InDesign anime storyboard template for 16:9 films

A sample of the template in use within the InDesign interface, see how the grid matches the frame ratio


Get this template!

This is an anime storyboard template on DIN A4 vertical (portrait) page for 16:9 (1.77:1) aspect ratio storyboards, with 5 frames per sheet. This layout draws inspiration from the beautiful Studio Ghibli layouts. You can either edit this storyboard template with Adobe InDesign or print the blank one out to draw on paper.

Boxes:

  • The first column indicates cuts. Use it to number your shots—you can have several pictures for the same shot.
  • The second and main column stands for the picture screen. That’s where you draw or place your pictures.
  • Then there is a space for your script notes for action, dialogue, etc.
  • The last column, time, is for annotating the duration of your shots in seconds.

Only duplicate the pages you want to use. To import your drawings, place your pictures into the frames that belong to the Images layer. You can use the Rule of Thirds guides located in the top locked layer to help you frame your compositions. Use the Text layer for your notes. Change the template to make it your own. Fill in the header, add your credits and project details, put your production title or logo. And your presentation is now ready for print or screens in no time!

IDML (InDesign Markup) format is compatible with all InDesign versions from CS4 to InDesign CC 2020.

FYI: Since the document grid corresponds to the 16:9 aspect ratio, you can build variations with ease. The smallest module is 21,333 by 12 points. Its height matches the document body text’s leading—in case you’d like to type text, 9 points is recommended for body text. You need the font Avenir installed on your machine for this template to work properly. Use the A-Pagination master for pagination, the A-Master for a clean sheet.

You can always hide the baseline grid and/or the document grid for clarity (View > Grids & Guides > Show Baseline Grid & Hide Baseline Grid).

I hope this template will save you time and help you design beautiful storyboards!

You can get the free version of this template in PDF here: https://gum.co/ghibli-storyboard_En_pdf_16x9

You can get the Japanese version of this template here: https://gum.co/Ghibli_Jp_idml_16x9

There is also a version of this template for Apple Pages here: https://gum.co/Ghibli_Pages_En_16x9

© Film Storyboards Project maintained by YJPL