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Adobe Illustrator is often considered the gold standard of vector software for Mac. However, you can use alternatives to create crisp artwork and beautiful diagrams. Illustrator alternatives exist, and they give you some compelling options when you’re short on cash.

If you’re looking for a Mac vector editor to use in your next project you should try one of these free vector editors or cheap Adobe Illustrator alternatives first. This is the best vector software for macOS that you can use for free or buy on a budget.

What Are Vector Graphics?

For those who are still new to the concept, Vector graphics use mathematical equations along a 2D axis to draw lines and shapes inside a fixed space. This differs from raster images, which are pixel-based. When you scale a raster image past its max resolution, it “stretches” and becomes blurry. With vector graphics, you can scale up and down infinitely.

This flexibility means that vector graphics are incredibly useful for design purposes. They are great for creating icons, logos, diagrams, charts, posters, magazines, and other scalable artwork.

1. Inkscape (Free)

Both can provide 2D drawings from the 3D program – basically the new modelling programs are fundamentally different from the older 2D programs with bolt on 3D capabilities. If you use a Mac be a little wary of the older Win programs (TurboCad) claiming to be re-written for Mac OS. AutoCAD, the heavy hitter of the CAD industry, offers a free, fully functional version for download to students and faculty.The only limitation on the software is a watermark on any plots you generate, designating that the file was created with a non-professional version.

Inkscape is probably the most versatile free vector editor for Mac. With a long history of development and a keen fanbase, Inkscape works on all three major operating systems and costs nothing.

Inkscape uses an open-source development model (like these other free open-source mac apps15 Free Open-Source Mac Apps You Must Install15 Free Open-Source Mac Apps You Must InstallWant to use some open source software on your Mac? These macOS apps are open-source, awesome, and best of all... free!Read More), and as a result its technological progress is often slower than that of its commercial rivals. Inkscape prides itself on its full compatibility with the W3C open standard SVG, and strives to make itself one of the most user-friendly SVG editors for Mac on the market.

Despite this user accessibility, newcomers may feel a little out of their depth when trying it out. To help, there’s extensive documentation and answers to your questions within the Inkscape forums.

Note: Mac users may need to download XQuartz in order to run Inkscape. So if you’re not a fan of additional downloads, this might be a hassle.

Verdict: Inkscape is the best open-source vector graphics software for Mac, and the closest you’ll come to Adobe Illustrator if your budget is zero.

Download:Inkscape (Free)

2. Vectr (Free)

Vectr is a free vector editor built on web technology. You can download Vectr for Windows, Linux, or Chrome OS, or run the browser version through macOS.

The app comes with a promise of being “free forever,” and its tools are mostly focused on creative vector drawings, such as logos, brochures, and posters.

Best of all? Vectr includes a comprehensive user guide and tutorials, so you can learn how to use it effectively in very little time.

Mac

Verdict: A free, web-based tool with excellent customer support via online tutorials.

Download:Vectr (Free)

3. LibreOffice Draw (Free)

LibreOffice is a popular open-source alternative to Microsoft Office, and it comes with its own vector drawing program called “Draw”. Unfortunately LibreOffice Draw isn’t as feature-rich as some of the other programs on this list, but it does have a few accessories.

The free vector editor seems to be aimed at users who want to create flowcharts or diagrams. It also has the ability to create technical drawings and brochures. LibreOffice Draw is also a great Mac vector editor for those looking to create network diagrams—all without a high degree of artistic skill.

Note: If you’re looking to create artwork, then Inkscape might be a better choice.

Verdict: Lacks the polish of some other programs. If you were previously using LibreOffice, you might already have it installed.

Download:LibreOffice (Free)

4. DrawBerry (Free)

DrawBerry won’t “wow” you with its features or extensive help documentation, but it still works on the latest version of macOS, so it may be worth a shot.

This free vector editor for Mac is very lightweight, and although it lacks the features of more advanced programs, its simplicity is key to its appeal. While seasoned graphic designers will be pining for more advanced features, if you need a logo for your low-to-no-budget project, you can do a lot worse than DrawBerry.

Verdict: Despite being ancient and lacking in features, it still works. It’s also still free, and it might do the job if you don’t need a hefty vector editor.

Download:DrawBerry (Free)

5. Boxy SVG ($9.99)

Boxy is a type of vector graphics software for Mac with similar functionality to Inkscape. It has its own Mac app available through the App Store, and can import and support SVG file extensions. It can also support PNG, JPEG, and GIF.

When you’re using Boxy, transform tools, grouping tools, and painting tools are all supported with preset shapes, along with support for gradients and patterns.

Verdict: Boxy is a nice entry to the vector graphics category built on web technology. It’s lightweight and begging to be played with.

Download:Boxy SVG ($9.99)

6. Autodesk Graphic ($29.99)

Previously known as iDraw, Autodesk Graphic is a great lightweight vector editor for Mac. It’s more expensive than it used to be, but it still maintains a robust feature set with full support for SVG, PDF, and AI (Illustrator) formats. It also has layered PSD imports and exports for photoshop users.

Featuring a good range of tools for drawing and sketching, Autodesk Graphic makes for a great choice for a SVG editor when you’re a designer on a budget. You can also download Autodesk Graphic for iPad, which uses iCloud to sync. This way you can access your designs on the go.

Verdict: A proper vector editor above all else.

Download:Autodesk Graphic ($29.99)

7. Pixelmator ($39.99)

Pixelmator is one of our favorite vector editor alternatives on this list. The app provides limited support for vector drawing with shape and lines.

Pixelmator has a range of in-built shapes and tools for mapping out vectors, though professional users who are used to the advanced features in Illustrator will probably be left wanting more.

Verdict: A great app that can perform many common tasks.

Download:Pixelmator ($39.99)

8. Affinity Designer ($49.99)

After the glowing reception it received for the raster editor “Affinity Photo”, Serif Labs introduced Affinity Design to take on the vector editor market. It specifically targets Adobe Illustrator’s subscription model by offering the program for a one-time fee instead of a monthly cost.

Affinity claims to have the best PSD import engine around. While we’re not sure Adobe would agree with this, Affinity does support PSD, PDF, SVG, AI, Freehand and EPS file formats.

There’s 16-bit per channel editing, support for slices, realtime masks, adjustment layers, and graphics tablet support.

All of this comes alongside the usual features that you would expect from such a program—a great pen tool, curve editing, smart shapes, flexible text, and several workspace templates designed for web and print. You can also use raster-style effects for the best of both worlds.

Verdict: A serious vector editor alternative to Illustrator, with no subscription fees.

Download:Affinity Designer ($49.99)

9. Sketch ($99)

The most expensive of the SVG editors for Mac on this list, Sketch bills itself as a professional vector program for designers.

Built for ease of use, Sketch aims to produce high quality vector drawings. There’s even a Sketch Mirror companion app that allows you to preview your designs live on your device as you work.

As you’d expect from a professional app, Sketch has all the bases covered: an advanced UI, excellent text rendering and a slew of grids and guides to help you design to your heart’s content. You can learn the ins and outs of the program with the Sketch support pages.

You can also get a helping hand with your project by downloading community resources, ranging from iOS development kits to icon templates.

Sketch offers a 15-day free trial, so you can try this vector editor out beforehand. The only downside? You’ll need to renew your license on a yearly basis.

While this yearly renewal is still less expensive than Adobe’s subscription model, it can definitely get pricey if you’re on a budget.

Verdict: Sketch is up there with the best of the best when it comes to vector software for Mac. Unfortunately it also has a price tag to match.

Download:Sketch ($99)

Vector Software That Didn’t Make the Cut

If you’re thinking “there must be more out there!” then you’d be right. There are a lot of apps that didn’t make the cut, and here’s a few so you can dismiss them entirely:

  • Xara Xtreme: A free, open-source version of the premium Windows project, the mac version of Xara Xtreme was previously in development. Unfortunately it doesn’t look like the project has had an update since 2008.
  • Skencil: A free vector drawing program for Linux that will run on macOS. Unfortunately there have been no updates since 2010.
  • Karbon: A great free package that’s open-source, but it requires the whole Calligra Suite to be installed to use it. We guess it’s worth a try if you’re unsatisfied with Inkscape or Boxy SVG.

What’s Your Favourite Vector Software for Mac?

Did we miss any great vector packages for macOS? If so, let us know about your favorite vector software in the comments below. And then take a look at why it’s important to know how to change the DPI of an image3 Ways to Change the DPI of an Image3 Ways to Change the DPI of an ImageIn this article, we explain everything you need to know about DPI and how to change the DPI of an image in different ways.Read More, especially if you’re a designer.

Explore more about: Graphic Design, Image Editor, Mac App Store, Open Source, Vector Graphics.

  1. Something new on the Mac App Store - ZeldDesigner

  2. Boxy isn't free anymore.

  3. You forgot Gravit Designer. It's web based, but it's much more advanced than Vectr.

  4. Boxsvg is not free anymore. US$10
    I've been using inkscape for lack of free alternatives on macos. I like it most of the time but quite slow because it's on xquartz I guess.. and mouse/keyboard mapping sometimes a bit confusing. ctrl c instead of cmd c for example.
    Now it seems I can try others.

  5. Ironically, I came here as I use Sketch but it doesn't import AI files (apparently. Correct me if I'm wrong). So I came looking for an app to import ai and export as pdf or svg, to be imported into Sketch..

  6. Create, by Andrew Stone, was pretty good... still works... keeps a library... (belight's app isn't here?) what's the best way to transfer workable images between them? Pdf? .eps? I've used .pdf to share vector files between Mac apps, although in 3D apps it seems to strip down to a basic skeleton of the image.... but editable.

  7. It's obvious the author is Canadian; which means he's funny and he owns a lot of coats. Sounds like I have a couple of free options for vector software. Glad I found this article.

    Cheers!

  8. Canvas Draw is back!!!
    http://www.canvasgfx.com/en/products/canvas-draw-2

  9. Affinity Designer very good

  10. What about Affinity Designer? Is that any good?

  11. You forgot the Illustrator-Killer-App: Affinity Designer. It supports CMYK, Lab-Colors, 16-Bit colors, Imports Illustrator, PDF and Freehand-Files(!) and is superfast.

    • Would you stop with the 'Illustrator Killer' nonsense!? If you worked at any level with AI, you'd know what Affinity Designer nowhere near AI's capabilities. You simply can't replace a program that has been around over 20 years with a 'new kid on the block' app that has been developed in a year, poorly implemented, has vague features, and tons of bugs.

      • Well that's exactly what Sketch could be described as as well, during its first 2 years its popular existence, but it still meant the very abrupt end of photoshops (impressive) 25+ year reign over (UI) design land... it just took another 1.5 years untill you wouldn't get hired anywhere anymore without knowledge of Sketch.

        That alone makes Sketch one of the best options on this list.. although they still (and will) need to improve one or two things before I personally will write off illustrator entirely. And budget isn't even any factor in this choice making.

  12. I love Inkscape on Linux Ubuntu. On MacosX is painful -> 1/2 of screen is displayed

  13. PixelMator 3.3.3 doesn't support SVG format

    • Pixelmator does not — at any version — support ANY vector format import/export.

  14. Your article is misleading. I just paid $30 for Pixelmator based on this article as well as the description on the website. I found only after the purchase, Pixelmator does not support import or export of vector images. I located 2 very long threads on their support blog of many angry customers that made the same mistake as me or almost made it and there is absolutely no response from Pixelmator support to any of the blog posts dating back more than 3 years. I do not recommend this app!

    • Brian,

      PixelMatr deos support vector gracia (although not SVG) but you need to switch to VectorMator mode - CMD-SHIFT-V

      • No it does not. Even switch to VectorMator mode, it just converts vector graphic into pixel map.

  15. Thanks for a great list! And you might consider updating this article, now that Serif has Affinity Photos available for beta-testing. I have Adobe CS5.5 Web & Design Premium--was required for school. I've had iDraw for over a year and it's my go to for doing a quick logo or simple drawing. Because it doesn't have the extras like Photoshop and Illustrator special effects, it loads faster than Illustrator so I can get to work sooner. iDraw has all the basic tools for creating vector-based images and then some--like being able to create buttons for websites and drop that code into your document. It's also got some cool features for those who develop apps for for iOS. iDraw documents now provide sub-layers and grouping those sub-layers=very convenient. I found the PDF User Guide to be instructive for not only using the software, but for those who've never used a vector creation app or with limited knowledge or use, the User Guide educates about vectors vs. raster and what the different tools can do.

    I've gotten 2-3 free updates to iDraw since I purchased it, and these have made the software easier to use, and added functionality. I intend to get Pixelmator and possibly the Affinity apps. I'm currently beta-testing Affinity Photos; and while it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of Photoshop, I don't want or need all of those bells and whistles.

  16. Just paid $30 (the revised price) based on your blog post for Pixelmator and it DOES NOT support vector files.

    'Vectormator' mode merely opens up all of the tools/palette windows which include some vector-based shapes. IT DOES NOT give you any ability to open, edit, or save actual vector images. That's a big ole FAIL :(

    Please do your homework before misinforming your readers.

    • I was similarly disappointed. However, on closer inspection, it actually does kinda do vector editing. It’s just not “like” a real vector app in the way it does it. The view is ALWAYS raster-like at the documents set DPI. Combining and subtracting paths isn’t convenient like in a real vector app. And it rasterises even when exporting to PDF. As advertised it bills itself at a full featured (100%) vector app. At first glance, it infuriatingly seems to be barely a 5% featured vector editor. At a second glance though, it actually turns out to be… I’d say 30% featured. Still deserves the FAIL, of course, but just wanna say you might find it capable of at least some of the vector work you want to do.

  17. Hi, Thank you for the listing.

    I am doing graphic design and produce artwork that can be translated to end product. I am not strictly attached to any brands/product of the application/software. How ever being a nerdy at the 80's in my early age, I have been exposed to Broderbund's, Aldus', Adobe's etc.

    How ever, when software and format limitation being a critical issue on some stages, such as software versions, machines and operators I always find that the native and raw format is the best solutions. Yet still, editable file are the main issue especially in collaboration cycle with others.

    I'm using Inskcape on Mac/Linux/Windows for the past 5 years and still wondering which alternative application (or stack or applications) that can smoothly produce editable Ai format.

  18. Affinity Designer is looking' good!

  19. I miss ConceptDraw, non-commercial license cost me about $99. Impressive tool, compatible with Visio native format btw.

    • Was great

  20. You are superman! thanks a LOT

  21. good ;) thank you .

Storyboards raise the visual bar. Projects that include a storyboard are more likely to side-step the blunders that can result from miscommunication during production.

In this post, we’ll discuss the latest storyboard software, storyboard apps and iPad styli. Plus we’ll provide you with a bundle of free storyboard templates. Let’s get started.

BEST STORYBOARD SOFTWARE OF 2019

Why these apps are the best storyboard software of 2019

There’s a variety of storyboard software on the market, ranging from software with preset characters to professional storyboard software that requires drawing skills. You can find everything from traditional licensed software to web-based solutions to mobile apps.

There is something for everyone here.

Alternatively, you can download your own printable storyboard templates below.

1. StudioBinder

StudioBinder is an intuitive, online storyboard software solution. It provides robustness and ease of use to fit most creatives. Simply upload images and you've got a storyboard!

How to create a storyboard in StudioBinder

Customize the layouts, shot list details, and aspect ratios. You can also view your storyboard as a fullscreen slideshow, which makes it ideal for presentations. StudioBinder's storyboard software features are free to use up to a certain number of panels per project, and just $29/mo to fully unlock it.

Also comes bundled with shot list software and more.

Price: Free for 10 panels/board, then $29

Click to view a sample storyboard created in StudioBinder​​​​

2. Moviestorm

Out of the UK comes Moviestorm. Promoted as “a filmmaking tool for everyone,” so you don’t need to be an artist. You can create everything from storyboards to full pre visualization, and various theme-based add-ons provide additional robustness.

Price: Starting at $225

Moviestorm

3. FrameForge

FrameForge offers various bundles, each with increasing complexity and price points. All levels include optically accurate virtual cameras. The highest-end packages allows users to define exact equipment specs for dollies & cranes, precise lighting, calculations for sun positioning, reports and more.

Price: Ranges from $399-899

FrameForge

Related Posts

4. ShotPro (iOS)

On the iPad side of things, ShotPro is a solution to easily create storyboards or pre-visualization. Add a structure sensor and you can scan real-world objects, locations, and people to import as 3D objects into your storyboard. That’s pretty slick.

Price: $39.

​​​​ShotPro

5. Power Production Software

Power Production provides a few storyboard solutions, each with varying complexity. It offers customizable characters and presets for locations and props. They offer script imports, character animations and other integrations.

Price: Power Production’s software starts at $190 for Storyboard Quick while the more robust StoryBoard Artist Studio sells for $900+.

Power Production Software

6. StoryBoardPro (Atomic Learning)

StoryBoardPro is another web-based solution that does not require any drawing or sketching skills. You can build a scene by importing videos, photos and sounds, and add notes on individual frames.

Price: Free

Storyboard Pro

7. StoryBoard Fountain (mac)

StoryBoard Fountain is one of the newer players in this space. This web app has a modern user interface, and focuses on going from script to visuals via sketches (using your mouse or Wacom pen). The beta app looks quite sharp, is open-source and available for free.

Price: Free (beta)

Storyboard Fountain

8. Storyboard Composer (iOS)

Storyboard Composer relies entirely on the use of existing photos or video so there’s no need for drawing or sketching skills. It’s easy to add arrows and boxes to identify the movement of shots, and even animate them. It could also double as a solution for creating mood or vision boards.

Price: $15

Storyboard Composer

9. Storyboard That

Storyboard That is not specifically for the film industry, but it can do the job. You create your own characters using a web interface and also doesn’t require any hand-sketching to get started. You can create storyboards for free but they will be publicly available.

Price: Starting at $15/mo

Storyboard That

10. Toon Boom Storyboard Pro

StoryboardPro is a professional web application from Toon Boom. Tailored specifically for commercial storyboards artists, the software includes animated and live boards with all the bells and whistles a serious storyboard artist would need.

Price: $59/mo; $999 lifetime access

Toon Boom Storyboard Pr​​​​o

11. Prolost Boardo (for After Effects)

This is a combo solution. Boardo is an After Effects plugin for adding cool storyboard animations and effects to existing images, but you’ll need to create your images in outside software. We recommend using vector-based drawing apps on an iPad such as Paper (free), Astro Pad ($30) and Noteshelf ($9). Afterwards, you can combine the finished sketches in After Effects/Boardo to create animated boards you can export as videos.

Price: Boardo starts at $30

Prolost Boardo​​​​

12. Make Storyboard

Make Storyboard is an assembly software that allows you to organize your images and sketches. They can be shared and commented on, and can be used one many devices including smartphones and tablets.

Price: Free (beta)

Make Storyboard​​​​

13. Adobe Photoshop

If you already own Adobe Photoshop, consider sketching out your scenes and overlaying them on actual pictures. You can create tons of different storyboards types in photoshop, and then use an assembly program to organize and share your shots.

Price: $49 - $239

Adobe Photoshop

14. Clip Studio Paint

Clip Studio Paint is a graphic design software that is generally used by illustrators and comic artists. You can draw some serious images and then color and stylize them to your preference. You can then assemble these illustrations in the software.

Price: $49 - $219

Clip Studio Paint

15. OpenToonz

OpenToonz is a software for producing 2D animation. You can draw illustrations in stunning detail, and add effects to them later if you so desire. This software has no copyright restrictions and can be used however you like including for commercial work.

Price: Free

OpenToonz

16. TVPaint

TVPaint is a 2D animation software that allows you to draw and stylize your storyboards. You can also upload and share them with your team. They also provide training courses that teach you how to use the software. Used by professionals and schools.

Price: $600 - $1250

TV Paint

17. Paper (by WeTransfer)

Paper is an immersive sketch program. You can sketch, draw, and diagram with 3D journals. You can use gesture-based navigation to quickly move through the program. They have a free version or a 6-month subscription.

Price: Free - $10/mo

Paper By 53

18. Penultimate

Penultimate is a handwriting app developed by Evernote that allows you to stay paperless. You can use this software to sketch out basic storyboards and send them into Evernote or, use an assembly program to organize and share your shots.

Price:Drawing programs free for mac $6

Penultimate

19. Artemis Pro

Artemis Pro allows you to not only organize storyboards but change aspect ratios. There is a set of preloaded “looks” that allow you to color grade your storyboards for different scenes and shots.

Price: $30

Artemis Pro

20. Astropad Standard

Astropad allows you to use your iPad to draw directly into Photoshop and any other Mac creative tools. You can use this with your smartphone as well. Draw quick storyboards, or go into more detail, then use an assembly program to organize and share your shots.

Price: $30 (+ Upgrades)

Astropad​​​​

21. Procreate

Weird name, cool program. Procreate is a sketching, painting and illustration app designed for mobile devices, and built for creative professionals. It has continuous auto-save and 136 brushes with 50 customizable features.

Price: $10

Procreate​​​​

22. Storyboard Composer

Cinemek Storyboard Composer for iPhone and iPod Touch is a mobile storyboard and pre-visualization composer designed for anyone who wants to visualize their story. Get photos and then add traditional storyboarding markups such as dolly, track, zoom and pan.

Price: $15

Cinemek Storyboard Composer (desktop)

23. Shot Designer

Shot Designer attempts to combine Camera Diagrams, Shot Lists, and Storyboards by to give you a satisfying understanding of camera-blocking. Animate characters and cameras with simple Walk To and Track To commands. Create sophisticated tracking shots too.

Free (Offers In-App Purchases)

Shot Designer

24. Camera-Storyboard

Camera-Storyboard is an interactive scene layout tool for planning photo and video shoots. Create a new document based on an overhead image and add scene objects right on top of the original image. You can even graph the sunlight throughout day.

Price: $10

Clip Studio Paint

Bonus

Top 10 styluses for drawing storyboards on tablets

No matter which software you go with, there’s nothing that can beat the precision of drawing a sketch by hand and importing the results. If you have an iPad handy (no pun intended), we suggest purchasing a stylus for sketching your storyboards.

Here’s our top 10 picks for best styli for storyboard artists. All of these were designed for iOS devices and all include palm rejection options.

1. Apple Pencil

Quickly becoming the standard stylus for professionals. Seamless use with Apple products. Press harder for thicker lines, lighter for thinner ones. Create shading simply by tilting. Built in palm rejection so that you can rest your hand during use. Great stylus.

Price: $99

2. The Joy Factory Pinpoint

Rechargeable Polymer Lithium battery. No bluetooth pairing or app required. Works with ZoomNotes, Evernote, Paper by FiftyThree, ProCreate, and many more. Good battery life, accuracy, and reliability.

Price: $99

3. Wacom Bamboo Sketch

Bluetooth, pressure sensitive fine tip for natural, precise and authentic sketching. Slim and lightweight carrying case that fits your pocket (includes storage for the pen, extra nibs and the USB charger). Two customizable shortcut buttons and two exchangeable pen nibs.

Price: $65+

4. Adonit Pixel Pro

Bluetooth. Pressure sensitivity, shortcut buttons, a charging dock, and paper-like drag. 1.9mm tip optimized for increased drag and high fidelity detail. Palm rejection to avoid unwanted marks. Slim ergonomic grip, solid aluminum body, and weighted balance

Price: $85+

5. Adonit Pro 3

precision disc creates a precise contact point with the screen. Engineered into one piece for added stability. Magnetic cap snaps on for protection. Textured grip etched onto the barrel. No batteries required.

Price: $30

6. Wacom Bamboo Tip

No pairing is needed. Works with iOS and a broad range of Android devices. Flick the side switch to the upper position for most tablets, and to the lower position for iPad Pro. Designed for daily use, built with high-quality materials.

Price: $50

7. Adonit Dash 2

Click-on without the need for bluetooth. 14 hours of continuous use, and charges within 45 minutes. 1.9mm tip creates a paper-like drag that's more precise and responsive.

Price: $50+

8. Sensu Artist Brush & Stylus

A digital brush and a stylus for devices like the iPad and iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and most other touch screen devices. Touted as being the most accurate “brush” tool. Literally transforms from a stylus to a digital brush with ease. Cool product.

Price: $30+

9. Sensu Artist Brush & Stylus

A digital brush and a stylus for devices like the iPad and iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and most other touch screen devices. Touted as being the most accurate “brush” tool. Literally transforms from a stylus to a digital brush with ease. Cool product.

Price: $30+

10. Nomad FleX

Plastic Carrying Case Included. Synthetic Brush Tip For Soft, Flexible, and Improved Feedback. Removable brush tip and cap can be interchanged. Hand crafted from precision-milled aluminum parts.

Price: $80

FREE STORYBOARD TEMPLATES

Cad Software For Mac

Create storyboards by hand

If your storyboards will not be client-facing, sometimes the best option is to print out your own storyboard template and sketch it by hand.

Even stick figures can go a long way in visualizing and planning a scene with your DP/AD. Remember shooting boards only require a rudimentary drawing skill level. Because it’s the framing, action, camera movement and direction that matter most.

Need a printable storyboard template? We’ve got you covered.

We’ve created over 10 premium storyboard templates to fit pretty much any use case. Click below to download the free storyboard templates
Download Free Storyboard Templates


Here’s a video from Indy Mogul, covering the basics and importance of storyboards and shooting boards with examples from a short film script.

Once you receive your storyboard from an artist, make sure to include a copies in your final production wrap binder. Storyboards and revisions can be easily backed up and shared electronically these days with file sharing solutions like Dropbox or Hightail.

If you’re looking for a more A-to-Z production management solution, StudioBinder makes it easy to manage your production files online, in addition to managing crew, creating schedules, and sending out call sheets. Plus it’s free to get started.

Up Next

Where to find storyboard artists for any budget?

That’s the basics on storyboard software and templates. We hope you found this post and the free downloads helpful.

Drawing Program Free No Download

Now, if you have decided the sketching is a little too much and you want to hire a storyboard artist for a more polished presentation, check out our article on Websites to Find & Hire a Storyboard Artist.

What storyboard software do you use? Did we miss anything? Leave us a comment below.

Up Next: Where to find storyboard artists for any budget

Cad Drawing Software Free For Mac

Showcase your vision with elegant shot lists and storyboards.

Create robust and customizable shot lists. Upload images to make storyboards and slideshows.