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*Zoom and services that include the name Zoom are services provided by Zoom Video Communications, Inc.
From July 15, 2022, Zoom will have a 40-minute limit even for meetings with two participants if you have a free subscription. (Previously, it was only for meetings with 3 or more people.)
Companies and organizations using Zoom for business should consider switching to a paid license at this opportunity.
Zoom has various functions, but the whiteboard sharing function is especially useful for deepening communication with participants.
This time, we will introduce in detail how to use the Zoom whiteboard and how to use it wisely.
This article is for people who:
- People who are concerned about Zoom’s whiteboard sharing function
- People who want to know the useful functions of the whiteboard sharing function
- People who want to check out clever ways to use the whiteboard sharing feature
What is a Zoom whiteboard?
Zoom’s whiteboard function allows you to write characters on the screen like a general whiteboard.
In addition to handwritten characters, you can also write text and draw illustrations with a mouse. Also, it is very convenient because you can save the image of the whiteboard screen and review it later.
When using Zoom to talk about things that cannot be communicated well in conversations or chats, you can use the whiteboard screen to communicate smoothly.
Check compatible models
Zoom’s whiteboard sharing function can be used on computers, Androids, and iPads.
Note that other devices support video calling and chat, but not the whiteboard sharing feature.
However, you can write on the whiteboard shared by other participants.
Basic usage of the whiteboard
First, I will introduce the basic usage of Zoom’s whiteboard function.
Let’s check how to share the whiteboard screen with the participants of the web meeting and how to actually write letters.
how to share screen
When you start the Zoom meeting, there is an icon called “Screen sharing” at the bottom of the screen, so select this.
Then, multiple screens that can be shared appear in the window. Since “Whiteboard” is also displayed on the screen, you can share the whiteboard screen with participants by selecting it and pressing “Share”.
how to write
When you select Whiteboard in Screen Share, the writing tools menu will appear on your device’s screen. It is a good idea to select a tool according to what you want to write on the whiteboard.
We have summarized the features of the tools displayed on the screen on the Zoom whiteboard in a table, so please refer to it when writing.
| the name of the tool | feature |
|---|---|
| Selection | You can select what you wrote Use to move or change the size |
| text | Can enter characters Use when writing characters other than handwriting |
| draw a picture | Draw pictures and letters with a pen Convenient for drawing small illustrations and drawing lines |
| stamp | Stamps such as stars and arrows can be stamped Recommended for use when you want to make text stand out |
| Spotlight | Like a laser pointer, you can point to the part you want to emphasize When you have a meeting with multiple people, it is convenient to put your name in the spotlight |
| eraser | Erasable text, stamps, etc. Used for partial corrections |
| format | You can change the text, pen color, size, etc. Recommended when using a pen tablet |
| Undo | You can undo one task such as writing.If you press it repeatedly, you can undo two or more previous states. |
| redo | You can proceed one step forward from the operation that was undone by “Undo”.If you press it repeatedly, you can proceed two or more steps ahead. |
| erase | You can erase the contents written on the whiteboard. Convenient to use when you want to make most corrections |
| keep | A function to save the whiteboard as an image in a folder The save destination is a dedicated folder for Zoom |
how to end
When you want to finish sharing the Zoom whiteboard screen, the easiest and easiest way is to close the window with “x”.
Or press “Stop sharing” at the bottom of the screen.
The “Stop sharing” button temporarily stops screen sharing with participants, so the host can resume screen sharing at any time.
Note that the host can write on the whiteboard even while screen sharing is stopped. Of course, images can also be saved.
If you share the screen with the participants again, the latest whiteboard screen will be reflected.
Useful ways to use the whiteboard sharing function
It’s important to use Zoom’s whiteboard sharing feature wisely. Here are some concrete usage examples.
Write out and share your proposal by hand
Zoom’s whiteboard screen is characterized not only by text input, but also by handwriting.
If it is difficult to operate with a mouse, it is convenient to use a pen tablet (pen-shaped mouse).
Also, if you download Zoom to your tablet device, you can write letters, pictures, and diagrams on the screen with your finger and share them with others without a pen tablet.
Use for webinar illustrations
Many people use Zoom to conduct online seminars, but the whiteboard function is suitable for brief explanations during seminars.
If it is a simple explanation that does not require preparing materials in advance, it is enough to write it on the whiteboard.
Rather, if you use the whiteboard function, you can write in real time, so it may be easier to convey the contents to the participants. It is also a point that you can omit the preparation time of materials.
Also, although it is slightly different from the whiteboard function, it is convenient for seminars to write on shared pdf or pptx materials in the same way as the whiteboard function.
Frequently asked questions about how to use Zoom
Finally, here are three frequently asked questions about Zoom’s whiteboard screen sharing feature.
Can all meeting participants write at the same time?
Zoom’s whiteboard can be written on and shared by all participants in the web meeting. It is also possible for multiple participants to write at the same time.
If everyone writes on the Zoom whiteboard, use the comment function. In the case of a personal computer (PC), how to use the comment function is as follows.
- Share a whiteboard with the host and participants
- If you are a participant, click “Show options” at the top of the screen, then click “Comment”
- Select “Text” or “Write” on the black operation bar that appears
- Draw lines and letters with a mouse or keyboard
How far can guests operate?
If you participate in a Zoom web conference as a guest, you can basically only write and erase what you wrote.
Therefore, you cannot move your own pictures or text, or edit the host’s writing.
If you use the whiteboard function as a host, you can not only move your own writing freely, but also move and edit the guest’s writing.
What if the whiteboard does not appear?
If you don’t see Whiteboard in your screen sharing options, you’ll need to change your settings to use the feature.
- Sign in to the official Zoom website
- Go to the “Settings” page
- Scroll down to “Whiteboard” at the bottom of the page
- Change the “Whiteboard” toggle switch to blue (ON)
What if the whiteboard function does not work well?
If Zoom’s whiteboard feature doesn’t work well, you can’t write on it, or you can’t share it, take the following measures.
- Ask the host to allow you to use the feature
- Restart your Zoom device
- Update your device/Zoom
- use other devices
If you are a participant in a web meeting instead of the host, you may need to ask for permission to write on the whiteboard.
Ask your host to change the whiteboard settings.
summary
Zoom is a tool that not only allows you to talk face-to-face with a person in a remote location over the screen, but also allows you to communicate online using a whiteboard.
If it is difficult to convey the nuances in words or if it is easier to understand each other’s images with pictures, it is a good idea to use Zoom’s whiteboard function.
Please refer to the contents introduced this time and make the most of Zoom’s functions for smooth communication.