01 · Notice the rain
Wide shot · hold for 3 seconds
Action: A person pauses by the door. Rain is visible through the window; an umbrella rests beside the table.
Sound: Rain against the window. No dialogue.
SKETCH · SEQUENCE · SHOOT
Storyboard Template
Turn a scene into a sequence of shots. Sketch on the left, then plan the action, camera, dialogue and timing beside each frame.
Free blank PDFs · Three shots per page · 16:9 frames · No account
YOUR SHOT SHEET
Choose the frame shape and room you need
The ratio changes the drawing frame, not the paper size. Use fewer shots for larger sketches, or four for a compact sequence.
Set up your shot sheet
Each shot pairs a drawing frame with separate action, dialogue and timing notes. More shots make each row smaller.
One blank page · Half-inch margins · Print at Actual size / 100%
Need classic 4:3 frames? Download a ready-made Letter 4:3 PDF or A4 4:3 PDF.
A FILLED EXAMPLE
One small scene, three deliberate shots
“Remember the umbrella” is an original editorial example drawn for this page. It illustrates planning choices, rather than documenting a finished film. Your downloaded template is blank.
02 · Pick up the umbrella
Close-up · 2 seconds
Action: Cut to a hand lifting the umbrella from beside the table. Keep the handle on the same side between shots.
Sound: A soft tap as the umbrella leaves the floor.
03 · Leave prepared
Wide shot · 3 seconds
Action: The person steps through the doorway holding the umbrella. Leave room in the frame in the direction of movement.
Sound: Door opens, then closes. Rain continues.
The wide → close-up → wide sequence shows what changes between shots. Match positions, props and sound across the cuts; arrows can mark movement without detailed drawing.
Fill one row per shot
- Number the shot. Use the printed number for the page, or add your own sequence or scene number.
- Sketch the composition. Place the subject, important props and movement inside the frame. Stick figures are enough.
- Write action and camera notes. Describe what changes, the shot size, and any camera movement.
- Add dialogue, sound and timing. Write what the audience hears and an approximate duration.
- Read across the sequence. Check whether the action is understandable before you shoot or animate.
Before you start
Should I choose 16:9 or 4:3?
Choose the shape that matches your planned image. 16:9 is wider; 4:3 is closer to square. Both download on portrait Letter or A4 paper. This template does not change your camera or video export settings.
Is this a fillable PDF or an online storyboard editor?
It is a blank print layout, with adjustable frame ratio and shot count. Write by hand or annotate it in your own PDF app. This page does not upload drawings, save projects, or assemble a video.
How is this different from grid paper?
A storyboard keeps a drawing and its production notes together for each shot. Use graph paper when you need measured squares, dot grid paper for open-ended sketches, or a Cornell notes template to organize study notes.
Can I use this for a class or a small video project?
Yes. Print the blank sheets for your own or classroom planning. The sample shows one approach; use the number of shots and amount of detail your scene needs.