What is animatic software?
Animatic software lets you place storyboard frames in sequence, set how long each one holds, and add scratch dialogue or music, so a director can judge pacing before full animation or a shoot. Common choices include Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, Storyboarder, Boords, and ordinary editors like Premiere Pro. Ciaro Pro lets you cut boards and generated shots on its built-in timeline.
Definition
Animatic software, defined
Definition
Animatic software is a tool that sequences storyboard frames with timing and temporary audio so a film’s rhythm can be reviewed before final motion exists.
How it works
How an animatic is cut
Start from approved boards
Frames already match the planned shots and the script’s beats.
Set a duration for each frame
Holds and cuts reveal whether a scene drags or feels rushed.
Add scratch sound
Temporary dialogue or music makes the pacing audible.
Benefits
Why time the boards first
Pacing problems show early
A slow scene is obvious before you animate, generate, or shoot it.
Coverage gaps become visible
A missing reaction shot stands out the moment the cut jumps.
Cheaper revisions
Swapping a still frame costs minutes; reworking finished shots costs days.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is an animatic used for?
An animatic is a timed sequence of storyboard frames, usually with scratch dialogue, music, or sound effects. It tests whether a scene reads clearly and runs at the right length before anyone commits to animation, generation, or a shoot. Animation studios rely on animatics to lock timing; live-action and commercial teams use them to pitch and to agree on coverage.
Which software can I use to make an animatic?
Toon Boom Storyboard Pro is the standard in many animation studios. Storyboarder is a free option that exports timed sequences, and Boords includes an animatic tool alongside its boards. Any editor, such as Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, can cut an animatic from exported frames. In Ciaro Pro, boards and generated shots can go straight onto the built-in timeline.
When should you make an animatic?
After the storyboard covers the scene and before final production. Timing a sequence that has not been fully boarded hides missing shots, while waiting until after animation or generation makes changes expensive. Many teams revise the animatic several times, replacing rough frames with cleaner boards or test shots as the plan firms up.
Explore next
Related answers and features
Time the boards before you commit
In Ciaro Pro, storyboard frames and generated shots share one timeline with your edit.