Use these free storyboard templates to save time, focus ideas, and enhance the look of your presentation or pitch.
We designed these simple and professional blank storyboard templates to make your work easier. Below, access your free digital storyboard template (designed in Google Slides) or free printable storyboard template (PDF).
In this article, you'll also find resources and information related to:
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Digital Storyboard Template
Our free digital storyboard template is an editable Google Slides file that you can immediately start customizing to fit your project's needs. It's perfect for collaborative work, allowing team members to access and edit the storyboard template in real-time.
How to quickly get started:
Click this link to open the digital storyboard template.
In Google Slides, go to File > Make a copy and select Entire presentation
Choose a Google Drive folder, select Make a copy, and start editing!
The digital storyboard template includes:
a detailed storyboard template (3-panel storyboard template)
a simple storyboard template (6-panel storyboard template)
camera movement icons
storyboard example
A couple quick tips:
Before you begin editing, duplicate template slides:
select slide in the left menu
copy (Ctrl/⌘ + C)
paste (Ctrl/⌘ + P)
Remove extra slides:
select slide in the left menu
delete (delete key / backspace key)
Printable Storyboard Template
Our free printable storyboard template is a PDF file that you can easily print and use for hand drawn or printed images. It's perfect for a hands-on approach to outlining your visual sequences.
How to quickly get started:
Click this link to download the printable storyboard template.
Hover over your preferred format and click the download icon on the right.
Print the desired number of pages, and start writing/drawing!
The printable storyboard template comes in the following formats:
3-panel storyboard template (blank)
3-panel storyboard template (with text)
6-panel storyboard template (blank)
6-panel storyboard template (with text)
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What is a Storyboard?
Storyboards are fundamental tools in the pre-production process of any visual project. They help you visualize scenes, plan shots, and communicate your vision clearly to a team. Whether you're working on a film, commercial, animation, or any other visual media project, a storyboard can help you avoid chaos and ensure a smooth production.
Storyboard Examples
This commercial storyboard example (below), created for educational purposes by Good Pictures, demonstrates the basics of representing key actions, camera movements, actor positions, sound cues, and more—all as it relates to planning a live action shoot.
This animation storyboard example (below), created by Anomaly, visually outlines key frames, called "style frames," while also including text descriptions of both the animation and voiceover.
Common Uses for a Storyboard Template
Our free digital storyboard template and free printable storyboard template are designed to be easily adapted to fit a wide variety of specific needs. Whether you're working on a film, animation, commercial, or any other visual story, our templates can help you bring your ideas to life. Here are some common uses for a storyboard template:
Video Storyboard Template
A video storyboard template is perfect for corporate/industrial videos, YouTube content, or educational materials. To fill in your template, you can draw your own images or pull from existing online images. If you're looking for free images, Unsplash is a fantastic resource—just filter your search results for "free" images. A video storyboard template may not be necessary if you're an individual with a clear vision; however, if you're collaborating with a team, a video storyboard template can help you clarify the plan, increase production value, and save yourself from potential headaches.
Film Storyboard Template
A film storyboard template helps filmmakers map out a plan to shoot each scene—with detailed shot descriptions, live action movement, camera angles, dialogue cues, vfx cues, and more. It ensures a cohesive visual narrative and precision with an upcoming production. If you're looking to source high-quality stills for a film storyboard template, ShotDeck is a super helpful resource for filmmakers as the world's largest collection of high-res movie images.
Animation Storyboard Template
Animators typically use an animation storyboard template to carefully visualize how artwork will look through movement and evolve over time. The animation storyboard template may not appear too different from a live action film storyboard template, but the storyboard itself will likely require additional and more detailed drawings, including "in-betweens" that demonstrate specific movement and/or character expression mid-action.
Commercial Storyboard Template
Advertisers and marketers use a commercial storyboard template to emphasize key messaging, brand elements, and calls to action. It's an essential visual tool that helps align a brand's objectives, an agency's creative, and a production company's execution.
When you're ready to turn your storyboard into an impactful commercial, Good Pictures is here to help. We're a commercial production company in Los Angeles that has produced work with clients including Samsung, Disney, and the NFL. We'd love to be the production partner on your next ad campaign. View our work, read client reviews, and say hello when you're ready to get the ball rolling: hello@goodpictures.co
Storyboard Template Software & Tools
In this article, we provide both a digital storyboard template via Google Slides and a printable storyboard template in PDF form. Personally, we love using Google Slides for its easy editing, intuitive interface, and real-time collaboration features.
However, we understand that everyone has different preferences around specific software or file formats, depending on what's most familiar or efficient for you. You might prefer bringing a storyboard template into Microsoft Word, editing one in Microsoft PowerPoint, or building it from scratch in Adobe Photoshop.
The following software and tools may offer specific functionality or features that are the best fit for your needs.
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a versatile word processing tool that can be used to create simple storyboards. With its user-friendly interface and drawing tools, you can insert images, shapes, and text boxes to design your storyboard frames.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Similar to Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint is great for creating storyboards—especially if you're planning to present your storyboard to others. Its slide-based format allows you to create storyboard frames on separate slides, and you can also incorporate animations and transitions.
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop provides professional image editing capabilities, making it suitable for creating detailed and visually rich storyboards. You can draw or import images, add layers, and apply effects to enhance your storyboard visuals.
Benefits of Using a Storyboard Template
Utilizing a storyboard template can offer several advantages:
Saves time: Quickly organize your ideas without starting from scratch.
Enhances clarity: Visualize sequences to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Improves communication: Share your vision clearly with team members or clients.
Facilitates planning: Identify potential issues early in the process, saving time and resources during production.
Boosts creativity: The structured format can inspire new ideas and approaches.
Accessible formats: With options like printable PDFs and editable digital versions, you can choose the format that best fits your needs.
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How to Use a Storyboard Template Effectively
Step-by-Step Guide
Download the template
Based on your preference, choose between our digital storyboard template or our printable storyboard template.
Define your project
Clarify your goals, target audience, and key messaging.
Fill in the frames
Visuals: Sketch or insert images representing each shot.
Action descriptions: Add notes on key on-screen actions.
Camera movements: Visually denote and/or use text to outline camera moves.
Dialogue / Narration: Include any spoken words or voiceovers.
Sound: Outline music cues, sound effects, and ambience.
Graphics / Visual Effects (VFX): Outline graphic overlays, VFX, lower thirds, etc.
Notes: Outline miscellaneous details and planning considerations.
Timecode / Timing: If applicable, estimate the timecode or timing of each shot.
Provide the appropriate amount of information
Balance detail with clarity. Include enough information to convey your vision without overwhelming your team.
Focus on key elements that are essential for understanding the flow and purpose of each scene and each shot.
Review and collaborate
Share the storyboard with your team for feedback.
Make revisions as necessary to refine your project plan.
Tips for Success
Be consistent: Use the same style and formatting throughout the storyboard.
Stay flexible: Be open to changes and new ideas during the planning process.
Use accurate visuals: Strategically incorporate relevant images or references to clearly convey the desired look and feel.
Whether you're working on a film, animation, commercial, or any other visual project, these storyboard templates are designed to adapt to your unique needs. Hopefully these resources empower you to craft compelling stories and execute your projects confidently and efficiently.
If you're a marketer or creative ready to take your storytelling to the next level and need a production partner, contact Good Pictures. Let's create something good together.