How to Create a Comic Panel in Doodly (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Some whiteboard videos explain.
Others keep things fun while still getting the message across. That’s where the comic panel format becomes really useful.
Instead of switching from one scene to the next, you can show multiple moments in a single screen.
Each square acts like a mini scene. It holds one message, one reaction, or one step in a bigger story.
This works especially well when you want to keep things quick, visual, and character-driven.
Think product heroes, playful explainers, or comic-style intros for social content.
This article is written with new Doodly users in mind.
You’ll get clear steps, screenshots, and tips to help you follow along confidently.
We’ll create a 2x2 panel layout using custom backgrounds, characters, short voiceovers, and a few finishing touches.
There’s also an optional tool you can use if you want to give your images a comic-style filter.
Let’s get started.
Why Use a Comic Book Panel in Doodly?
A comic-style panel gives your video a visual edge.
It breaks away from the usual slide-by-slide format and lets you show multiple scenes on one screen.
This layout works well when you want to:
- Highlight different product features side by side
- Show a step-by-step sequence at a glance
- Present a playful story with multiple characters or angles
- Build an engaging intro or outro with visual variety
Instead of waiting for each scene to animate, viewers see the full panel right away.
That makes the message clearer and keeps attention on the full picture.
It’s also a smart way to mix structure with creativity. You get the order and flow of a grid, while still playing with different colors, styles, and story beats in each box.
Whether you're building a lighthearted product explainer or something more character-focused, this layout keeps things dynamic and easy to follow.
Next, let’s build the background that will hold all your comic squares.
Set Up Your Comic Panel Background
Let’s start with the base you’ll use to build your comic layout.
We’re going to create a square scene with a solid background and bold border, then save it as an image.
Before we jump into the steps, you might be wondering, “Can’t I just upload a square image and use that?”
You can, but there’s a good reason to build your squares inside Doodly instead.
By creating each one using Doodly’s own resolution settings, you’re making sure the size matches exactly with your video layout.
That means the panels will line up cleanly when placed side by side. If you pull in a square from another tool or make one somewhere else, it might look off once you try to fit everything into a single screen.
This approach saves you time later because you won’t need to resize or adjust anything.
Each square will already fit the canvas the way it should.
Here’s how to do that:
1
Set your scene resolution to a square.
In Doodly, go to the top menu and click the gear icon to open Video Settings.
Look for the Resolution dropdown. By default, it may be set to widescreen.
Change this to Facebook and Instagram, which is a 1080 x 1080 square.
This shape works well for comic-style layouts and social media formats too.
You can always resize the entire video later, but for now, we’ll build each comic square individually in this shape.
2
Change the background to a solid color.
Still inside Video Settings, go to the Background Style section.
You’ll see different background boxes including one with a gear icon. Click that gear to open the background menu.
Inside the menu, you’ll see two tabs: Custom Color and Custom Image. It defaults to Custom Color.
Just below the tab, you’ll find a color palette.
Click any shade to apply it to your scene.
Pick a color that fits your theme. Green can feel energetic, light yellow has a soft look, and red feels bold or urgent.
Whatever you choose will serve as the background of your comic panel.
3
Add a bold square frame around the scene.
Now go to the Props tab on the left sidebar.
In the search bar, type “square” and look for the prop labeled Bold Square.
Click to add it to your scene.
Drag its corners until it covers the entire canvas edge to edge.
This frame gives each panel its comic-style structure.
Tip: If you want consistency, note down the exact size and position so you can reuse it for the next square.
4
Save your square as an image.
Go to the timeline at the bottom of your screen and right-click the scene you just created.
From the menu that appears, select Save as Image.
A window will pop up asking for a file location.
Choose a spot that’s easy to find, then give your file a descriptive name like “yellow_square_panel.png.”
Click Continue to export.
You now have one finished comic square saved to your computer.
This will later be uploaded back into Doodly and used as a prop inside your full comic layout.
(Optional) Add a Comic Effect Using LunaPic
The square you created already works as-is, but if you want to give it a more classic comic book feel, you can add a stylized filter using LunaPic. This is a free browser-based tool. It won’t be necessary for every project, but it’s a quick way to experiment with texture or style especially if you’re working with photo-based images.
Here’s how to apply the effect:
1. Go to lunapic.com.
Open your browser and type in www.lunapic.com.
On the homepage, click Upload to add the image you just saved from Doodly.
Select the square panel file you exported earlier and wait for it to load.
2. Open the Comic Book filter.
Once your image appears on-screen, go to the top menu and hover over Effects.
From the dropdown, choose Comic Book.
You’ll see the filter applied right away.
3. Adjust the effect to your liking.
Use the scroll bar to increase or reduce the intensity of the comic style.
Lower values give a subtle printed texture. Higher values make it look more graphic or poster-like.
If you don’t like the result, you can hit Undo and try another effect.
4. Download the edited image.
Once you're happy with the look, click Download Now.
You’ll see this option appear on top of the image, right next to the Undo button.
Save the file in the same folder as your original panel so it’s easy to find later.
You’ll now have a stylized version of your square panel ready to upload back into Doodly. If you prefer a cleaner look without the comic texture, feel free to skip this step.
The next part of the article shows how to arrange your panels inside Doodly.
Upload and Arrange Comic Squares in Doodly
Now that your comic squares are ready, you can bring them into Doodly and arrange them into a full comic panel layout. You might be using the plain version or one that you edited in LunaPic.
Either option works for this setup.
1. Go to the Props tab and upload your square.
In Doodly, click on the Props tab on the left side of your screen. Make sure the view is set to All and not just Club. This allows you to see the blue plus (+) icon, which is the upload button.
Click the blue plus, then find the square image you saved earlier on your computer. Once uploaded, rename the file to something simple and easy to remember like “yellow square.” This will make it quicker to find when you search for it later.
2. Resize your uploaded panel.
Click on your uploaded square to add it to your scene.
Adjust the size by dragging any of its sides.
As you drag, you’ll see the current dimensions displayed. This will help you make sure it’s around 500 by 500 or close enough to fit four panels comfortably in one layout.
3. Position it in the upper left corner.
Drag the square to the top left corner of your canvas.
This will be the first box in your 2x2 comic panel layout.
Make sure it’s snugly aligned without overlapping the edges.
Getting this one right makes it easier to line up the next three.
4. Set the Reveal Mode to Fade.
Click the pencil icon on the prop to open the Edit Asset screen. Under Reveal Mode, choose Fade, then click Save & Return. You can also use Draw if you want the hand to sketch the panel as it appears.
Some creators like to combine both approaches. You can let the panel fade in, then have the hand draw in the characters, props, or text inside each square. Choose what works best for the style of your scene.
5. Set the animation duration.
With the square still selected, look to the right side of your screen for the Animation Duration field.
Set this to 0.5 seconds to keep the flow quick and smooth.
6. Copy and paste to create your full layout.
Press CTRL + C to copy the first square, then CTRL + V to paste it. Move the second square to the top right corner of the canvas. Repeat this step twice more to add your third and fourth panels.
Arrange them in a 2x2 layout, with two squares on top and two below. This gives you a clean comic panel structure that fills the screen evenly.
7. Make changes to color or style as needed.
If you want to use different background colors for each square, just repeat the steps from Section 2 and create new squares in other colors.
Upload those into Doodly as new props and mix them into your layout as needed.
Once all four squares are in place, you’re ready to start adding your characters, voiceovers, and story content.
Build Your Story Using the Comic Panel Format
Now that your layout is set, it’s time to bring your comic panel to life.
Each square works like a mini-scene, so you can use it to break up your story into clear, punchy moments.
Here’s an example setup using a fictional company called Acme Widgets.
We’ll use the comic format to show how their product saves the day.
1. Plan your theme and message.
Think of a simple storyline that fits into four moments. In this case, our theme is “Acme Widgets is here to save the city.”
This gives you a structure you can easily adapt:
- Square 1: Introduce the hero
- Square 2: Show the problem
- Square 3: Reveal the product
- Square 4: End with a call to action
Even if you’re not telling a story, this format works well for showing a process, highlighting features, or breaking down a concept into visual steps.
2. Add your first character and logo.
Go to the Characters tab and pick a hero figure. Place the character inside the first square on the top left.
Then go to the Props tab and find your brand logo. Add it to the scene and position it near your character to help set the tone.
3. Add a background that fits your theme.
Since the story is about saving the city, go to the Props tab and search for something like “cityscape” or “buildings.”
Choose a background prop that matches the theme and place it behind the character to complete the setting.
4. Preview your scene for timing and layout.
Click the Play Preview button to check how the elements appear in the scene.
Make sure your hero, props, and any text are placed clearly and nothing overlaps awkwardly. Tweak the position or size of any item if it feels crowded or off-balance.
5. Repeat the process for the next three squares.
Each square can have a different part of your story:
In square 2, show the problem.
Add a new character, maybe looking confused, and props like gears or a thought bubble.
In square 3, reveal the product.
Highlight the widget itself or show a character using it. This square can be simple and focused.
In square 4, end with a call to action.
Add a speech bubble that says something like “Order now!”
You can also bring in another character to balance the scene or shift attention toward the CTA.
Each scene doesn’t have to be complex. Keep things clear and focused so your viewer can follow the story without distractions.
Once your comic panel layout is done, you can start adding voice, motion, and sound to complete the experience.
Everything you need is already built into Doodly.
Let’s take a look at the features that will help you bring your comic to life.
Customize Your Comic Panel with Doodly’s Built-In Tools
Once your comic layout is in place, the next step is to make it move, sound, and feel more alive.
This is where Doodly stands out. Instead of switching between platforms just to add effects or voiceovers, Doodly gives you everything you need right inside the editor.
You can add characters, voiceovers, music, and motion—all in one place.
The goal here is to enhance what you already built without making it complicated.
Below are the key ways you can use Doodly’s built-in features to polish your video and turn it into something your audience will actually want to watch.
Add Voiceovers and Characters
One of the fastest ways to bring your comic panel to life is by adding sound and personality.
With Doodly, you can record voiceovers, upload your own audio, and drop in characters with expressive poses, all without using any external tools.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Record voiceovers directly inside Doodly.
Go to the Sounds tab and click Voiceover.
From there, choose Record New if you want to speak your lines straight into the editor.
If you’ve already recorded your audio elsewhere, use Upload New to bring it in.
2. Break your voiceover into small clips.
For comic-style layouts, shorter clips work better.
Record or upload one clip per panel. This keeps your timeline clean and lets you adjust timing easily as you build your story.
3. Drag voiceovers into the right spot on the timeline.
Once you have your clips ready, drag each one into the voiceover track.
Line them up with the scene where they belong so everything plays in sync.
4. Choose characters that fit your message.
Click on the Characters tab and browse through the available options. Many characters come with multiple poses such as speaking, thinking, pointing, holding objects, and more. This gives you flexibility to show movement, reaction, or emotion without needing a full animation.
If you can’t find a character or prop that fits your scene, Doodly also lets you import your own graphics. For best results, use images with transparent backgrounds so they blend naturally into your layout. Make sure any files you use are royalty-free or properly licensed to avoid copyright issues.
5. Use expressions and positioning to guide the viewer.
You can place one character across all four squares or mix it up with different characters per panel.
Use expressions that match the dialogue or action. A surprised face, a thinking pose, or a confident stance can help drive your point across without needing text.
6. Keep the layout balanced.
Position your characters so they don’t block key elements like props or text.
You can scale them down, move them to one side, or use layering to make sure everything stays readable.
Customize Text, Colors, and Callouts
Once your characters and voiceovers are in place, it’s time to fine-tune the message.
Text elements, callouts, and color changes can highlight key ideas, guide attention, or add emphasis without overcrowding the scene.
Doodly gives you the flexibility to control how these elements look and behave.
1. Add simple, clear text for key points.
- Click on the Text tab, then choose a style that fits your scene.
- Keep the text short and direct. Think phrases, labels, or questions and not full paragraphs.
- You can place text inside each square to reinforce what’s being said or shown.
- If you have a specific font style for your brand, you can also import it here.
- Just go to the Text tab and upload your custom font so it appears in your available styles.
2. Change text color to match your panel theme.
- Once the text is in, click to select it.
- You can change its color by clicking either the pencil icon or the gear icon—both give you access to text customization options.
- If you’re working with built-in assets like characters or props, you can also update their draw path color using the gear icon.
- Just note that this only applies to assets already included in Doodly.
- Imported graphics do not support color changes for draw paths.
3. Use speech and thought bubbles to add personality.
- Go to the Props tab and search for “bubble” or “callout.”
- You’ll find shapes like speech balloons, thought bubbles, or burst-style graphics that mimic comic effects.
- Drag one into your panel and layer your text on top of it.
4. Balance your visuals.
- If your panel already has a character, prop, and bubble, skip adding more text than needed.
- The goal is to support your message, not repeat it or overload the screen.
Add Music and Sound Effects
Now that your visuals and voiceovers are in place, adding background music and subtle sound effects can make everything feel more complete.
Just like characters, props, and text, you can also import your own audio files into Doodly.
Go to the Sounds tab, click Upload New, and choose your track.
Make sure it's royalty free to avoid copyright issues or getting your video muted when shared on social media platforms.
Doodly also includes a library of built-in music and sound effects, so you can pick from those or use your own depending on what fits your video best.
Here’s how to use sound in a way that supports your comic panel without distracting from it:
1. Choose a background track that fits the mood.
- Go to the Sounds tab and choose the Music section.
- Scroll through the available tracks or use the search bar to find one that matches your tone like something upbeat, calm, dramatic, or playful.
- Once you find one you like, drag it onto the music timeline at the bottom of the screen.
2. Trim your audio for better timing.
- If your music is longer than the video, click on the edge of the track and drag it to shorten it. This way, the audio ends naturally without cutting off mid-note.
- You can also shift the track to start later if you want voiceovers to take the lead first.
3. Fade in your music for a smoother entry.
- Right-click the start of the music clip and choose Fade In.
- This creates a soft buildup that sounds more professional and keeps the transition from silence from feeling abrupt.
4. Lower the volume to avoid overpowering voiceovers.
- Look for the music note icon on the left side of the timeline. This indicates the music track row.
- Right next to it, you’ll see a volume icon. Click it to bring up the volume slider.
- To adjust the level, select the bottom part of the slider to lower the volume. Set it to 10%.
- You want the background music to stay in the background.
- This helps your viewers focus on your voiceover without getting distracted or missing important parts of your message.
5. Use sound effects to highlight actions or reactions.
- Still in the Sounds tab, switch to Sound Effects.
- You can search for effects like clicks, swooshes, beeps, or dings and drag them to specific spots in your timeline.
- Use them sparingly. A well-placed sound can enhance the scene, but too many can feel distracting.
Extend Final Scene for Impact
Sometimes the most important message comes at the very end.
If you’re ending your comic panel with a call-to-action or a final punchline, you’ll want to give your viewer a few extra seconds to process it.
Doodly makes it easy to hold the last scene longer without adding another clip or transition.
1. Open Scene Settings for your final panel.
On the bottom left side of your screen, just above the timeline, click on Settings.
This opens the Video Settings panel.
From there, look for the Hand Style section where you can choose the hand that best fits your video’s theme.
2. Add extra time at the end.
In the Scene Settings panel, look for the Extra Time (seconds) option. Click the plus (+) button to add a few seconds.
Setting it to 10 seconds works well for most videos, but feel free to adjust based on your pacing.
This will keep the final frame on screen after all animations and voiceovers finish, giving your audience a moment to read or react.
3. Let your music wrap up naturally.
If you’ve added background music, this extra time also allows the track to fade out instead of cutting off suddenly.
It keeps the tone smooth and professional.
4. Preview your ending and adjust if needed.
Play your video and see how the final scene feels.
If it holds too long or disappears too fast, go back and adjust the time.
This gives you control over how your video wraps up without needing to add more scenes or re-edit anything else.
Preview Your Video
Before you export, run through this checklist to make sure everything looks and sounds right:
- Play your full video using the preview button.
Watch how each square appears and make sure the flow feels natural from start to finish.
- Check for pacing issues.
Notice if any scenes feel rushed or too slow. Adjust animation durations or add extra time if needed.
- Confirm audio and visuals are in sync.
Make sure props, text, and characters appear at the right moment in relation to the voiceover.
- Listen to the video with sound on.
Check that your background music doesn’t overpower the voice. Make sure transitions feel smooth.
- Make any final edits.
Tweak timing, reveal modes, or placement to clean up anything that feels off.
Watch the final version in action:
Conclusion
Your comic panel isn’t just a layout. It’s a creative way to tell a clear, engaging story—one square at a time.
You’ve taken a simple idea and turned it into something visual, structured, and fun to watch.
With Doodly, you have everything you need to go beyond the basics.
You can shape the tone, pacing, and energy of your video without leaving the platform.
Use this panel style to introduce your brand, explain your product, or just try something new.
Every scene is a chance to connect, teach, or entertain in a way that feels true to you.
Now bring it all together and share your story with the world.
Your next video is ready to make an impact.
8 Min Read
Video marketing is a preferred method to promote business these days. It is a great marketing tool that can help you stay relevant and help guide potential clients towards you. […]
8 Min Read
Did you know that a customer review is the most important factor in your SEO strategy? It can be hard to get and keep customers, but once they move to […]
8 Min Read
Have you ever seen a product that made your head turn? It caught your attention, right? Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean you were interested in the product, but for some […]
Skyrocket Sales & Conversions Like Never Before Using Voomly’s Incredibly Intuitive Interface!
Voomly is the perfect platform to host videos advertising your brand.
And with its ultra-customizable, no-coding-required video tools, you’ll get the absolute best results from your sales videos.
Select video player colors, border skins, player skins, and customized thumbnails … potentially increasing your sales video views by as much as 4X, according to some research.
Drive website traffic by adding a clickable brand logo to your video player … so anyone watching your videos can easily find out more about your products and services.
Promote a professional image by using video players that “travel” with your video … so when your videos are shared via social media, everyone sees them in a video player that displays your logo and brand colors.
Hide or display controls, like the play bar, time, volume, speed, autoplay, full-screen option and more, customizing your player to your marketing goals.
Give Voomly A Try For FREE Today
30-Day Money Back Guarantee
If you are not completely satisfied with Voomly within 30 days, we will refund 100% of your payment. Just email us at support@voomly.com and every penny will be gladly refunded to you within the first 30 days. Nothing could be more fair than that.
Launch High-Converting, Interactive Video Funnels With A Push Of A Button.
© Voomly LLC All rights reserved.
SUPPORT
LEGAL
This site is not a part of the Facebook website or Facebook INC. Additionally, this site is NOT endorsed by Facebook in ANY WAY. Facebook is a trademark of Facebook INC. You understand this to be an expression of opinions and not professional advice. You are solely responsible for the use of any content and hold Voomly LLC and all members and affiliates harmless in any event or claim. You can also safely assume that I get paid anytime you click on a link on this site. We recommend that you do your own Independent research before purchasing anything.