Comic Storyboard Template
Get started on your comic storyboard
From developing memorable characters and plots to drawing panels and writing dialogue, there are endless possibilities for storytelling in comics. However, before fully diving into the creative process, it's important to have a solid plan in place. This is where storyboarding comes in.
We’ll use StudioBinder’s storyboard creator for the step-by-step walkthrough to visualize each phase. While StudioBinder is our chosen tool, this process applies universally—whether you're working with software to create your storyboard or simply using a pen and paper.
Step 1
1. Decide the presentation format
Comics utilize a variety of panel layouts to tell their stories. Experiment with different formats—such as grid layouts, asymmetrical designs, or splash pages—to find what best suits your story. Simpler layouts can be used for dialogue-driven scenes, while dynamic layouts with varying panel sizes are ideal for action sequences.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Switch between view types (from 1 - 4 columns).
- Hide or reveal shot specs (scene number, description, audio, video).
- Automatically fit your image to the aspect ratio.
Step 2
2. Read the scene
Next, thoroughly reading and understanding your script or story outline will be key in adapting the story visually. Identify key scenes, dialogues, and turning points that must be visually represented. Consider the emotional tone and the overall story arc within each scene.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Import a script or treatment to automatically turn scenes into blank storyboards.
- Tag each line to create a new panel in the storyboard.
Step 3
3. Create or find images
Now it's time to bring your ideas to life visually. Whether you choose to sketch by hand, hire a storyboard artist, or use reference images, focus on creating or sourcing imagery that encapsulates the style and story of your comic, but don't worry about minute visual details.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Upload images anywhere, including previous projects.
- Use your webcam to capture hand-drawn frames.
- Reorder images by simply clicking and dragging frames.
Step 4
4. Add descriptions and annotations
Once you have your images set up, paint a more complete picture with some descriptions and notes. Toss in shot details, snippets of dialogue, and any cool notes that show movement and storytelling direction.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Add scene descriptions, audio information like dialogue, and video information explaining the visuals like shot types and sizes.
- Create arrows, text and shapes to further clarify the direction of each image.
Step 5
5. Share and collaborate
Comic creation can be a heavily collaborative process with other artists and illustrators. Share your storyboard with collaborators, such as writers or fellow artists, to gather their input and suggestions.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Share with a view-only link, and invite collaborators to work on this specific feature/page (not the entire project).
- Collaborate with clients and team members with the comment feature.
Step 6
6. Print
Once you're happy with your storyboard, it's a good idea to print out hard copies. Having a tangible reference on hand allows you to jot down notes directly or share it with collaborators face-to-face.
How to do this in StudioBinder
- Generate storyboard PDFs for a professional presentation with added security.
Conclusion
Comic storyboard complete
Comic books require creativity and preparation to fully take shape. Hopefully, this storyboarding guide will set you on your way to crafting your graphic novel or comic book.
This comic storyboard template is one of many storyboard templates you can use. Browse other storyboard templates on our Templates page.
Start your Storyboard
Storyboard your comic or graphic novel.
Get started for free
