Getting started with Zoom Whiteboard

Zoom Whiteboard provides customers a set of easy-to-use tools to collaborate together to capture ideas, processes, and concepts. With features focused on fostering innovation, Zoom Whiteboard makes it simple for hybrid teams to interact in new ways for seamless collaboration.

For a more detailed walkthrough, see our guides on Zoom Whiteboard features. Administrators who need to enable whiteboards for their account can consult our Zoom Whiteboard administrator guide. Zoom Rooms users can find detailed information about using whiteboards by visiting the Zoom Whiteboard in Zoom Rooms guide. 

Note: The new Zoom Whiteboard is different from the classic whiteboard which cannot be reused in future meetings. Learn more about sharing a classic whiteboard during a meeting.

This article covers:

• How to create a whiteboard 
  • From a Zoom meeting or webinar
  • From the Zoom desktop client
  • From the Zoom web portal
  • From the Zoom PWA
• How to use the whiteboard tools 
• How to customize the display name of a whiteboard
• How to share a whiteboard
• How to delete a whiteboard
• How to use whiteboard shortcuts
• Limitations for using the Zoom Whiteboard

Prerequisites for using Zoom Whiteboard

Zoom Whiteboard in Meetings

• Basic, Pro, Business, Education, or Enterprise account
• Zoom desktop client for Windows, macOS, or Linux: Global minimum version or higher
• Zoom mobile app for Android or iOS: Global minimum version or higher
• Zoom PWA

Zoom Whiteboard in Webinars

• Basic, Pro, Business, Education, or Enterprise account
• Zoom desktop client for Windows, macOS, or Linux: 5.11.3 or higher
• Zoom mobile app for Android or iOS: 5.11.3 or higher
• Zoom PWA

Note: If you do not see Zoom Whiteboard in the desktop client, please contact an account admin to have this feature enabled.

How to create a whiteboard 

Create a whiteboard from a Zoom meeting or webinar

1. Start a meeting or webinar from the Zoom desktop client. 
2. On the in-meeting controls, click the Whiteboards button .
3. At the top right, click New.
   A pop-up window will appear.
4. In the pop-up window, you will be asked to select from the following:
   • How do you want to open the board?
     • Collaborating: Users are granted edit access.
     • Presenting: Board opens in presentation mode and users are granted view access.
   • Do you want users to have access to the board after the meeting?
     • Yes: Meeting participants can access the new or edited whiteboard when the meeting ends.
     • No: Meeting participants cannot access the new or edited whiteboard when the meeting ends unless the owner grants them access outside the meeting.
5. Click Open Board.
   The whiteboard will open in the meeting window.

Create a whiteboard from the Zoom desktop client

1. Sign in to the Zoom desktop client. 
2. Click the Whiteboards button .
3. At the top right, click New to create a new whiteboard.

Create a whiteboard from the Zoom web portal

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal. 
2. Click Whiteboards.
3. At the top right, click + New to create a new whiteboard.

Create a whiteboard from the Zoom PWA

1. Sign in to the Zoom PWA.
2. Click the Whiteboards button .
3. At the top right, click New to create a new whiteboard.

How to use the whiteboard tools 

To edit a whiteboard, use the editing tools available located on the left side of the screen. Click and drag the icons to the canvas to draw, add shapes, type text, and more. For most controls, clicking on the canvas will then create an object of that type. If using the Select tool, you will be able to select one or more objects and change their properties. Visit the Zoom Whiteboard tools guide to learn more about what you can do in a whiteboard.

How to customize the display name of a whiteboard

1. Create or open a whiteboard.
2. At the top of the whiteboard page, click the whiteboard title to rename it.
   The new display name will take effect immediately.

Note: To edit the name of a whiteboard, you need to have editor access. 

How to share a whiteboard

1. Create or open a whiteboard.
2. At the top right of the whiteboard page, click Share.
3. Enter the email addresses of the users you would like to share the whiteboard with and set their permissions.
4. Click Share Whiteboard.
5. (Optional) Click Copy Link and then paste the link in a message or email to send to others.

Learn more about sharing a whiteboard inside and out of Zoom meetings.

How to delete a whiteboard

1. Create or open a whiteboard.
2. At the top right of the whiteboard page, click the ellipsis icon .
3. Select Move to Trash.
4. In the verification dialog, click Move to Trash to delete the whiteboard.

Learn more about deleting and recovering a whiteboard.

How to use whiteboard shortcuts

Zoom Whiteboard shortcuts can save time and improve your productivity when using the platform. Knowing the most common shortcuts can make navigating the whiteboard easier and help you stay focused on the content. Learn more about using keyboard and mouse shortcuts with Whiteboard.

Limitations for using the Zoom Whiteboard

• Whiteboards cannot be sent to individuals who do not have a Zoom account.
• The new Zoom Whiteboard and the classic whiteboard cannot be used at the same time during a meeting.
• The maximum amount of cloud storage allocated for Zoom Whiteboards for Zoom Basic users is 25 MB.
• The storage capacity of each whiteboard is limited to 200 MB, including any uploaded files. If you upload a PDF, it will generate several smaller files for display purposes, and the total size of these smaller files will also count towards the 200 MB limit.
• The maximum file size for a single PDF upload is 35MB, while images (in PNG or JPG format) are limited to 5MB.
• The maximum number of characters allowed in a text string is 5000. Any extra characters will be removed.

For additional information, please visit Zoom Whiteboard Security and Privacy FAQ.