Using Private Mode in Zoom Whiteboard

Private Mode is a helpful facilitation tool in Zoom Whiteboard that allows meeting participants to generate sticky notes and ideas privately, without being influenced by others. By temporarily hiding sticky notes from view, Private Mode ensures that each person can contribute independently and share their thoughts freely.

Requirements for using private mode in Zoom Whiteboard

• Zoom desktop app for Windows, macOS, or Linux: Global minimum version or higher
• Zoom mobile app for Android or iOS: Global minimum version or higher
• Zoom web portal

How to use Private Mode during a meeting

1. Start your meeting or webinar from the Zoom desktop app.
2. From the whiteboard toolbar, click on the Facilitation Tools icon at the top and select Private Mode.
3. Once activated, any sticky notes added or edited will be hidden from view for everyone except the author.
4. All participants automatically join the Private Mode session, while users outside the meeting are unaffected.
5. Private Mode controls will be displayed at the top of the screen, allowing you to manage the session as needed.

How to end Private Mode

1. The person who started the Private Mode session, or a designated board owner, can press the End Private Mode button to conclude the session.
2. After Private Mode ends, all previously hidden sticky notes will be revealed to all participants.
3. A notification will appear, showing who ended the session.

Who can manage Private Mode sessions

The following individuals can manage and end a Private Mode session:

• The person who shared the whiteboard in the meeting
• Board owners
• The individual who started the Private Mode session
• Meeting owners

Best practices for using Private Mode

• Control group dynamics: Use Private Mode to reduce groupthink and allow participants to express their ideas independently.
• Focused ideation: Activate Private Mode during brainstorming sessions or retrospectives to provide participants with the space to think and create without distractions.
• Collaborative reveal: After ending Private Mode, encourage participants to share their sticky notes and discuss their insights openly.

Private Mode FAQs

• What is Private Mode, and how does it work?
  • Private Mode hides sticky notes while participants create or edit them. Once the session ends, all hidden notes are revealed to everyone.
   
• Does Private Mode affect all whiteboard objects?
  • No, Private Mode currently only affects sticky notes.
   
• Who can see the sticky notes during Private Mode?
  • Only the author can see their own sticky notes while Private Mode is active.
   
• How do I know if a session is in Private Mode?
  • A Private Mode indicator will appear at the top of the whiteboard, along with a notification message when the mode is active.
   
• What happens when Private Mode ends?
  • All sticky notes created or edited during the session are revealed to all participants, promoting transparency.