Discover the top 10 Boords alternatives for 2025. Compare Boords competitors for AI storyboard generation, pricing, features, and collaboration tools to find the best fit for your creative team.
Boords has long been a go-to for digital storyboarding, helping filmmakers, agencies, and creatives turn scripts into visual plans. Yet, as the industry evolves, many users are searching for Boords alternatives that offer deeper AI integration, more flexible collaboration, and better value. Whether it’s the need for faster workflows, advanced automation, or scalable pricing, the market now offers a range of innovative Boords competitors.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 Boords alternatives — including a standout option you might not have heard of yet.
Quick Comparison Table
|
Alternative |
Best For |
Key Features |
Free Plan? |
Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SHAI Creative |
Fast, AI-powered pre-production |
Script-to-storyboard, AI shot lists, animatics, collab |
YES |
$12/mo |
|
story-boards.ai |
Early-stage concepts |
Text-to-image, consistent characters, fast panels |
Yes |
$19/mo |
|
storyboarder.ai |
Filmmakers, precision |
Script upload, AI shotlist, animatics, PDF export |
No |
$25/mo |
|
storyboardhero.ai |
Agencies, freelancers |
AI storyboard, shot list, script integration, sharing |
Yes |
$29/mo |
|
ltx.studio |
End-to-end storytelling |
Script-to-edit, pro tools, AI-driven storyboards |
No |
$39/mo |
|
krock.io |
Animation, team feedback |
Visual collab, feedback, versioning, AI storyboards |
Yes |
$9/mo |
|
katalist.ai |
Ideation, brainstorming |
AI ideation, visual mapping, script-to-board |
Yes |
$15/mo |
|
Frame Forge |
Technical previz, 3D |
3D previsualization, camera simulation, shot planning |
No |
$299 (one-time) |
|
OpenAI Sora |
High-fidelity video previews |
Text-to-video, advanced generative AI |
No |
Beta/Invite Only |
|
Wonder Unit (Storyboarder) |
Indie, hand-drawn, open-source |
Free, hybrid AI/manual, animatics, export |
Yes |
Free |
Why Look for Boords Alternatives?
1. Need for Advanced AI Features: Modern teams want more than static boards — they need AI that can generate storyboards, animatics, and shot lists directly from scripts.
2. Customization and Flexibility: Many Boords competitors allow finer control over visual style, export formats, and shot details.
3. Real-Time Collaboration: Distributed teams require seamless, real-time feedback and version management — areas where some alternatives now excel.
4. Pricing and Scalability: As teams grow, cost-effective plans and scalable solutions become essential.
5. Integration with Other Tools: Creative professionals want platforms that connect with their scriptwriting, editing, and project management tools.
Meet Shai – The Best Boords Alternative
At SHAI Creative, we’ve reimagined pre-production for the AI era. Our platform is built from the ground up to transform raw scripts into detailed, AI-illustrated storyboards, shot lists, and animatics — streamlining every step from concept to camera.
Unlike Boords, which focuses on manual drag-and-drop storyboarding, we harness AI to automate and accelerate the entire process. Our tools are designed for filmmakers, creative directors, agencies, and anyone who needs to visualize and organize a project — fast.
Shai’s intuitive interface where users can upload a script and generate visual storyboards, complete with scene sequencing, shot duration, and voiceover options — all in one platform.
Shai Feature Breakdown
1. AI Storyboard Generator
Transform your script into a detailed storyboard in seconds. Our AI analyzes your script, visualizes each scene, and produces frame-by-frame illustrations — giving your team instant alignment on creative vision.
2. AI Shot List Management
Automatically generate and manage shot lists, complete with timing, locations, cast, and camera angles. Edit everything in a unified dashboard, saving hours of manual work.
3. Script-to-Storyboard Conversion
Upload any creative document — scripts, outlines, or treatments — and our AI structures them into visual production plans. Move from idea to execution with unprecedented speed.
4. AI Video Generator (Animatics)
Preview your storyboards as quick, animated sequences. Visualize camera moves and scene transitions before you step on set.
5. Real-Time Collaboration
Work together from anywhere. Share, comment, and edit storyboards, shot lists, and schedules in real time — no downloads required.
Use Case Example: A creative agency pitching a new campaign can upload their script, generate a full storyboard and animatic in minutes, and share it with clients for instant feedback — all before the first meeting ends.
Shai storyboard view showing AI-generated frames from uploaded script
Explore more at shaicreative.ai or try our AI Storyboard Generator.
Why Shai Beats Boords
While Boords offers a solid storyboard editor, Shai takes pre-production to the next level:
- Automation: Boords requires manual input for each frame. Shai’s AI generates entire storyboards and shot lists from your script — instantly.
- Animatics: Boords provides static boards; we deliver animated previews, helping teams visualize timing and movement.
- Collaboration: Both offer online collaboration, but Shai’s real-time editing and feedback tools are built for distributed teams.
- Customization: Test different visual styles, camera angles, and compositions in minutes — not hours.
- Pricing: Our plans are designed for teams of all sizes, with more features at a competitive rate.
In short: Shai is built for speed, efficiency, and creative control — making it the best Boords alternative for 2025.
A single storyboard shot generated by Shai, showing visual, text, and camera details
Shai Shot List Overview
Shai Pricing
- Basic: $12/month — Full access to AI storyboard and shot list tools, unlimited projects, real-time collaboration, 120 images + 13 videos
- Freelance: $29/month — Full access to AI storyboard and shot list tools, unlimited projects, real-time collaboration, 440 images + 44 videos
- Studio: $79/month — Includes AI animatics, advanced export options, and priority support, 1400 images + 156 videos.
- Enterprise: Custom — Tailored for large teams, agencies, and studios with additional security and workflow integrations.
Compared to Boords’ pricing, Shai offers more automation and collaboration features at every tier, delivering greater value for creative professionals.
Edit AI-generated visuals directly in Shai with prompt tuning and framing controls
Alternatives #2 to #10
2. story-boards.ai
What it is: A fast, AI-powered storyboard generator focused on early-stage pre-production. Great for ideation and quick concept visualization.
Key Features:
- Text-to-image storyboard panels.
- Consistent character rendering.
- Rapid panel generation.
Drawbacks: Limited fine-tuning and customization; best for rough drafts.
story-boards.ai vs Boords: Offers faster AI generation but less manual control. Ideal for teams needing quick visualizations rather than polished boards.
3. storyboarder.ai
What it is: A filmmaker-focused platform with advanced AI automation for script-to-storyboard, shot lists, and animatics.
Key Features:
- Script upload and parsing.
- AI-generated shot lists and animatics.
- PDF and image export.
Drawbacks: No free plan; interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
storyboarder.ai vs Boords: Superior for filmmakers needing end-to-end automation and export options. Boords is simpler but less powerful.
4. storyboardhero.ai
What it is: Designed for agencies and freelancers, this tool blends AI storyboard generation with collaborative features.
Key Features:
- AI storyboard and shot list creation.
- Script integration.
- Team sharing and feedback.
Drawbacks: Limited visual customization; pricing can add up for large teams.
storyboardhero.ai vs Boords: Better for agency workflows and collaboration. Boords is more basic; storyboardhero.ai is more dynamic for teams.
5. ltx.studio
What it is: An end-to-end AI storytelling platform with pro-level tools for script-to-edit workflows.
Key Features:
- Script-to-storyboard and edit.
- Advanced AI-driven storyboarding.
- Professional-grade export and integration.
Drawbacks: Higher learning curve; premium pricing.
ltx.studio vs Boords: Offers deeper AI integration and pro features. Boords is easier for beginners; ltx.studio is for advanced users.
6. krock.io
What it is: A visual collaboration platform popular with animation studios, offering AI-powered storyboards and robust feedback tools.
Key Features:
- Real-time team feedback.
- Version management.
- AI storyboard generation.
Drawbacks: Less focused on script integration; best for animation teams.
krock.io vs Boords: Excels in collaboration and feedback. Boords is more storyboard-centric; krock.io is for team-driven projects.
7. katalist.ai
What it is: An AI-powered ideation and visual mapping tool, ideal for brainstorming and early concept development.
Key Features:
- AI-driven ideation.
- Visual mapping of story concepts.
- Script-to-board conversion.
Drawbacks: Not as strong for detailed storyboards; better for early-stage planning.
katalist.ai vs Boords: Great for brainstorming and mapping; Boords is better for finished storyboards.
8. Frame Forge
What it is: An industry-standard for technical previsualization, offering 3D camera simulation and detailed shot planning.
Key Features:
- 3D previsualization.
- Camera and lens simulation.
- Technical shot planning.
Drawbacks: Steep learning curve; expensive for small teams.
Frame Forge vs Boords: Frame Forge is for technical directors needing 3D previz; Boords is simpler and 2D-focused.
9. OpenAI Sora
What it is: A cutting-edge generative AI platform for text-to-video and high-fidelity visual previews.
Key Features:
- Text-to-video generation.
- Advanced generative AI.
- High realism in previews.
Drawbacks: Still in beta; limited access.
OpenAI Sora vs Boords: Sora is a game-changer for visual storytelling, offering video previews. Boords is static and less advanced.
10. Wonder Unit (Storyboarder)
What it is: A free, open-source storyboard tool beloved by indie filmmakers, offering both hand-drawn and AI-assisted boards.
Key Features:
- Hybrid AI/manual drawing.
- Animatics and export options.
- Community-driven development.
Drawbacks: Limited automation; less polished UI.
Wonder Unit vs Boords: Great for indie creators needing flexibility. Boords is more polished; Wonder Unit is more customizable and free.
Final Thoughts
The world of AI-powered storyboarding is evolving fast. Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative director, or agency, exploring Boords alternatives can unlock faster workflows, better collaboration, and more creative control. If you’re ready for a modern, intuitive solution, try Shai first — where speed, security, and innovation come standard.
FAQ
What is the best Boords alternative for filmmakers? Shai Creative offers the fastest script-to-storyboard automation and real-time collaboration, making it ideal for filmmakers.
Are there free Boords alternatives? Yes, Wonder Unit (Storyboarder) is a popular free, open-source option.
Which tool is best for agencies? Storyboardhero.ai and krock.io both offer strong collaboration and feedback features for agency workflows.
Can I generate animatics with these tools? Shai, storyboarder.ai, and OpenAI Sora all support animatic or video preview generation.
Where can I learn more about AI storyboard tools? Check out resources like No Film School, Creative Bloq, Filmmaker Magazine, and shaicreative.ai.
Ready to accelerate your pre-production? Try SHAI Creative’s AI Storyboard Generator and experience the future of visual planning.