Storyboard Template
Make a printable storyboard in seconds: choose 2 to 12 frames per page, the frame shape (16:9, 4:3, 9:16 vertical, square or cinema widescreen), lines for notes and a title header. Optionally drop in your sketches or reference photos and type the action under each frame, then download a PDF.
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How to use the Storyboard Template
- Choose the paper and orientation; landscape suits 16:9 film and video, portrait suits 9:16 vertical video.
- Pick the frames per page and aspect ratio to match your final video format.
- Set the note lines and frame labels, and fill in the title, project and artist if you like.
- Optional: add images (sketches, photos or screenshots). They fill the frames in order; type the action or dialogue under each one.
- Press Download storyboard PDF and print at 100%, or draw on it on a tablet.
Storyboard aspect ratios at a glance
| Aspect ratio | Used for | Best page orientation |
|---|---|---|
| 16:9 (1.78:1) | YouTube, HD/4K TV, corporate and explainer videos | Landscape |
| 9:16 | TikTok, Instagram Reels and Stories, YouTube Shorts | Portrait or landscape with 4-8 frames |
| 1:1 and 4:5 | Instagram and Facebook feed videos and ads | Either |
| 4:3 (1.33:1) | Classic TV, many animated shorts, presentations | Landscape |
| 1.85:1 | Cinema "flat" widescreen | Landscape |
| 2.39:1 | Cinema anamorphic / scope widescreen | Landscape |
How to storyboard a video
- Start from the script: break it into scenes and each scene into shots. One shot is one frame (add more frames for important camera moves).
- Thumbnail first: use 9-12 small frames per page to sketch the whole sequence quickly and check the flow.
- Refine key shots: redraw important moments on 2-4 frame pages with more detail.
- Show framing clearly: wide, medium or close-up; where the subject sits in the frame; and the eye line.
- Use arrows for camera movement (pan, tilt, dolly, zoom) and for movement of people and objects.
- Write notes under each frame: action, dialogue, sound, transitions and timing.
Common shot abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| EWS / WS | Extreme wide shot / wide shot: shows the whole setting |
| MS / MCU | Medium shot (waist up) / medium close-up (chest up) |
| CU / ECU | Close-up (face) / extreme close-up (detail such as eyes or hands) |
| OTS | Over-the-shoulder shot |
| POV | Point of view: what a character sees |
| PAN / TILT | Camera turns horizontally / vertically on a fixed point |
| DOLLY / TRACK | Camera moves toward, away from or alongside the subject |
| CUT / DISSOLVE / FADE | Transitions between shots |
Frequently asked questions
Which aspect ratio should I use for my storyboard?
Use the aspect ratio of the final video: 16:9 for YouTube, TV and most online video, 9:16 for TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, 1:1 or 4:5 for square social posts, 4:3 for classic TV or animation, and 1.85:1 or 2.39:1 for cinema. Drawing in the right shape helps you plan the composition correctly.
How many frames per page should I choose?
Six frames (3 × 2) on landscape paper is a common balance between drawing space and overview. Use 2 to 4 large frames for detailed shots or client presentations and 9 to 12 small frames for quick thumbnail planning or animatics.
What should I write under each storyboard frame?
Briefly describe the action, any dialogue or voice-over, the camera shot (wide, medium, close-up), camera movement (pan, tilt, dolly, zoom), transitions and sound effects. Many storyboarders also note the shot duration.
Can I put my own drawings or photos in the frames?
Yes. Drop images onto the upload area and they fill the frames in order across pages; more pages are added automatically. Choose Fill frame to crop them to the frame shape or Fit whole image to show the full picture. Images are processed in your browser and are not uploaded.
What is the difference between a storyboard and a shot list?
A storyboard shows each shot visually as a sequence of drawings, so everyone can see the composition and flow. A shot list is a table of the same shots with technical details such as lens, location and equipment. Many productions use both.
Do I need to be able to draw?
No. Stick figures, arrows for movement and simple shapes are enough to communicate framing and action. You can also use photos taken on location or screenshots as reference images.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.
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