Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype etc. Video conferencing applications such as video conferencing are witnessing an increase in demand. Along with video calls, screen sharing is also one of the sought-after features. Google got on the train with Google Meet and made it free for everyone. Google Meet comes with an easy-to-use interface, screen sharing feature, and various extensions that enhance Google Meet features.
The share screen is probably one of the most important features of Google Meet. During your work-from-home routine, you may need someone’s help to troubleshoot problems. You can start Google Meet, call your seniors, and share the screen for guidance. You can also use the Whiteboard function for better understanding.
In this post, we will explain how to use Screen Sharing in Google Meet and how you can use some extensions to upgrade Google Meet sharing features.
Share Screen on Google Meet
Unfortunately, Google Meet’s screen sharing feature is limited to the current screen or windows opened in the background. The software cannot share iPhone/iPad screen, share files directly from cloud storage services, etc. Follow the steps below to share the screen on Google Meet.
Stage 1: Open Google Meet on the web.
Step 2: To join an ongoing meeting, enter a meeting code or use the ‘Start Meeting’ option.
Stage 3: You have two options here. You can create a meeting or use the ‘Present’ button to start screen sharing directly.
Step 4: Select join now and the interface will create the Google Meet group call. Tap the meeting details tab and select ‘Copy Join Information’. You can share the link with others to let them join the meeting.
Step 5: Tap the member tab at the top to make sure everyone joins the meeting.
Pro tip: You can tap the three-dot menu at the bottom and choose the grid view to fit everyone on one screen.
Step 6: Tap on ‘Serve Now’ at the bottom and you have two options – Your Entire Screen or a Window.
Step 7: Choose an option and press ‘Share’. Google Meet will start screen sharing with attendees.
You will see a small toolbar showing that screen sharing is currently enabled. You can hide it or use the toolbar to stop sharing.
Unfortunately, Google Meet does not offer any additional functionality for annotations. Also, you cannot use the Whiteboard feature provided by Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Here is a workaround. Google Meet is a web-based service. You can always use extensions from the Chrome web store to enhance the Google Meet functionality. One such extension is Google Meet Plus.
Use Whiteboard in Google Meet
Google Meet Plus is a must-have extension for all Google Meet users. The extension enables many features not found in Google Meet software. We will use the Google Meet Plus extension to add core features like Whiteboard, push to talk, emoji responses in the software.
First of all, you need to download the Google Meet Plus extension from the Chrome store.
The next time you use the Google Meet service, the extension activates the toolbar in the upper left corner.
You can tap the whiteboard icon to activate the software’s functionality. Remember to start screen sharing before attendees can look at your current screen.
Here is the list of functions offered by Google Meet Plus Whiteboard:
- Pencil
- Shapes like Rectangle, Circle, Ellipse, Line
- text
- Duster
You can use these editing tools and show the topic in detail to the participants. As for Text, you can change the font style, size and change the border density of such shapes.
After brainstorming on the whiteboard, you can download the whiteboard image for later use. Other Google Meet Plus functions include using emoji reactions, a built-in timer to keep track of an ongoing meeting, a mute button, and more.
Chat During Screen Sharing
This is useful when you want to chat while screen sharing. Participants may have some doubts about what you tell about screen sharing. They can use the chat menu to ask questions. Admin can browse ongoing chat in chat menu and manage screen sharing process accordingly.
While the screen sharing process is in progress, simply tap the chat icon in the upper right corner and chat with the team.
Start Screen Sharing on Google Meet
When working from home, Screen Sharing is one of the most used functions. We always use it to troubleshoot problems, clear doubts, and guide team members through the project process. How does your team use Screen sharing? Share your experience with Google Meet in the comments section below.
Next: Do you want to master Google Meet software? Read the post below to find the best Google Meet tips and tricks.
