Storyboard vs Animatic: Complete Comparison Guide

What Are Storyboards?

Storyboards are static visual representations of your story, typically created as a series of sketches or illustrations. They serve as a blueprint for your animation, showing key moments, camera angles, and composition.

What Are Animatics?

Animatics are moving storyboards that include timing, basic movement, and often rough audio. They bridge the gap between static storyboards and final animation, providing a more dynamic preview of your project.

Key Differences

When to Use Storyboards

Use storyboards when you need to quickly visualize your concept, get early feedback from stakeholders, or work with a limited budget. They're perfect for initial planning and concept development.

When to Use Animatics

Choose animatics when you need to understand timing, pacing, and flow. They're essential for complex sequences, music videos, or when you need to present a more polished preview to clients.

Workflow Integration

The most effective approach often combines both: start with storyboards for concept development, then create animatics for key sequences that need timing refinement.