Best Online Tools for Creating Storyboards: Enhancing Visual Storytelling

Storytelling has always been a powerful means of communication. Today, with the advent of digital tools, creating storyboards has become more accessible and efficient than ever. Here's an overview of some of the best online tools for creating storyboards, each with its unique features and strengths, to help you streamline your visual storytelling process.

Popular Online Tools for Storyboard Creation

Storyboard That

Features: This user-friendly platform supports a drag-and-drop interface, offering a wide range of scenes, characters, and props. Ideal for educators and students to visualize their stories and narratives.

Pros: User-friendly, extensive visual library, suitable for visual storytelling.

Canva

Features: Primarily a graphic design tool, Canva also provides storyboard templates. It’s easy to customize, making it visually appealing yet functional for storyboarding.

Pros: Visually pleasing designs, easy customization, wide range of templates.

Boords

Features: Specifically designed for storyboard creation, Boords includes animatics, collaboration options, and export formats. Perfect for filmmakers and animators looking for comprehensive tools.

Pros: Comprehensive tools, ideal for animation and filmmaking, flexible collaboration options.

Trello

Features: Although not a traditional storyboard tool, Trello uses cards to represent scenes, offering a flexible way to organize ideas and collaborate with teams.

Pros: Flexible organization, collaborative, easy to use for team projects.

Milanote

Features: This visual workspace allows for flexible storyboarding and brainstorming, integrating images, notes, and links to create a visual story flow.

Pros: Easy to use, flexible visual workspace, great for collaboration and brainstorming.

ShotPro

Features: Tailored for filmmakers, ShotPro offers 3D models to visualize scenes and camera angles, making it ideal for detailed shot planning.

Pros: Intuitive interface, 3D visualization capabilities, suitable for filmmakers.

Plot

Features: A simple tool for creating storyboards and outlines, Plot focuses on narrative structure with a clean interface.

Pros: Clean and intuitive, focuses on narrative structure, easy to use.

Storyboarder

Features: Free, open-source software for sketching, editing, and exporting storyboards. Integrates well with other software like Photoshop, allowing for more detailed work.

Pros: Free and open-source, integrates with other software, good for detailed work.

New Thinking Tool: xTiles

Introducing xTiles, a revolutionary tool that combines the best features of Miro and Notion. xTiles is particularly well-suited for storyboarding, offering a straightforward way to capture and develop ideas. Its intuitive design allows for easy creation and organization of story elements, making it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced storytellers.

Features: Easy to capture and develop ideas step-by-step Flexible canvas for drag-and-drop of images, text, and links Creation of tabs and subpages for organization and flexibility

Pros: Simple and intuitive user interface Flexibility in organizing and developing ideas Seamless integration of multimedia elements

Conclusion: Whether you're an educator, a graphic designer, a filmmaker, or just starting your visual storytelling journey, these online tools provide diverse options to choose from. Select the one that best fits your needs, whether you prioritize ease of use, collaboration, or detailed visual elements. Happy storyboarding!