. As you write out the details of each scene, consider some of the following:

• Composition and Framing: Decide how characters and objects will be framed within each shot. Use the rule of thirds and other compositional techniques to create visually appealing and balanced frames.
• Transitions: Plan how each shot transitions to the next. Smooth transitions create a cohesive flow, while abrupt changes can be used for dramatic effect.
• Character Blocking: Determine character positions and movements within each shot. Show how they interact with each other and the environment.
• Emotion and Expression: Define a character's facial expressions and body language to capture their emotions and reactions.
• Annotations: Use additional notes or captions for things that can't be easily conveyed in the visuals.
• Dynamic Action: For action scenes, break down fast-paced movements into a sequence of panels to ensure clarity.

Add a note to describe each frame.

Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left-hand toolbar.

5. Share it with your team

When you're ready, invite your team to review your storyboard and share their feedback. This is the perfect moment to see how others interpret your vision for the story. It's also a great opportunity to make any final tweaks while in pre-production. Adjust the order of your frames or edit the content based on everyone's feedback.

Share the storyboard with your team.

Invite editors to your board

Open the "Editors" menu from the title bar of your board. Add email addresses of the people you'd like to collaborate with—they'll receive an invitation via email.

Start a comment thread.

Start a comment thread

Drag out a comment from the toolbar on the left and place it on your board. Other editors can reply to your comment.

Mention teammates to get their attention.

Mention teammates to get their attention

Type '@' in any text field to mention someone who has access to your board. They'll receive a notification and be able to respond to your comment.

6. Finally, reference it on the day

Traditionally, you'd print out your storyboards to refer to on the day, but online storyboards can be accessed on phones or laptops. This way, you can reference it with ease as you prepare for each scene.

Download the  Milanote mobile app .

You're done!

Now that your storyboard is complete, you have a clear vision for your film! Remember, just as creativity and inspiration are constantly evolving, so are ideas. Come back and edit your storyboard when inspiration strikes. Use the template below to create a new storyboard in minutes or check out our full guide on  how to plan a film .

Start your storyboard

Get started for free with Milanote's easy to use storyboard template.

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A Guide to Creating an eLearning Storyboard (+ Free Templates)

Every project, big or small, requires planning. So, whether you are talking about filmmaking, engineering design, or medical research, you need to have a framework in place. This clear structure or roadmap tells you how you want to proceed toward your project goals.

It is no different with eLearning courses . Online course creators should use a standard layout or eLearning storyboard in the pre-production stage, which serves as a guide to building the best online courses.

In this blog post, I’ll be presenting the key elements and the industry-best practices for creating a storyboard for eLearning. Plus, you’ll find an example and some free templates.

What Is an eLearning Storyboard?

Taking an online course is like watching a movie. Media, flash content, graphics, text, images, and videos are dispersed throughout the course. Each scene connects to the other to tell a compelling story.

A storyboard enables instructional designers, subject-matter experts, graphic designers, clients, and all stakeholders to view the content, media, and interactions before the actual development.

It is a visual document that outlines every element of an eLearning course, much like a blueprint for a building or a script for a movie. It contains the detailed structure and flow of a course, including text, images, interactive elements, audio and video scripts, animations, and quizzes .

In other words, a storyboard is a training template , model, or wireframe that describes every screen in a course, including what the learners will see, do, and hear.

Storyboarding is an idea landscape that fosters creativity, improves communication, and finds practical solutions.

This framework enables you to change, edit, or update and approve the plan before the course takes its final shape. It also ensures accelerated eLearning development.

Key Elements of an Effective eLearning Storyboard

A storyboard for eLearning is made up of several key components. They are:

• Course Title & Description: Provides an overview of the course’s objectives and content.
• Screen Text: The text that will appear on each slide or screen.
• Visual Elements: Descriptions or actual images of the graphics, charts, or any visual aids that will be used.
• Narration or Audio Script: The script for any voice-over narration, including instructions or explanations that will accompany the visuals.
• Interactivity Descriptions: Detailed explanations of how interactive elements will work, such as quizzes, drag-and-drop activities, or clickable hotspots.
• Navigation Instructions: How learners will navigate through the course, including the functionality of buttons like “next,” “back,” or any branching scenarios.
• Feedback for Assessments: Specific feedback provided for correct or incorrect answers in quizzes or activities.
• Technical Specifications: Any technical requirements or specifications needed to ensure the course runs smoothly on various platforms and devices.

These elements help you visualize the course structure and communicate it to your team members more effectively. This will ensure alignment with learning objectives and facilitate revisions before the actual production begins. The process ultimately leads to a more organized and coherent eLearning course.

eLearning Storyboard Example

Creating a detailed eLearning storyboard involves outlining various elements that will go into an online course. Here’s one of the simplest storyboard examples of what it might look like for a single slide or screen in a course on “Basic First Aid Techniques.”

This example includes common components found in eLearning storyboards, such as the screen number, text content, audio script, visual elements, and interactions.

Course Title: Basic First Aid Techniques

Screen Number: 3

Screen Title: How to Perform CPR

Objective: Teach learners the basic steps of performing CPR on adults.

Text Content on Screen:

• Step 1: Check for responsiveness.
• Step 2: Call for emergency services.
• Step 3: Open the airway.
• Step 4: Check for breathing.
• Step 5: Perform chest compressions and rescue breaths.

Audio Script:

“Welcome to the CPR section. If you encounter someone who is unconscious, it is crucial to act quickly. First, check if the person responds when you tap their shoulder and shout, ‘Are you okay?’ If there is no response, immediately call for emergency services. Next, you will need to open the person’s airway by tilting their head back slightly. Then, check for breathing. If the person isn’t breathing or only gasping, start CPR. Place the heel of your hand on the center of the chest, put your other hand on top, and press down hard and fast, about 2 inches deep. After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths and continue the cycle. Let’s go through each step in detail.”

Visual Elements:

• An illustrative diagram showing the hand placement for chest compressions.
• Icons or buttons to play short video clips demonstrating each step (optional).
• Infographic summarizing the CPR steps.

Interactivity Descriptions:

• Interactive buttons to navigate through the CPR steps individually.
• A short quiz at the end of the section to assess understanding of the CPR process.
• A “Show Me How” button that plays a video demonstration of performing CPR.

Navigation Instructions:

• “Next” button to proceed to the next section on treating minor injuries.
• “Back” button to review the previous content on assessing an emergency situation.

Feedback for Assessments:

• Correct answers in the quiz lead to a message: “Great job! You’ve grasped the CPR steps.”
• Incorrect answers provide specific feedback: “Remember, chest compressions should be deep and fast. Try reviewing the steps again.”

Technical Specifications:

• Ensure videos are optimized for web and mobile platforms.
• Interactive elements should be accessible and keyboard navigable.

This example gives you a basic idea of how an eLearning storyboard organizes the content and interactive elements of a course. It serves as a guide for the development team to design and assemble the eLearning course.

Remember, the level of detail in a storyboard can vary depending on the complexity of the course and the preferences of the development team.

How to Create a Storyboard for eLearning

In developing eLearning courses, many instructional designers and course developers rely on what is called the ADDIE Model . This model provides a step-by-step process for planning and creating online training courses . It consists of five components:

1. Analysis

Before you start creating a storyboard for your eLearning course, you should do a thorough training needs analysis . This will enable you to determine the objectives for your eLearning course, the areas you need to focus on, and the type of learners who need to attend the training .

So, before anything else, find out your target audience, their skill level, and their learning needs. This will guide how you develop your eLearning course storyboard.

This is the phase where real course development begins. Based on your analysis of the training needs in the previous step, you now start to give some preliminary structure to your eLearning course.

This is when you come up with a logical blueprint or prototype of the course. The selection of the type of content and media for each course module is one aspect of this step. Here you are systematically deploying the learning materials available to you.

Many online course builder software tools offer this functionality and allow users to gather different design elements for development. From your logo to fonts, color schemes, and branding, everything occurs during this time.

3. Development

After the design document is created, it is time to develop the storyboard for the course. At this stage, you put together the different course elements you created during the design phase.

With the core of your online course already decided, all you need to do now is just add all the necessary details and present the course in a polished manner.

An effective storyboard contains project and slide information, audio instructions, graphics, video instructions, on-screen texts, navigation instructions, and interactivity instructions.

During the iterative development phase, make sure to utilize a grammar checker to ensure proper spelling, grammar, and syntax. Additionally, assess the clarity, accuracy, navigation, utility, flow, and engagement of the course. And of course, flow and engagement level as well.

Don’t let avoidable oversight in course design spoil the learner experience later on.

4. Implementation

Once the design and testing of the course are over and you’re satisfied with them, it is time to put it to work. You may now share the course with your trainers/facilitators and learners.

But just before that, it is considered a good practice to put both trainers and learners to quick familiarization training. During this time, they will learn some of the key things such as:

• user registration
• course curriculum
• delivery method
• assessment process
• technology to be used

You can share the course in several ways – via emails, as an embedded link on your website, or on social media. Still, the best way is to upload it to a learning management system (LMS ). This is because most LMS platforms come with virtual classroom software , and you can easily manage learning in a centralized and secure way.

Just to make sure, implement your eLearning course initially on a trial basis. Just like in a test screening of movies, let a selected group of people preview it before you finally unveil it to the entire team. This will enable you to gauge their reaction.

5. Evaluation

Implementation of a course is not the end of the story; there’s a follow-up to it.

Every online training program should be practical and sustainable. Evaluation of your course post-implementation is the only way to know its real merit or worth.

For this, you can leverage online survey tools to gather feedback from course participants. You can add survey forms to the course itself. This way, you get to know how the course performed, what you missed, and what you did well. Depending on the feedback, you can improve your course for better learning outcomes.

These five stages of storyboarding provide a roadmap for the entire training development process. For the purposes of this article, we will focus mostly on the development stage where storyboarding becomes most relevant.

Source: CommLab India

Here are a few other things to consider while developing impactful storyboards:

• Make sure your storyboard is geared toward your subject-matter experts and clients and that it reflects the eLearning objectives agreed on in the initial design stage.
• The storyboard should make the eLearning come alive when the client reads through it and should reflect key concerns and questions that the client voiced in the design and development phases.
• Make sure you are familiar with the eLearning delivery platform . Carefully analyze your delivery platform before developing your storyboard because you need to know the limitations of your platform before including large files or complex interactions.
• Place information in the appropriate places on the slides so that learners don’t get bored or overloaded. Include audio and visual transitions for effective information flow.

Essential Tools for Formulating an eLearning Storyboard

Creating an eLearning storyboard requires a combination of tools that cater to various aspects of the design process, from ideation to detailed planning.

Here are some essential tools that can help you draw up an effective eLearning storyboard:

1. Storyboarding Software:

• Articulate Storyline and Adobe Captivate are popular choices for creating interactive eLearning content. They offer templates and tools for detailed storyboarding, including character interactions, quizzes, and simulations.
• Vyond or Plotagon for creating animated storyboards that can add a dynamic element to your eLearning courses.

2. Graphic Design & Image Editing Tools:

• Canva and Adobe Spark are user-friendly for creating visuals, including diagrams, charts, and other graphics that can be incorporated into your storyboard.
• Adobe Photoshop or GIMP are more advanced options for custom image editing and creating high-quality visuals.

3. Collaboration & Project Management Tools:

• Trello, Asana, or Monday.com can be used for organizing storyboard components, tracking progress, and collaborating with team members.
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) offer cloud-based collaboration that’s essential for sharing and editing storyboards in real-time with team members.

4. Script Writing & Text Editing Tools:

• Final Draft and Celtx are industry-standard script writing tools that can help in drafting audio scripts and dialogue for your eLearning course.
• Grammarly or Hemingway App for editing and proofreading text content to ensure clarity and readability.

5. Mind Mapping & Flowchart Tools:

• MindMeister and Lucidchart are excellent for brainstorming ideas, planning content flow, and visually organizing the structure of your eLearning course before detailing it in a storyboard.

6. Audio & Video Editing Software:

• Camtasia and Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing and incorporating video content into your storyboard.
• Audacity or Adobe Audition for recording and editing audio scripts and voiceovers.

7. Prototyping and Wireframing Tools:

• Sketch and Adobe XD offer capabilities for designing interactive prototypes, which can be useful for planning interactive elements and navigation of the eLearning course.

Using a combination of these tools will enable you to create comprehensive and detailed eLearning storyboards. The choice of tools depends on the specific needs of your project, your budget, and your team’s proficiency with the software.

The effectiveness of a storyboard lies in its ability to convey information and emotion, regardless of how detailed or rough the drawings are.

6 Best Free eLearning Storyboard Templates

There are several free storyboard templates available online that cater to different needs, from simple static content storyboards to more complex interactive eLearning scenarios.

Here are some platforms and resources where you can find these templates:

1. Storyboard That

As a freemium tool, Storyboard That offers access to its storyboard creator for free. It’s particularly useful for creating storyboards that are more visually driven, and it’s suitable for educators and students.

2. eLearning Brothers

eLearning Brothers offers free storyboard templates that are specifically designed for eLearning projects. Their templates can be a great starting point for instructional designers looking to outline courses and training materials.

3. Microsoft Office Templates

Microsoft Word and PowerPoint offer basic storyboard templates that can be easily adapted for eLearning projects. These templates are straightforward and can be a good choice for those who prefer working within the Microsoft Office ecosystem.

4. Google Docs and Slides

Similar to Microsoft Office, Google Docs and Slides offer free templates that can be used as a starting point for creating your own eLearning storyboards. The collaborative nature of Google Docs and Slides also makes it easier for teams to work together on the storyboard.

Boords offers a free version with limited features, which is suitable for individuals or small projects. It is an online storyboard creator that provides templates and tools for creating and sharing professional storyboards.

6. Template.net

Template.net provides a wide range of free downloadable storyboard templates in various formats like PDF, Word, and PowerPoint. These templates cater to different industries, including film, video, animation, and eLearning.

When choosing a storyboard template, consider the specific needs of your eLearning project, such as the level of detail required, the complexity of interactions, and whether you need to include specific elements like quizzes or interactive scenarios .

Additionally, ensure the template you select aligns with your workflow and the tools you’re comfortable using.

Take the Next Steps in eLearning Storyboards

You now know what an eLearning storyboard looks like, the key elements that go into designing them, and how to create one. You’ve also explored some of the top-rated tools for seamless eLearning storyboarding, along with the templates and an example.

Putting this all together, the road ahead is to bring your storyboard vision to life.

Use a superior eLearning authoring tool to visualize, write scripts, and collaborate with stakeholders. These robust platforms can also help with rapid prototyping, feedback, and revision.

Remember, if you want to develop successful eLearning courses, you need to do some groundwork first, one of which is storyboarding. Follow the best practices discussed above and you can never go wrong.

About the author

Michael Laithangbam

Michael Laithangbam is a senior writer & editor at ProProfs with over 12 years of experience in enterprise software and eLearning. His expertise encompasses online training, web-based learning, quizzes & assessments, webinars, course development, LMS, and more. Michael's work has been featured in industry-leading publications such as G2, Software Advice, Capterra, and eLearning Industry. Connect with him on LinkedIn .

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Teacher Resources

Lesson Plans and Activities

These creative lesson plans for teachers contain completed student examples and storyboard templates that you can copy and tailor to your students.

Teacher Templates

Copy these storyboards to your account and edit however you choose. These storyboards can be later added to assignments.

Informational Articles

Looking for even more fun ideas and resources? These articles will help inspire you!

Our team of former teachers created teaching resources to save you time in your planning process! Students will be thoroughly engaged and excited to create plot diagrams, timelines, posters, and more. Our storyboard lessons, storyboard resources, and lesson plans ideas will sure to save time and make students love learning!

These creative lesson plans for teachers and storyboard exercises for students contain completed student examples and blank storyboard templates that you can tailor to your students. They are aligned with the Common Core Standards, and offer a wide selection of art, tools, games, technology, and other teacher resources for learners of every grade level. Copy activities and use with your class, or use these storyboard ideas as inspiration.

Template Collections

Storyboard That has an extensive library of templates that are customizable and adaptable to save you time and help you build your teaching learning activities! Our huge collection of printable worksheets and posters are just what you need to enhance the engagement of children of all grade levels. Our templates focus on specific subjects such as literacy, math, technology, science, and social studies, and are the perfect materials to add to your curriculum. Templates can be customized in the Storyboard Creator to be whatever you need. Choose a worksheet, poster, or video storyboard template to start creating!

Featured Resources

Our team of educators have created hundreds of lesson plans, activities, worksheets, and posters for all subjects and topics, from plot structure to addition worksheets, so that you, the extremely busy teachers, don’t have to recreate the wheel! We have storyboard lesson plans for high school, middle school, and elementary school. All of our lesson plans and activities include a completed example, a blank template, basic directions, and a rubric. Everything can be edited to fit the needs of your students and your objectives. Storyboard teaching makes any lesson plans activity fun and engaging!

• Grades K-5 ELA
• Grades 6-12 ELA
• All Literature
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• Health & Wellness
• Holiday & Seasonal
• Social Emotional Learning

Using these premade resources is easy! Click on the “Copy Activity” button of the activity you want to copy to your teacher dashboard. You can make any edits you choose, assign to specific classes, and view the assignment as the students will view it. You can also “hide” the assignment so students cannot view it yet, making it easy to use the activity at a later date. When it is time for your students to begin, all they have to do is click the “Start Assignment” button from their student dashboard. Don’t wait! Start using our teacher resources and teaching and learning material today!

Educational Articles for Teachers

Looking for even more fun ideas and resources for using Storyboard That in the classroom to enhance student understanding? From appsmashing to worksheet creation, these articles will help inspire you!

Picture Encyclopedia Collection

These free resources are a great way to introduce students to different mythological figures, famous people, genres of literature, innovations, and more! Use our picture encyclopedias to teach during your instruction, or they can serve as a starting point for a biography, research project, or introduction to a lesson. Kids can explore and enhance student understanding, and teachers can gain some new teaching ideas with our huge selection of information, people and innovations to choose from. Click on one of the links below to view the available topics!

Teacher Resources FAQs

How do i use the teacher resources.

Our teacher resources can be used in many ways. Worksheet and poster templates can be copied, customized, and saved then printed or used digitally. Our teacher guide activities can be copied and customized, and assigned to students directly from your teacher dashboard. Last but not least, our educational articles and Picture Encyclopedias can be used to learn about people, current educational practice and topics, and historical events.

How do I copy an activity?

Have you found a premade activity that you would like to use with your students? We are so glad! To copy an activity, simply click any of the “copy activity” buttons. This will bring you to the assignment page, where you can edit and customize anything that you’d like.

For more detailed instructions, check out our educational article on How to Copy Activities.

How do I post assignments for my students?

To assign an activity to students, simply copy the link to your assignment to share it directly however you communicate with them. If you use Google Classroom, you can just click the “Share to Google Classroom” button, and follow the prompts from Google to post.

Check out our Help Center for detailed instructions on how to post assignments .

What will my students see when they click on the assignment link?

When students click on the assignment link, they will be brought directly to their assignment page. They will have access to the rubric, the instructions, the blank template(s), and if enabled, the completed example. Note: teachers can decide whether or not to show the completed example on their assignment page.

In order to see the assignment exactly how your students will see it, you can click on the green tab on the assignment page that says, “view as student”.

How do I create a rubric?

Most of our premade activities come with rubrics that you are free to use and edit, saving you the time and effort of making your own from scratch. However, if you prefer to make your own, you can make rubrics from Quick Rubric for free.

Visit the Help Center for how to create a rubric for an assignment.

How do I view student work?

Real time viewing is here to stay at Storyboard That! To view your students’ work as they are working, simply go into the assignment that you would like to see, and click on the middle tab that says, “View Student Work”. A list of students will appear on the left; simply click on the student’s name to see their work live.

Another way to view all of the work done by a particular student is to go into the “manage students” page from your teacher dashboard. A list of all of your students will appear, along with their username, password, number of storyboards, and more. Click on the student’s name or the number in the storyboards column to see all of that student’s work.

Visit our Help Center for more detailed instructions on how to view student work .

How do I add a template to an assignment?

Once your assignment has been created, you can add as many templates to it as you want, making it easier to differentiate to fit the needs of all of your students. To add a template to an assignment, start in the “Edit Assignment” tab of the desired assignment. Scroll down until you get to the templates section, and click on “Add Template From Your Storyboards” if you have a template already made or copied. You can also create a new template from scratch using one of the many layouts in the storyboard creator.

See our Help Center for more detailed instructions and screenshots on adding a template to an assignment .

More Frequently Asked Questions about Teacher Resources!

How do i differentiate activities.

One very simple way to differentiate your or our premade activities is to add multiple templates to the assignment. You may want to have one template with space for a lot of writing, one with no writing, one that has a cell already completed, one that has writing already done and students just have to add images, etc. You could also include a variety of template layouts for students to choose from, or provide templates with fewer cells to complete. The options are endless!

Check out our educational article on Differentiated Instruction with Storyboard That!

Can students collaborate on an assignment?

They sure can! Real-time collaboration is one of best and newest features. To allow students to work together on the same storyboard, teachers must click on the “allow students to collaborate on this assignment” button on their assignment page.

Check out our Help Center for more detailed instructions on student collaboration . You can also check out our article on Real-Time Collaboration for more information and video tutorials.

How do I create an assignment from scratch?

Our assignment wizard makes creating an assignment as easy as 1, 2, 3! Simply click on the “create my first assignment” or “create another assignment” button from your teacher dashboard. Follow the wizard through the process by clicking the “next” button as you complete each step. If you don’t have a template or example to add to the assignment, you can always go back and add them once you have them in your storyboard library. You are able to edit any part of your assignment at any time.

Check out our video tutorial for more detailed instructions!

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LMS Integration

D2L - Brightspace - Creating Storyboard That Assignments

D2L - Brightspace - Setting Up Storyboard That

Buzz LMS Integration with Storyboard That

How do I use Storyboard That in Schoology?

How to Add Storyboard That as an App in Schoology

What is a "StoryboardThat Playground" Account?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Software Requirements?

How Do I Record Audio?

Error when Using Storyboard That

Where's my save history?

How Do I Unsubscribe From Emails?

How Do I Delete a Storyboard?

Accessibility Improvements for Chrome

How Do I Change the Name of a Storyboard?

Download / Export

What are the Download Options?

Download a Slide Presentation

Make a Folding Card

Download a High-Resolution Image

Download Cells Separately

Download for Social Media

How Do I Print My Storyboard?

Download a PDF

Sharing Storyboards

Share Storyboard on Social Media

Share a Storyboard as a File

Share a Link to a Storyboard

Share a Printed Storyboard

Make a Storyboard Public

Sharing Storyboards for Classrooms

Can I Publish a Storyboard?

Embed a Storyboard on a Website

How Can I See Other People's Storyboards?

Account Settings

How Do I Delete My Account?

How Do I Change My Language?

How Do I Change My User Name?

How Do I Change My Password?

I Forgot My Password

Multiple Accounts

How Do I Log In?

How do I Update My Email Address?

Can I Log In With Google?

How do I Create an Account?

I Don't Remember My User Name

Get Started!

How to Create a Storyboard

Getting Started Video

Google Single Sign-On (SSO) after 10/23/23

Spell Check

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Can I Make a Book?

How do I access Save or Revision History of a Storyboard?

Storyboard Creator

Storyboard Layouts

Copy Entire Cells

Change Cell Layout

Change Storyboard Layout

Delete Cells

Smart Scenes

Windows in Scenes

How to Copy a Character in the Storyboard Creator

Can I Make My Own Character?

Pose Characters

How do I add items to characters?

How do I put a character in a wheelchair?

Special Keyboard for Accents

Format Text

Add Speech Bubbles

Letter Accent Shortcuts

Edit Images

Change Colors

Flip and Rotate Images

Multi-Select Images

Layer Images

Resize Images

Lock Position

Edit Image Functions

COLORABLE Scalar Vector Graphics

Search Feature

Upload a Vector Image

Upload Your Own Images

Settings and Support

How do I filter age appropriate images in search?

Touch Interface Changes

Storyboard Creator Options

Embedding Content - YouTube Videos

Embedding Content - Google Maps

Embedding Content - Google Workspace

Embedding Content

Record Audio in the Storyboard Creator!

Save a Storyboard

Edit a Storyboard

How do I combine storyboards?

How do I Split a Storyboard?

Subscription / Billing

Subscription Types

Account Types: Education Edition

What Account Type Do I Choose?

What's Available in the Free Version?

Account Types: Business Edition

Account Types: Individual Edition

Payment Options

Do You Accept Purchase Orders?

Frequency of Payments

Do I Have to Purchase for a Year?

Purchase Order Information

Print Invoices

Forms of Payment

Change Subscription

How Do I Update My Credit Card?

Starting / Stopping Your Subscription

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Cancel Subscription

If I forget to cancel my subscription, will you refund the last charge?

I Already Canceled, Why am I Being Charged?

I purchased a subscripton but am still being prompted to pay

View My Billing History

Education Edition

Where can I find your privacy policies?

Student Data

Storyboard Security Settings

Delete Student Data

Free Trial for Teachers

How Many Students Can I Have?

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What Happens When My Free Trial Ends? (Education)

Can I Restart My Teacher Trial?

I am Not a Teacher

How do I Remove My Trial?

Teacher Dashboard

What Automatic Rostering Options Are There?

How do I Make a Worksheet?

Account Associated with Multiple Schools

Co-Teachers

What is the Teacher Dashboard?

How Do I Reset My Account?

Students & Classes

Add Storyboard That App to Canvas

Set Up Students with Canvas

How Do I Roster With Google?

How do I roster with Clever Library?

How do I roster with ClassLink?

How do I add a class?

How do I Print Login Cards?

How do I View Student Work?

How do I send you a Canvas API key for rostering?

How do I Add Students to My Account?

Do Students Need Their Own Accounts?

Can more than one student work on the same storyboard at once?

Delete Student Accounts

View and Manage Student Accounts

How Do I Join a Class?

How can students share or present storyboards?

Where is My Class Password?

View and Manage Classes

My students can't save!

How Do I Delete a Class?

How do I add students to or remove students from a class?

How Do I Change Classes?

How Do Students Update Their Display Name?

What Are Classes?

My Student has a Free Account. How can I change them to a student?

How do I Update a Class Name or Password?

Assignments

How to Grade Storyboards in Google Classroom

Example Assignments

How do I share an assignment with other teachers?

How Do I Share the Link to My Assignment with My Students?

Delete Assignment

Add a Template to an Assignment

How Do Students Submit Assignments?

What is a Template?

Copy a Pre-Made Assignment

What are assignments, how can i grade or leave feedback on an assignment.

How Do Students Get Assignments?

How to Share an Assignment to Google Classroom

Add Rubric to Assignment

Download All Storyboards in an Assignment

Show and Hide Assignments

My Student Can't See My Assignment

How can I add a student example to my assignment?

Print All Storyboards in an Assignment

How do I change the assignment for a storyboard?

Admin Dashboard

Admin: Set Up Account

Admin: Add Teachers

How do I add a teacher who already has an account?

What is a Co-Teacher?

How do I change the role of a user?

Admin: Delete Teachers

Inviting Teachers Who Have an Account

How do I use Storyboard That in Canvas?

My Students Signed Up for a Free Account

My School has an Account

Business Edition

Users & Folders

Manage Users

Folders (Business)

Templates (Business)

Free Trial for Business

How many users can I have?

What happens when the free trial ends? (Business)

Business Edition Pricing

Individual Edition

Free Account

Can Other People See My Storyboards?

I'm a Student. Can I use the Free Account?

Premium Account

Premium vs. Free Account

Premium Individual Account

Table of Contents

Instructions - required, template - optional, example - optional, rubric - optional, student view of assignment, check out these helpful tutorials:.

• ​Education Edition
• ​Assignments

If you haven't been using assignments, you have been missing out on an awesome feature!

Assignments can be lessons, projects, or activities that teachers give to students on Storyboard That. All student work for that assignments is kept together like a folder for easy organization!

Parts of Assignments

Let your students know what you want them to do! Suggested information includes objectives, requirements, and due date, but you can include any information in this text box . 

Select a storyboard for students to start from. You can add more than one template to give students options or for differentiation.

Select a storyboard to show as a finished example for students to see.

Or, keep a finished storyboard for yourself as an answer key. You get to decide whether or not to allow students to see the example.

Add a  Quick Rubric  URL to show criteria for grading/expectations.

This is what the Student Dashboard looks like! Students will click the "Start Assignment" button to open the Storyboard Creator and start working!

Video about how to Create an Assignment

Video about how to Copy an Assignment

Video about how to Differentiate an Assignment

If you have any questions, send an email to [email protected] ! 

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