The Ultimate Storyboarding Template

About this template

Storytelling is both an art and a science; this template helps you blend a little strategy and a little magic to craft a strong, character-driven story. 

I’m a storyteller myself: you might know me from Tiktok — @beegriz — where I share insights from my career as a ghostwriter of bestselling memoirs and fiction titles. My own debut novel, HOMETOWN ADVANTAGE, comes out through Penguin Fall '24! I've built a career out of writing books, and my process begins with a solid road map as to where my story will take me. I hope my tools can guide you in shaping your story, too.

This storyboard template supports your creative process as you plan your next writing project. Whether you're a student, professional, or creative hobbyist, this board provides space for brainstorming, ideating, and problem-solving through each stage of the storyboarding process. 

Who can use this storyboarding template?

This storyboard template is suitable for a wide range of individuals and teams across various industries. Here are some examples of who can benefit from using this board:

• Authors: If writing is your side hustle, as it is for many of us, this free resource is perfect to jumpstart your next project. Use and revisit as your writing unfolds, and use it time and again for new stories over time. 

• Playwrights: This template is excellent to help structure and build your next play. Develop characters, identify necessary sets and props for scenes, and think through timing and movements that will bring the story to life.

• Screenwriters: Similarly, screenwriters may find this framework useful as a starting point to create stories and eventually adapt them into scripts.

• Animators: Animators and visual designers can utilize the storyboard template to visualize storylines, plot sequences, and develop characters collaboratively.

• Filmmakers and video producers: The storyboard template allows filmmakers and video producers to plan shots and sequence scenes. Teams can build a cohesive vision together throughout the production process.

• Educators and students: Teachers can engage students in interactive storytelling exercises, visual presentations, and group projects using the storyboard template. Students can work together on assignments, share ideas, and bring their narratives to life.

How to use this storyboarding template

Here’s how to get the most out of this framework to set a foundation for your next storyboarding project.

Build your characters

In the first section of the template, you’ll focus on character planning. What is plot if not characters making choices? Starting with the "who" of your story will help shape the "what." Develop up to five characters (or add more if you like), including their personalities, desires, actions, and character arcs. Use the framework provided to create well-rounded characters that will drive your story

Define the story’s setting

 Next, move to the setting framework section. Choose the main setting for your story and outline how your characters spend time there. Additionally, identify any subsettings that play a significant role in your narrative. Stick to just a few for now—you'll stumble into more settings as you write.

Chart your characters’ relationships

Your characters' relationships with one another will influence the choices that they make. Utilize the relationship chart section to plan the connections between your main characters. What do they think of one another? How do they interact? Define the nature of these relationships, whether they are friends, enemies, or allies. This will help your story unfold.

Add scenes to the idea space

Envisioning specific scenes but not sure where they go yet? This section can help you plan locations, events, and interactions that are crucial for your plot's progression. You can store your scene ideas here to eventually place them into your outline.

Build your character relationship map

Time to get into the nitty-gritty of the relationships between all your characters. Detail the specific relationships between every character in your story. Use this section to create a visual representation of how characters are interconnected, which is especially helpful for complex stories with multiple characters. Modify this section to your liking — and remember, not all characters necessarily interact with one another.

Break your story down by chapter

It's time to outline. In the final section, take the information from sections one to five to outline each chapter of your story. Organize your plot, character development, and settings into a structured format, ensuring a smooth and engaging narrative.

The number of chapters is flexible, and no need to go in-depth on what happens in every scene, but play around with short synopses of what might happen in each chapter. You can reference the Save The Cat! model for beats, or you can freestyle it—there's no one way to outline. These notes will be your road map as you start to write.

Template tips and tricks

Here are a few best practices to get even more from your storyboard.

Collaboration and communication:

• Invite team members or collaborators to join the board and work together in real-time.

• Utilize the chat feature to communicate, ask questions, or provide feedback within the board.

• Leave comments on specific frames to spark discussions or gather input.

Visualizing ideas:

• Use the drawing tools to annotate frames, highlight important details, or add visual cues.

• Import images, videos, or documents to enrich your storyboard and provide context.

• Experiment with different colors, fonts, and styles to enhance the visual appeal of your storyboard.

Sharing and presenting:

• Share your storyboard with others by generating a unique link or inviting them via email.

• Customize access permissions to control who can view, edit, or comment on the storyboard.

• Present your storyboard using presentation mode, which allows you to navigate through frames with a group.

By following these steps and using the provided storyboard template, I hope you'll have a comprehensive framework to plan and execute your story effectively.