Planning a video often starts with scattered notes, rough sketches, and a few ideas in your head. The problem is, once a team gets involved, things can quickly drift.

A storyboard template keeps everything in one place, scenes, visuals, dialogue, and timing, so no detail gets lost before the cameras roll.

This blog gives you a free storyboard template for video projects you can start using today. You’ll also see how it can save you time, keep your project organised, and help you communicate ideas clearly.

Download your free storyboard template here:

The template has been built with flexibility in mind.

Each frame gives you space for:

• Visual sketches or images
• Dialogue or on-screen text
• Camera direction or shot notes
• Rough timing

You can use it in Google Docs, PowerPoint, or your favourite design tool.

Whether you’re sketching stick figures or dropping in reference screenshots, the template makes it easy to get your vision down fast, transferring it from just messy sticky notes on your desk.

This storyboard template has already been used in TikTok shoots, short films, TV commercials, social content, and even music videos. It’s built to flex – whether you’re sketching out a quick 15-second ad or planning a longer brand piece.

Skipping the storyboard might feel like saving time, but trust us, it usually comes back to bite you. Continuity slips, missing shots, and “wait, what was supposed to happen here?” moments pile up fast once the cameras are rolling.

A template gives you a shared map so everyone – from crew to client – knows where the project is heading.

Here’s why it makes such a difference:

Clear communication

Verbal descriptions are fine… until three people picture three different scenes. A storyboard makes your idea visible. Even rough sketches cut through confusion and make sure the whole team is picturing the same thing before shoot day. Less head-scratching, more action.

Client approvals

Try selling a concept with just words, and you’ll often get blank stares. Hand over a storyboard, and suddenly, clients can see the story unfold in front of them. They can suggest tweaks early, agree on direction, and give the nod before you spend time (and budget) on the wrong thing.

More creative freedom

Ironically, the structure gives you room to play. Once the sequence is mapped out, your headspace is freed up for experimenting with angles, pushing the tone, or trying that bold transition idea you’ve had in mind. The template holds the order of events so you can focus on the fun stuff.

Lower risk of mistakes

Finding out you’ve missed a shot in the edit suite is painful. Catching it on paper during planning? A five-second fix. A storyboard helps you spot gaps, dodgy transitions, or pacing issues long before they cost time and money. It’s the simplest way to keep shoot days calmer and edits cleaner.

Think of your storyboard as a rehearsal space, it doesn’t need to be pretty, it just needs to make sense. Here’s how to get the most out of it:

• Keep visuals loose– stick people and arrows are fine; focus on the flow, not the artwork.
• Add rough timings– jot “5s” under a frame to set the rhythm and avoid pacing issues.
• Note down script lines– capture dialogue or voiceover while it’s fresh to keep visuals and words in sync.
• Use direction sparingly– save camera notes for shots where they actually matter.
• Review with your team– walk through together; fresh eyes will spot gaps before shoot day.

The aim isn’t perfection – it’s clarity. As long as your storyboard makes sense to the people using it, it’s doing its job.

Got an idea brewing? This free template gives you everything you need to map it out, frames for sketches, space for dialogue and notes, and timing boxes to keep your video moving at the right pace.

Print it, share it with your team, and keep it handy for every project that comes your way.

At Nomadic UK, we don’t just stop at the storyboard. Whether it’s a TV commercial, a scroll-stopping social clip, or a full animated explainer, we help brands take their plan and turn it into video content that connects.

If you’re ready to take your storyboard further, drop us a message, we’d love to hear what you’re working on.