How to Use a Whiteboard in Microsoft Teams 1

How to Use a Whiteboard in Microsoft Teams

In response to the growing popularity of Slack, Microsoft finally announced Microsoft Teams for organizations. In addition, the software giant continues to add new features to Teams. While competing closely with Slack, Zoom, and others, Microsoft emphasizes collaboration as a specific component of its Teams app. When it comes to collaboration, Teams allows users to create, share and chat Whiteboards while working together.

Microsoft has added background blur for video calls, pop-up chats and meeting windows, Outlook add-in, and more in Teams. Among them, Whiteboard is one of the best features for collaborating with team members efficiently.

Microsoft Teams already allows the admin to share the screen with team members. However, if you want to brainstorm with the participants, you can opt for the Whiteboard function during videos.

The Whiteboard function is only available in desktop apps. In this post, we’ll guide you on how to access Whiteboard in Microsoft Teams, the features it offers, and other tips and tricks for video calls in Teams software. Lets start.

How to Access the Whiteboard in Microsoft Teams

As I mentioned earlier, Whiteboard in Microsoft Teams is only available for desktop apps, not mobile apps. When using Microsoft Teams on Windows or Mac, you also cannot use Whiteboard in a direct chat with a team member. Only available in team channels. To use it, follow the steps below.

Stage 1: From the Microsoft Teams app, click the Teams tab in the sidebar. Select a Team from there and navigate to the relevant channel.

Step 2: To add a new channel, press the three-dot menu next to the Team name and create a channel. Add members to it.

Stage 3: In the submenu of the channel, you will see the Meet now option. Tap on it and it will start a group video call between team members. You can also add a related topic before starting the video call.

find now

Step 4: On the video call screen, you will see a toolbar that gives you access to functions such as mute, background effects, chat functionality, and screen sharing.

In relation :  How to Disable Apple TV Remote Support on Your MacBook Pro

Step 5: When you select the screen sharing option, it will ask you to select from the available desktop, open windows, PowerPoint slides, browse files on PC/Mac, other Teams channel or OneDrive.

women's teams whiteboard

Step 6: Finally, you will see the Whiteboard section that offers two options – Microsoft Whiteboard and Freehand by Invision. Select Microsoft Whiteboard and it will open the Whiteboard for you.

InVision is a specialized UI/UX design tool that designers use to design the user interface, and Freehand tools are similar to Microsoft Whiteboard.

Whiteboard Drawing Features

Microsoft provides a number of drawing options when using the Whiteboard. You can use the standard Pen tool in Red, Black, Blue and Green to illustrate the strategy.

whiteboard ms teams

You can also use the eraser tool, which allows you to remove the irrelevant part from the Whiteboard. The motion tool is my favourite. You can use it to move the Whiteboard or keep it in a fixed section.

Since trackpads on Windows laptops can be a mixed bag, I recommend using a mouse to draw or scribble using the Pen tool.

After you finish brainstorming, you may want to save the rough image and ideas as an image on PC or Mac. For this, tap the Settings icon in the upper right corner and select Export image in SVG format.

export image

Share the Whiteboard and Chat

You can also ask others to join the stream while screen sharing. Tap the Share button above and it will create a share link. Share with others to let them join the session.

You can also use chat, mute and invite other group members to the Whiteboard. Microsoft has added all the practical options in Teams Whiteboard to make sure the admin doesn’t have to leave the stream to enable this.

Women's teams whiteboard chat

Mute allows you to mute the sound by yourself. The chat function is my favourite. It opens the side window inside the Whiteboard and allows you to chat with team members. This is a better way to communicate live with team members and they can talk to each other while whiteboard screen sharing. After the search is over, you can see the entire chat history with the Meeting name in the Channel.

Chat in MS teams

From the member tab, you can see current users in the meeting, suggested users, and even allow you to invite members from other channels.

In relation :  Microsoft Office Web vs Desktop Apps: Full Comparison & Features
Add member

shortcomings

Microsoft Whiteboard isn’t perfect either. There is no way to add text and predefined shapes like circle, arrow, line, square or more to Whiteboard. Support for adding images is also missing. Hopefully future updates bring these options.

Use Microsoft Teams Like a Pro

Most screen sharing tools offer Whiteboard functionality for brainstorming with team members. Microsoft Teams doesn’t want to be left behind. You can use it to discuss ideas, share insights with attendees, and export as an image for future reference.

Next: Want to learn more about Microsoft Teams? Read the post below to find the best tips and tricks for it.

Moyens I/O Staff has motivated you, giving you tips on technology, personal development, lifestyle and strategies that will help you.