Using Present Canvas in Zoom Whiteboard
The Present Canvas feature allows you to share your whiteboard with one click so all participants see exactly what you see. When you enter Present mode, participants are placed in view-only mode and their view is locked to yours.
Requirements for using Present Canvas
- The feature is available in meetings or webinars using the supported canvas/whiteboard product version
- Presenter must have sharing permissions for the board
How to start Present mode
- Open a whiteboard.
- At the top right toolbar, click Present mode to switch the board into the locked view mode.
All participants are automatically set to view-only mode and their view follows your viewport in real time.The board view is cleared of editing distractions for participants.
How to use presenter controls
Once Present mode is active, a presenter bar appears at the bottom of your screen with several control options:
- Use the gear icon to toggle whether your editing tools are visible or hidden during the presentation.
- Use the built-in laser pointer tool to guide participant attention to specific areas on the board.
- When finished, end Present mode to return the board to normal collaborator mode.
How participants experience Present mode
While Present mode is active:
- Participants cannot move, edit, or draw on the board.
- Their view is locked to your current viewport and scroll/zoom position.
- Participants focus on the content you’re presenting without navigating away.
- All participants in the session are switched to view-only mode when Present mode is initiated.
Best practices for Present Canvas
When to use Present mode
- Lead a teaching or training session where you control the flow of content.
- Prevent participants from altering the board during a demo or walkthrough.
- Keep the audience focused on your view without distractions from participant actions.
Best practices
- Announce at the start that the board is in view-only mode and participants should follow along.
- Use the laser pointer to highlight key items as you move through the board.
- Hide your editing tools if you want a clean presentation view without tool distractions.
- End Present mode when you want to re-enable collaboration and editing.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I allow participants to draw while in Present mode?
- No. Present mode places participants in view-only. To allow drawing, exit Present mode or switch to edit/collaborate mode.
- Does Present mode restrict only certain participants?
- No. When Present mode is initiated, all participants in the session are switched to view-only and their view is locked.
- Can the presenter still edit the board?
- Yes. The presenter retains full control and can decide whether or not their editing tools are visible via the gear icon in the presenter bar.