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. 

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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. 

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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.