Open a shared Whiteboard

A shared Whiteboard link opens a public read-only canvas. Use it when an external reviewer needs to inspect a diagram, plan, sketch, or visual board without joining the Space.

Public Whiteboard viewers can:

1. Open the public /whiteboard/… URL.
2. Review the shared canvas.
3. Pan or zoom where supported.
4. Read the current public canvas state.

Public Whiteboard viewers cannot edit the board, collaborate live, or use member-only whiteboard tools.

Before you start

• The whiteboard owner or editor must enable Publish to web for the whiteboard.
• The public link must be active.
• The whiteboard must not be archived or deleted.
• The viewer needs the correct /whiteboard/… URL.
• The public page requires network access.

How public sharing works

1. The owner publishes the whiteboard.
2. The owner copies the public whiteboard link.
3. The viewer opens the link in a browser.
4. The app loads the canvas in read-only mode.
5. The viewer reviews the visual work without changing it.

Expected outcome: The viewer can inspect the shared whiteboard without entering the Space.

Public Visibility Reference

Area	Public viewer behavior
Canvas content	Visible when the public whiteboard loads and the board still exists.
Pan and zoom	Available where supported by the viewer.
Editing tools	Hidden or disabled.
Live collaboration	Disabled for public viewers.
Libraries, member menus, and sharing settings	Hidden or disabled.
Missing-content page	Shown when the URL is inactive, wrong, archived, deleted, blank, or no longer shared.

Older whiteboard links may start with /flow/. If a new link is needed, ask the owner to copy it again from the current Whiteboard share settings.

Open the shared Whiteboard

1. Open the public Whiteboard link you received.
2. Wait for the canvas to load.
3. Confirm the whiteboard content matches what you expected.
4. Pan or zoom if needed.
5. Ask the sender for a new link if the page shows missing content.

Understand public Whiteboard limitations

Public Whiteboard pages are for review only. Use member access when a reviewer needs to edit, add comments elsewhere, or collaborate live.

Troubleshooting

The Whiteboard does not open

• Symptom: The page shows missing content.
• Cause: The public link may be inactive, incorrect, archived, deleted, blank, or no longer shared.
• Resolution:
  1. Ask the sender to confirm Publish to web is still on.
  2. Ask them to copy the public link again.
  3. Confirm the URL starts with /whiteboard/ or an older whiteboard URL.
  4. Ask whether the whiteboard was archived or deleted.

The Whiteboard opens but cannot be edited

• Symptom: Editing tools are unavailable or the canvas is not editable.
• Cause: Public Whiteboard pages are read-only.
• Resolution:
  1. Review the canvas as shared.
  2. Send feedback to the owner.
  3. Ask to be invited to the Space if you need edit access.

The canvas looks blank or incomplete

• Symptom: The public page loads, but expected shapes or drawings are missing.
• Cause: The wrong link may have been shared, the board may not have saved before sharing, or the canvas may not contain supported public content.
• Resolution:
  1. Refresh the page.
  2. Ask the sender to open the whiteboard in the app and confirm the content is saved.
  3. Ask them to copy the public link again.

FAQ

Do I need an account to open a public Whiteboard?

No. Public Whiteboard links are intended for external viewing without sign-in.

Can I make changes on the public Whiteboard page?

No. Public Whiteboard pages are read-only.

Why does the public Whiteboard show fewer tools than the app?

Public view is designed for review, so editing and collaboration tools are hidden or disabled.