Creating storyboards

There are three ways to create a new storyboard in Boords: import an existing script, write with AI, or start from a blank canvas. This guide walks you through each method so you can choose the best approach for your project.

Opening the new storyboard dialog

To create a new storyboard, click New Storyboard from within any project.

You'll see three tabs at the top of the dialog:

Import Script

Import Script uses AI to convert your screenplay or script into a structured storyboard. This is ideal when you have existing production documents and want to quickly visualise them.

Supported file formats

You can upload scripts in the following formats:

• PDF
• Plain text (.txt)
• Word documents (.doc, .docx)
• Markdown (.md)

Alternatively, paste your script text directly into the text area.

Configuring your import

Before importing, configure these settings:

Language: Select the language of your script content. The AI will generate frame text in this language.

Aspect Ratio: Choose the frame dimensions for your storyboard. This cannot be changed after creation, so choose carefully.

Cast Images: Use the Auto-generate toggle to control whether Boords automatically detects characters from your script and creates reference images for them.

When enabled, you'll be guided through creating consistent character designs after the import processes. When disabled, the import skips straight to creating your storyboard.

Starting the import

Click Import Script to begin processing. The AI will analyse your script and extract:

• Scene breakdowns
• Dialogue and voiceover
• Action descriptions
• Shot suggestions
• Image prompts for AI generation

Creating a cast for character consistency

If you enabled Cast Images, Boords will identify the main characters from your script and guide you through creating reference images for each one. This ensures your characters look consistent across all frames when you generate AI images.

How cast detection works

The AI analyses your script and identifies characters who appear in multiple scenes. For each character, it creates:

• A character name/identifier
• A visual description based on context clues in your script
• A list of which frames the character appears in

Generating character reference images

For each detected character, click the generate button to create a reference image based on their description.

The AI creates a full-body reference image that will be used to maintain consistency when generating frame images later.

Refining character images

If you're not happy with a generated character image, you can:

• Regenerate: Click generate again to create a new variation
• Edit the description: Modify the character description to guide the AI differently

Completing cast setup

Once all characters have reference images, click Continue with Cast to finalise the import.

If you'd prefer to skip cast creation and add character references manually later, click Skip to proceed without cast integration.

If you want to use your own images, you can disable cast generation by turning off the "auto-generate" toggle when you import your script.

Using your imported storyboard

After the import completes, you'll be taken to your new storyboard with:

• Frames created for each scene in your script
• Text fields populated with dialogue, action, and descriptions
• Image prompts ready for AI generation
• Character references automatically linked to relevant frames (if you created a cast)

When you generate images for frames that include characters from your cast, those reference images are automatically used to maintain visual consistency throughout your storyboard.

For more details on generating images, see Generating images.

Write with AI

Write with AI generates a complete storyboard from a text description. This is perfect for brainstorming, creating initial concepts, or when you want AI to handle the creative heavy lifting.

Enter a description of what you want your storyboard to contain. Be as specific or general as you like—for example:

• "A 30-second coffee commercial showing someone's morning routine"
• "An explainer video about how solar panels work"
• "A dramatic scene where two detectives discover a clue"

You'll also configure the same settings as Import Script: Language, Aspect Ratio, and Cast Images. See Configuring your import above for details on each option.

Once you click Write with AI, the process follows the same flow as Import Script—including cast detection and character generation if you have Cast Images enabled.

Blank storyboard

Creating a blank storyboard gives you complete manual control. This is ideal when you have a clear vision and want to build your storyboard frame by frame.

Setting up your storyboard

Storyboard Name: Enter a name for your storyboard. This helps you identify it in your project.

Aspect Ratio: Choose your frame dimensions. This cannot be changed after creation. If your project has an assigned template, the aspect ratio may be pre-selected.

Using templates

If your team has templates set up, you can apply one to your new storyboard. Templates pre-configure:

• Aspect ratio
• Default frame count
• Custom text fields
• Sharing settings

To use a different template or create one without a template, click the template selector.

Templates are available on the Workflow plan. Learn more about Templates.

Creating your storyboard

Click Create Storyboard to create your blank storyboard. You'll be taken to the editor where you can:

• Add frames manually
• Upload images or generate them with AI
• Fill in text fields for each frame