Using Flipbook for storyboarding

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The Flipbook tools are only available in Sketchbook Pro on Mac and Windows desktop

Flipbook is designed for keyframe animation, but because it is so simple to use it can also be used for storyboarding.

If you need to create multiple pages based on a common panel layout, Flipbook may provide a more efficient alternative vs. creating individual files for each page. 

 

Tips for setting up a storyboard template in Flipbook

  • When you create the Flipbook‍, set the Frame Number to a small value. You will be able to add frames (pages) as you go, so there is no need to start with too many.
  • If you have an existing image to use as a template, make sure you use the same pixel dimensions and aspect ratio when setting up your Flipbook file.
    • If the image is larger than the maximum 13MPX, you will be able use it as an imported image that you can scale to fit the Flipbook size.
  • You will use the Timeline window in Flipbook window to create and manage your Background and Foreground. Review the article Using the timeline‍ to familiarize yourself with the controls.

  • Importing an image that does not have transparency
    • You will not be able to see through this image to use the Background Color in the Layer Editor
    • You can add layers on top of an opaque layer that you want part of the template
    • If you import PNG files that have transparency, you can build up a customized template.
  • Once you’ve set up a background layer that meets your needs, save your Flipbook. This will give you a template that you can use over and over again.
    • From the menu, File > Save
      • This saves the file as a Sketchbook Animation file (.skba)
    • Select your folder from the File Explorer/Finder and give it a descriptive name you will remember.
    • When you open and use it for a new project, be sure to use File > Save As to not overwrite the original version.


Check our sample storyboarding templates to get an idea of what you can create.

We imported graphics to produce the clean geometry and structured lines, but you can easily create background from existing images, photographed documents, or hand-drawn layouts.

 

Will Flipbook meet your storyboard needs?

  • The canvas size is limited to a maximum of 13 MPX
    • This is the equivalent of a 4K pixel dimensions, A4 aspect ratio at 200 dpi, or Letter proportions at 200 dpi
  • Each page you create on top of the background template can have up to 20 layers or groups 
  • A single common background template can be used across multiple pages
    • The background can have up to 20 layers or groups
  • Your total page count can be 1000 pages or less per Flipbook file.
  • The export output of individual pages can be either PNG or layered PSD

If Flipbook meets your criteria, check out this article to learn more details on Creating Flipbooks‍.

 

Tips on using frames as pages

  • When using Flipbook for storyboarding, you do not need Empty Frames because their purpose is strictly for timing animation (which you don't need when storyboarding).
    • You will only use keyframes in the timeline. Each keyframe is a new page.
  • Each new keyframe will have its own layer stack that can hold up to 20 layers or groups
  • Benefits of using Flipbook
    • Quickly look at other pages. You can see multiple pages in context without having to swap to different files.
    • Copy layers or selected elements from one page to reuse in another.

Exporting your pages

  • Exporting your Flipbook out as individual pages is easy using File > Export Flipbook…
  • You can use the sequentially named PNG images to produce PDF documents.
    • Use Preview on Mac
    • Use Print to PDF on Windows
    • Use Adobe's free online PDF tool, or another app of your choice