Storyboarding is an essential part of video production if you want to get your work done right. It helps you pre-visualize your video so that you know exactly which shots come after what.
There are a number of tools out there to help you with your storyboard, but the plethora of choices has also made it difficult to narrow down the best options. Many video production services use these storyboard tools below to get the best results.
· Storyboarder
The best part about Storyboarder is that it is very user-friendly without compromising on the essential features you will need, and the second-best part about this software is that it is available for free! So, if you are working on a budget, then Storyboarder is the perfect choice for you.
With its clean and simple interface, the software gives you access to all the necessary features, making it very easy to use. You can even add dialogues, enter shot type and timing information.
Another great thing is that Storyboarder can sync with Photoshop, where you can edit your board, and the changes will automatically be updated in Storyboard.
· Studiobinder
This online storyboard software is widely used by many video services. It is highly intuitive and robust, which makes it the top choice for many creatives. It gives you the freedom to customize every aspect of your visualization including your layouts, aspect ratios and shot list details. You can also upload images, add notes, adjust your scene order, color code shots, and more.
The presentation mode turns your story boards into a fullscreen slideshow, which makes it easy for you to sow your work to others. Besides, there are project management features to make collaboration easier.
· Plot
Plot is great for those who want a web-based storyboarding tool with just the right amount of features. It costs just $10 per month, and you have unlimited projects, unlimited boards, as well as unlimited add-on users.
One of the best things about Plot is how user-friendly it is. It allows you to easily change your scenes simply by clicking and dragging them, and you can run this on any OS and you would still have access to your drawing pane. This means that you can draw your frames and directly import them to your project and add stage directions and dialogues too. There are collaboration features as well.
· Toon Boom Storyboard Pro
Toon Boom Storyboard Pro is one of the most expensive storyboarding software, but it is also one of the best. If you are a top video production agency, then this is the software you are likely to use.
With Toon Boom, you can combine sketching and animation easily, and you can also track your script to make sure that your scenes are right on target. It has a Story Flow tool, which allows you to seamlessly switch between board and script, thus making it easier for writer to follow each and every scene and act.
Even for 3D animators, Toon Boom offers you the option to create dynamic camera movements and other 3D experimental features. You can even import your scripts from tool like Final Draft, and export your layered panels to Photoshop.
· Moviestorm
Moviestorm is easy to use, even for beginners, thanks to its simple interface and robustness. Apart from storyboarding, you can use this for other parts of the filmmaking process such as a full pre-visualization. This software is great especially if you are working on video production for corporate presentations, training videos, and company commercials.
The software guides you step-by-step whether you are directing a scene, adding music and sounds, framing your shots, or creating 3D characters, making it ideal for beginners.
· FrameForge Storyboard Studio
This is another storyboarding tool that is used by the top video production services in the industry including Netflix, HBO, and BBC. The great thing about this software is that even though the top names use it, you can still make use of it even if you may not have much experience.
To give you an idea of how meticulous the tool is, the pro version of FrameForge allows you to plan the exact placement of your dollies and cranes so you have the best storyboard possible. You can import scripts from any program too.
