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 here. 

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
• How to share a whiteboard
• How to use the whiteboard tools 

Prerequisites for using Zoom Whiteboard

Zoom Whiteboard in Meetings

• 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 Whiteboard in Webinars

• 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

Notes:

• Zoom Whiteboards can only be viewed and edited when using the Zoom mobile app on a tablet or iPad. When using the Zoom mobile app on a smaller mobile device, such as a phone, you will only be able to view Zoom Whiteboards. 
• 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 

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.
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.

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.

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.

From 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 share a whiteboard

Whiteboards can be shared in and out of the meeting. You can share them from the Zoom Whiteboard dashboard, or from within the whiteboard itself. When you share your whiteboard, you can also set the user’s permission to view, edit, comment, or become co-owner. When enabled by admin, whiteboards can be shared with anyone in your organization or with external users. Learn more about sharing your whiteboard to other users during and outside the meeting.

How to use the whiteboard tools 

The whiteboard tools available for use are located on the left side of the screen. To activate a tool, click its icon. Once selected, the mouse cursor will change  to indicate the current tool mode. 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.