Microsoft Whiteboard - Overview, Logging in and Training links

Overview

Whiteboard is a digital canvas used to brainstorm, plan, and share ideas in real time within a variety of different platforms, such as: a web browser, Microsoft Teams, Windows, iOS and Android. As content is added to the Whiteboard, you can see who is adding this and content to the canvas is saved instantly.

Procedures

Open Whiteboard

1. Go to https://whiteboard.office.com/
2. Click the New Whiteboard icon.
3. You can choose to Start with blank canvas or use a pre-defined template.

Templates appear showing pre-defined and my Templates to choose from as well as whiteboards shared with me.

[Whiteboard template screen highlighting template selections on the left and Start with blank canvas button in the upper right]

Working on the Whiteboard

When choosing the option to Start with a blank canvas, the whiteboard opens showing a blank workspace and a tool bar appears at the bottom with many options to choose from.

[Workspace tool bar located at the bottom of the canvas]

Naming the Whiteboard

1. Click the drop-down arrow to the right of Whiteboard located in the upper left corner of the whiteboard screen.
2. Type a new name and then click the check mark to the right to rename. This new name now appears.

[Board name showing new whiteboard name]

Saving a Canvas

The canvas is automatically saved once you close the app or when you click the Home icon in the upper left corner. The Home icon shows all the whiteboards you created.

[Home screen showing icons of already created whiteboards]

Bottom toolbar

[Bottom toolbar icons and their descriptions]

Drawing

1. From the toolbar, choose the Add shape or line icon  
2. Choose one of the options, and then click and draw that object on the whiteboard.

[Add shape or line icon selections from the bottom toolbar]

The shape appears with an object toolbar where you can add and format text, change the object color, border color, text style, and add a comment.

3. Click the ellipses ". . ." to see more options.

[More options selections below an Add text box]

Format Canvas Background

1. Click the Settings icon located in the upper right of the whiteboard screen.
2. Choose Format background.

[Format background selection highlighted from the settings icon]

3. Choose a background color and/or Grid.

[Format background color and grid selections]

Enhance inked shapes

Allows you to draw a shape on the whiteboard and instantly the shape accurately sharpens the lines.

1. Click the settings icon, and then click the Enhance inked shapes slider to the right.

[Under the settings area, the Enhance inked shapes feature is turned on]

Adding an Templates/Images/Documents/Loop components/Videos and Links

1. Click the ellipses ". . ." to see more options.
2. Make a selection.

[More options feature showing the following selections: Templates/Images/Documents/Loop components/Videos and Links]

Clear the Canvas

1. Right click on a blank area of the canvas and choose Clear canvas.

[Selections that appear by right clicking on a blank area of a canvas]

2. Click Confirm. 

Share the Whiteboard Canvas

1. Click the Share button located in the upper right corner.
2. At the Share dialog box Add a name, group or email as well as a message (optional)
3. Click Send.

Sample of the email the recipient receives.

[Sample of the email that the recipient receives when a whiteboard is shared]

Using Whiteboard in Teams

Whiteboard in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Whiteboard Explain; Great Tool for Microsoft Teams - Video

Using Whiteboard in Teams 2024 - Percipio Video

Sharing & using the whiteboard in Teams 2023 - Percipio Video

References/Links 

Getting Started with Microsoft Whiteboard

Microsoft Whiteboard Tutorial for Educators (Beginner's Guide) - Video

Whiteboard help and learning

Tips and Tricks for Microsoft Whiteboard

Last Reviewed:  02-Apr-2025