Using Presentation mode in Zoom Whiteboard

Presentation mode turns your Zoom Whiteboard into a slide-style presentation. You can organize your content with frames that work like slides, then guide viewers through them with specialized presentation tools. During a presentation, only the presenter controls navigation, and other participants can't edit the board, ensuring everyone stays focused on the same content.

Requirements for presentation mode

• Zoom desktop app for Windows, macOS, or Linux: Global minimum version or higher
• Zoom Web App
• Zoom Whiteboard enabled for your account by an administrator
• At least one frame on the canvas

Note: If you don’t see Presentation mode, contact your Zoom administration to ensure the feature is enabled for your account.

How to create frames for your presentation

1. Create or open a whiteboard.
2. In the toolbar on the left side of the screen, click the Frame icon.
3. Draw frames around the areas you want to present.
   Each frame will become a slide in your presentation.
4. (Optional) Rename your frames to create a clear agenda (e.g., Intro, Problem, Solution, Next steps):
   1. Click on a frame to select it.
   2. In the frame's halo contextual menu, click on the frame name.
   3. Type a new name.

How to start presentation mode

Start from the top-right menu

1. In the top-right corner, click the More tools icon.
2. Choose Presentation to open the Presentation panel.

Start from a frame

1. Select a frame on the canvas by clicking on it.
2. In the frame’s halo contextual menu, click the Present frames icon to start presenting from that frame.

Note: When Presentation mode is active, the person who started it becomes the host. Only the host can navigate frames; other participants cannot edit the board or move between frames on their own.

How to navigate frames and use presenter tools

1. Use the Previous/Next controls to move through frames like slides.
2. Alternatively, click a frame directly in the Presentation panel to jump to it.
3. In the bottom menu, use the Laser pointer to highlight areas as you speak.

Note: Essential editor tools remain available to the host (e.g., pan/zoom, undo/redo). Viewers follow your view.

How to reorder frames

1. Open Presentation mode.
2. In the Presentation panel, drag and drop frames to reorder them.
3. The new order becomes your slide sequence.

How to exit presentation mode

1. Click Stop.
   Editing and free navigation are restored for everyone.

Note: When you exit Presentation mode, editing capabilities and free navigation are restored for all participants.

Tips for effective presentations

• Plan your story: Name frames in the order you want to present.
• One topic per frame: Avoid clutter; duplicate frames to create simple “build” steps.
• Use the laser pointer: Keep attention on key details during demos.
• Mix media: Combine diagrams, images, and sticky notes for engaging “slides”.

Frequently asked questions

• Who can start Presentation mode?
  • Anyone with edit access to the board can start it and become the host for that session.

• Can participants edit or move around during the presentation?
  • No. While Presentation mode is active, only the host can navigate frames or make edits.

• Can I jump to a specific frame?
  • Yes. Click the frame name directly in the Presentation panel.

• Does Presentation mode change my content?
  • No. It only controls navigation and audience view.

Troubleshooting

• Play button not visible on a frame: Select a frame first (highlight the whole frame or click a blank area in the frame); the halo contextual menu appears on frame selection.
• Participants can’t edit during presentation: This is expected behavior in Presentation mode. Exit the presentation to restore editing capabilities for all participants.
• Laser pointer missing: Confirm you’re in Presentation mode and check the bottom menu for the pointer tool.