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Free online whiteboard for collaboration

These versatile, digital tools enhance real-time collaboration and creativity on an infinite canvas.
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What is an online whiteboard?

Online whiteboards are digital, free-form canvases designed to facilitate teamwork and visual expression in new ways. You can access a whiteboard online from mobile and desktop devices, making collaboration seamless and convenient.

Key features

  • Interactive tools, such as sticky notes and drawing
  • Pre-built templates for various tasks
  • Can be used on any device
  • Works seamlessly in collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams

Download the Whiteboard app

Get the app for Windows

Download the app for windows

 Get the app for iOS

Download the app for IOS

Get the app for Android

Download the app for Android

Advantages of digital whiteboards

Digital whiteboards, also known as online whiteboards, are interactive platforms that allow people to collaborate in real time on a shared canvas. They come equipped with features such as sticky notes, drawing tools, built-in media support, and pre-built templates. Many online whiteboards are accessible from multiple devices, making them well-suited for hybrid and remote work. Some, such as Microsoft Whiteboard, also offer advanced privacy features to help ensure data security.

Enhanced productivity

Digital whiteboards streamline project planning and execution by providing a centralized space for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and tracking progress. They help teams to visualize complex concepts and workflows, making it easier to identify bottlenecks and optimize processes. The ability to bring together images, files, and other content with a free whiteboard ensures that all relevant information is readily available, reducing the time spent searching for resources.

Improved collaboration

One of the key benefits of digital whiteboards is their ability to facilitate seamless collaboration among team members, regardless of location. They support real-time interaction, allowing anyone with access to contribute ideas, provide feedback, and make decisions. This inclusivity ensures that everyone can participate in the creative process, leading to more diverse and innovative solutions. Digital canvases such as Microsoft Whiteboard also work with collaboration platforms such as Teams, further enhancing communication and teamwork.

Interactive features

Virtual whiteboards such as Microsoft Whiteboard offer a range of interactive tools and features designed to enhance productivity and teamwork:

   
  • Sticky notes—one of the most popular features, they allow anyone to quickly jot down ideas, organize thoughts, and create visual reminders. Sticky notes can be color-coded and resized, making them a flexible tool for brainstorming sessions and project planning.
  • Drawing features—pens, highlighters, and shapes can be customized by color and thickness. 
  • Uploading media—anyone can add content from various sources, including images, PDFs, presentations, and documents.
  • Pre-built templates—templates streamline exercises such as brainstorming, sprint planning, and project development.
  • Infinite canvas—this unlimited whiteboard offers endless space with various background colors and grid options.
  • Real-time collaboration—presence bubbles indicate where your teammates are working in real time.
  • Accessibility—features such as Narrator, alt text, and keyboard shortcuts ensure any employee can collaborate.
  • Cloud storage—Boards are saved automatically in the cloud so employees can access the latest version wherever they are.

Accessing online whiteboards

Electronic whiteboards are designed to be accessible from both mobile and desktop devices, ensuring seamless and convenient collaboration for everyone.

Desktop

Microsoft Whiteboard can be accessed from desktop devices running Windows 10 or newer. You can download the free Whiteboard app or use the browser version, which doesn’t require any installation. The desktop version offers a comprehensive set of features, including during meetings in Teams.

Mobile

You can also access Whiteboard on your smartphone or tablet by downloading the app for iOS or Android, or by using a mobile browser. It still provides a full-featured experience to create, edit, and collaborate. This flexibility is particularly useful for remote work and on-the-go collaboration.

Practical industry applications

Virtual whiteboards aren’t only for project management. They can enhance productivity in various industries:

   
  • Education—Teachers can create engaging lessons on a large whiteboard and visualize complex concepts through whiteboard drawings. Students can collaborate on projects, exchange ideas, and receive prompt feedback.
  • Professional services—Teams can use whiteboards for brainstorming, iterating, innovating, and sparking creative ideas. They can also visualize workflows, track progress, and draft documents. Microsoft Whiteboard in Teams allows for real-time collaboration during meetings and asynchronous work.
  • Advertising and design—Artists, designers, and writers can use whiteboards to sketch ideas, organize thoughts, and collaborate with others. The infinite canvas and interactive tools make it easy to visualize and iterate on creative concepts.
  • Healthcare—Nurses and practitioners can facilitate remote consultations and treatment planning with their patients.
  • Engineering—Engineers can visualize complex design concepts for clients and conduct problem-solving sessions with team members.

Using Whiteboard in Teams

Microsoft Whiteboard seamlessly incorporates into Teams to bring real-time collaboration to every meeting. On the left task bar in Teams, choose the Apps button and search for the Whiteboard app.


Make sure to pin the app to your task bar. You can create new boards before meetings and share them with your coworkers mid-conversation to enhance:
   
  • Productivity—streamline project planning and execution with templates and interactive tools in a centralized space.
  • Collaboration—facilitate teamwork among coworkers, regardless of their physical location.
  • Accessibility—ensure that collaboration is inclusive for everyone, making it easy for all participants to contribute.
  • Visual Expression—work together and find new ways to iterate, innovate, and spark creative ideas.

Maximize your experience

To get the most out of your free online whiteboard, follow these best practices for effective collaboration and brainstorming:

   
  1. Set clear objectives. Define the goals of the brainstorming session. What problem are you trying to solve? What ideas are you looking to generate? Clear objectives help keep the session focused.
  2. Invite participants. Ensure all relevant team members are invited and have access to the whiteboard. Use the easy invitation feature to add participants.
  3. Create a structured space. Use templates to organize ideas and prevent the conversation from derailing.
  4. Use interactive elements. Take advantage of sticky notes, images, diagrams, and color coding to make the session visually engaging and easy to follow.
  5. Encourage collaboration. Encourage participants to contribute in real time. Presence bubbles can indicate where teammates are working.
  6. Foster an inclusive environment. Make sure everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. Use features such as voting and reactions to gather opinions.
  7. Summarize and share. Note key points and ideas generated during the session. Use the export feature to save the whiteboard as an image or document and share it with the team.
  8. Schedule a follow-up session. Refine and develop the ideas further. Use the whiteboard to track progress and updates.
  9.  
To help keep your ideas and tasks organized, use the templates included in Microsoft Whiteboard:
 
  • Brainstorming templates can help to organize ideas and generate solutions. These templates provide ways for drafting problem statements, ideas, and action items.
  • Example: A marketing team creates a mood board for a creative project. They jot down ideas on sticky notes and add images to better visualize their concept.
  • Project planning templates help outline project goals, tasks, timelines, and responsibilities.
  • Example: A product development team uses the daily stand-up template to organize morning meetings and go over assignments.
  • Strategy templates can help teams evaluate assumptions, pros and cons, and analyze information.
  • Example: A business strategy team can use the SWOT analysis template to assess the competitive landscape and identify areas for improvement.

Transform teamwork with Microsoft

Microsoft Whiteboard is a versatile tool that enhances teamwork by providing a dynamic platform for collaboration. Equipped with interactive features for brainstorming, drawing options for visual representation, and media uploading for rich content sharing, these tools are designed to foster creative and productive exchanges among team members. It’s also accessible on any device which ensures seamless participation.


This free online whiteboard emphasizes security by incorporating advanced privacy measures, allowing teams to confidently share and protect their ideas while working efficiently toward their goals.
Start using Microsoft Whiteboard to enhance productivity and improve collaboration with interactive tools.

Additional resources

Product

Explore Microsoft Whiteboard

Visualize your ideas in a collaborative and inclusive way.
Learn more
Support

Get Started with Whiteboard

Brainstorm, plan, and share with others on a digital canvas, all in real time.
Learn more
Blog

Whiteboard in Teams

Run more effective meetings, visualize ideas, and work creatively with your team.
Read the blog

Frequently asked questions

  • A digital whiteboard is an online, interactive canvas that facilitates real-time collaboration and creativity. It includes features such as sticky notes, drawing tools, media uploading, and templates. Accessible from any device, it enhances productivity and supports remote work.
  • Electronic whiteboards enhance productivity by providing a centralized space for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and tracking progress through real-time collaboration.
  • Yes, Microsoft Whiteboard is free and can be accessed from mobile devices, desktop apps, and web browsers.
  • Yes. Microsoft Whiteboard works seamlessly with Teams, allowing participants to collaborate during meetings.
  • Yes. Simply open the meeting invite in the Teams app, select the Whiteboard tab, and start creating your whiteboard. It will be automatically shared with meeting invitees, allowing them to collaborate on it before and during the meeting.
  • You can access Microsoft Whiteboard through the app on any device or web browser. Create a new whiteboard and invite participants by sharing the link. Collaborate with your team using interactive tools and templates to stay organized.

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