Create and edit Whiteboards

Create and edit Whiteboards when planning is easier with shapes, freeform layout, connectors, sketches, or visual grouping. A Whiteboard stays connected to the same Space and Collections structure as Lists, Docs, Dashboards, and Goals.

Before you start

• You need create access to add a Whiteboard.
• You need edit access to change the title or canvas.
• Real-time collaboration and uploaded assets require network connectivity.
• Very large canvases may require more device memory and screen space.

Create a Whiteboard

1. Open Collections or the folder where the Whiteboard should live.
2. Select Add.
3. Choose Whiteboard.
4. Enter a clear name.
5. Add the first objects that define the topic.

Expected outcome: the Whiteboard appears in the current Collection/folder and can be reopened from Collections, Search, Command Center, or related links.

Canvas Reference

Area or control	What it does	Notes
Canvas	Main visual planning area.	Pan and zoom as needed.
Drawing and shape tools	Add visual objects when available.	Tool availability depends on canvas mode and device size.
Text and note objects	Capture labels, ideas, and short explanations.	Use Docs for long-form writing.
Connectors	Show relationships between objects.	Keep diagrams readable by avoiding excessive crossings.
Asset/image support	Adds visual references when upload is available.	Upload requires network connectivity.
Collaboration presence	Lets collaborators work on the same canvas.	Collaboration is enabled only while online.
Title	Renames the Whiteboard through Settings.	Disabled without edit access.
Version History	Reviews or restores earlier canvas versions.	Use before replacing current work.

Build a Useful Whiteboard

1. Start with the question, goal, or decision at the top.
2. Add key ideas as separate objects.
3. Group related ideas visually.
4. Use connectors only when relationships matter.
5. Move decisions into Docs or Tasks when they become action-ready.

Collaboration Behavior

• Online collaborators can see updates in the shared canvas.

• Offline users may not see or publish changes until the connection returns.

• If multiple users edit at once, confirm the final state before closing important planning sessions.

• Mobile is better for review, small edits, and quick comments during a meeting.

• Touch interactions can differ from pointer interactions. Use simpler layouts when many mobile users need access.

Troubleshooting

Canvas tools are missing

• Symptom: You cannot find drawing, object, or editing tools.
• Cause: The Whiteboard may be read-only, the screen may be too small, or the tool is hidden by current mode.
• Resolution:
  1. Confirm edit access.
  2. Open the Whiteboard on a wider screen if detailed editing is needed.
  3. Check whether you are viewing a public read-only link.

Whiteboard is slow

• Symptom: Pan, zoom, or object editing feels delayed.
• Cause: The canvas may contain many objects, the browser may be under memory pressure, or sync may be delayed.
• Resolution:
  1. Close unused browser tabs.
  2. Refresh the Whiteboard.
  3. Split very large planning boards into smaller Whiteboards.

Uploaded content does not appear

• Symptom: An image or asset is missing after upload.
• Cause: Upload failed, the app went offline, or the asset did not save.
• Resolution:
  1. Confirm network connectivity.
  2. Try uploading again.
  3. Keep the original file until the canvas shows it correctly.