Conceptualizing complex shots from scratch is no small task, but high-quality previsualizations can help make the first step toward bringing your vision to fruition easier.
Your previs software needs can vary greatly. Moving from 2D to 3D to VR may require several toolkits, all potentially necessary to set the scene for your film or game environment.
We’ve compiled a guide of some of the top previs software solutions designed to support your journey as a game developer or filmmaker.
6 top previs software solutions
Whether you want to storyboard, conceptualize 3D renders, collaborate remotely, or composite your creations, these 6 previs software options are among the most trusted tools in the industry.
1. Maya
Autodesk Maya is one of the most popular tools in the 3D realm due to its unmatched versatility and compatibility with essential tools like Unreal Engine, ShotGrid Create, and Rokoko Studio. Trusted by big studios like Disney and Pixar, the software has been a 3D graphics standard for years. With core animation capabilities and basic shading and rendering tools, Maya works as a building block for moving from storyboards to more holistic previsualization.
Top features
- Industry-standard 3D software, with modeling, animation, shading, and rendering capabilities ideal for previsualization
- Robust rigging, keyframe animation, and character animation tools
- Flexible node-based workflow and scripting features for customized workflow
- Quick feedback for lighting and camera changes in Viewport
Pros
- Complete modeling suite perfect for creating previs sequences
- Node-based design
- Compatible with Python scripting
- Integrates well with tools like Unreal Engine and Nuke
Cons
- Potentially steep learning curve
- May not be the best pick for simple animation projects like motion graphics
Best for: Maya is a popular choice for film staging and blocking, as well as advanced VFX, rigging, lighting, shading, and rendering. This powerful software can have a significant learning curve, but it’s used widely throughout the industry, making it essential for any animator serious about working in the business.
2. Storyboarder
If you just need a simple, reliable 2D storyboarding tool, Storyboarder by Wonder Unit is worth considering. Sketch out storyboards from scratch or import drawings with a couple of clicks. Storyboarder exports directly to Adobe Photoshop and Premiere for a seamless editing experience. You can also use the handy Shot Generator feature to describe what you want to create and build a scene foundation within seconds.
Top features
- Draws, edits, and designs a storyboard in a few clicks
- Mappable quick keys for efficient editing
- Creates foundation scenes based on short descriptions with the Shot Generator feature
- Builds 2D previs with an intuitive, friendly user interface
- Imports existing storyboards directly via smartphone
Pros
- Free, open-source software
- Compatible with the Adobe Creative Suite
- Approachable design
- Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux
Cons
- Potentially too simplistic for tasks beyond 2D storyboarding
- No premade assets available outside of the Shot Generator
Best for: Storyboarder is great for the casual filmmaker who needs a quick and easy way to previs shots. With custom key mappings and a flexible workspace, this software is efficient and approachable.
3. Evercast
The previs process isn’t always linear. In many cases, you work with several team members from multiple locations. Evercast works alongside your primary previs software to provide a seamless remote workflow for collaborating on game design and filmmaking.
Evercast’s real-time collaboration suite features 4K streaming/screen sharing of any creative software or media files, sparkling video conferencing, and live annotations, all in one place. Backed by a 24/7 support team, our software streams with ultra-low latency to create an “in-the-room” experience while you work through the preproduction process. With support for 10-bit color and surround sound, you can count on Evercast to provide precision while you and your team world-build from multiple locations.
Top features
- 4K content streaming/screen sharing and HD video conferencing, no uploads/downloads required
- Security approval from every major studio
- Support for 10-bit 4:4:4 color and multichannel audio
- Live annotation and drawing tools
- 24/7 white-glove tech support
Pros
- The closest thing to a real-life collaboration experience
- Compatible with any previs workflow, from shot listing and 3D modeling to compositing
- Video conference and stream assets with frame-accurate annotations
- Ultra-low latency for efficient remote work
Cons
- Potentially expensive for beginning filmmakers
- Requires other software to make previs assets in addition to Evercast since the software serves as a collaboration tool
Best for: Evercast is perfect for collaborating from anywhere, with any workflow, to review and iterate on previs assets. You can use Evercast for storyboarding, creating shot lists, and production work far beyond the previs process to achieve the final cut of your creations.
Create together remotely, in real time
4. Unreal Engine
Originally used primarily by game developers, Unreal Engine is an excellent previsualization tool for professional filmmakers and game designers. This powerful suite allows you to fabricate an immersive virtual space for blocking, staging, and pre-planning camera and lighting setups. Notably, Unreal can render in real time, allowing production teams to immerse themselves in previs should they have the infrastructure.
Take a look at how the production team for The Suicide Squad used Unreal Engine to plot out camera movements in the real world:
Top features
- Achieves impressively detailed assets without bogging down your computer’s performance through the Nanite geometry system
- Seamlessly moves reusable assets from one production stage to the next
- Immersive set design with real-time viewing and rending
- Impressive lighting and photo-realistic shadow and shading features
- Offers compatible virtual production tools for motion capture
Pros
- Flexible, powerful software for use in projects big and small
- Free software, though film-specific add-ons may apply depending on your use case
Cons
- Potentially steep learning curve for those new to game engines
- May be overly complex for basic storyboarding or shot listing
Best for: You can certainly use Unreal Engine for film previs, though the platform is most effective for game designers and developers. This advanced software is a terrific pick for professional studios that need highly detailed and flexible immersive previs assets.
5. Nuke
Nuke is the industry standard for TV and film compositing thanks to its flexible nodal interface, realistic lens distortion features, and unique toolset powered by machine learning. Not every project requires polished previs from a compositing software like Nuke, but it’s worth having on hand when you need to visualize those final touches. Nuke takes 3D to 2D, exporting shots with polished lighting and camera characteristics that may not be feasible within a strictly 3D environment.
Top features
- Provides complete control over your previs through node-based compositing
- Flexible format compatibility with OpenEXR, Hydra, and USD
- Machine-learning tools for efficient compositing
- Supports Python scripting
- Realistic lens distortion and Bokeh visualization features
- VR compositing
Pros
- Well-regarded compositing software trusted by industry professionals
- Compatible with most 3D workflows
- Robust deep compositing suite with rotoscoping, keying, and color correction
Cons
- Requires 3D software to build the initial environment of your previs due to being a compositing software
- Higher cost and possibly less accessible to beginner creators
Best for: Nuke is best for professional previsualization artists who require access to high-quality compositing software.
6. Previs Pro
Living up to its slogan, “#storyboardfast,” Previs Pro is an entry-level solution for quickly creating basic 2D storyboards and shot lists. This software is perfect for directors, writers, and cinematographers who don’t necessarily have a 3D skill set but still need previs references leading up to the shoot. Through built-in objects, cameras, lighting, props, and character actions, creating a shot list or storyboard is as simple as dragging and dropping into a scene.
Top features
- Quick, simple storyboard creation with a couple of clicks
- Storyboards and shot lists accessible via Mac, iPhone, or iPad
- Add custom characters and images
- Select cameras and lights
- Direct script and scene import
Pros
- Fast, efficient software
- Usable on the go via iPhone or iPad
- Affordable price point
- Friendly, intuitive interface
- Import scripts and scenes from Final Draft
Cons
- Limited to Apple users
- Potentially untenable for more complex projects
Best for: Previs Pro is designed specifically for Apple users on a Mac, iPad, or iPhone. It’s best for filmmakers seeking a simple, flexible solution to start storyboarding and shortlisting their future projects.
Go from first draft to final cut with Evercast
Evercast can support you and your crew through the entire previs process and beyond, providing a direct way to collaborate with your team from afar. Our all-in-one software suite unlocks communication at any stage of the process and is compatible with any workflow so that you can focus on creating. Book a live demo here.
