Zoom: Annotation Tools for Share Screen and New Whiteboard

Topics Answered in this Article

This article will review the annotation toolbar that is available during a Share activity or while engaging the Whiteboard. Please keep in mind that the following references the latest version of the Zoom Workplace app.

Overview

Annotation tools can include drawing and text objects. Leaders and participants may mark-up or highlight shared content, or a Whiteboard.

Information

Annotation Tools in a Share Activity

During a Share activity, a variety of annotation tools are available for use. Leaders (hosts) and participants may engage the annotation tools. However, the leader of the meeting may lock the Share tool and deactivate annotation permissions for participants at any time during the meeting.

To view the annotation tools during a Share activity:

  • Leaders (host) - Start a Share activity and then select the Annotate on the toolbar.
  • Participants - Once the leader has started a Share activity, check for a pencil icon on the bottom-left of the Share screen. Or, on the bottom-left of the Zoom content window, find the Annotate icon, which is shaped like a pen.

An example of the Share toolbar while a Share activity is in progress.

An example of the Participant's view of the Annotate option.

The annotation toolbar may be moved on the screen via drag-and-drop. In the example below, the annotation toolbar has been expanded and dragged to the right of the content window.

Available Annotation Tools include:

  • Select - Choose this icon to return to mouse functions.
  • Text - Select Text to add text content to the whiteboard.
  • Draw - Choose Draw to draw a line on the whiteboard.
  • Stamp - Select this icon to choose from a variety of stamps to add emphasis to an item.
  • Spotlight - Choose Spotlight to add a vanishing pen comment (appears for a few seconds and then disappears) or to add emphasis with mouse selects.
  • Eraser - Select this icon to individually erase mark-ups.
  • Color - Choose the color and options of line drawings.
  • Undo - Undo the previous action.
  • Redo - Redo the precious action.
  • Clear - Clear all mark-ups from the whiteboard.
  • Save - Save the whiteboard as a .png or .pdf file

An example of a share activity and the annotation toolbar.

Annotation Tools on a Whiteboard

The annotation tools on a Classic Whiteboard are very similar to the tools available during the Share activity. The New Whiteboard, however, offers additional features like Zoom AI, templates, copy and paste, and online sticky notes.

In the example below, the New Whiteboard annotation toolbars are on the left of the whiteboard page. Select an icon and then use the mouse to add it to the board canvas. Icons include:

  • The Zoom AI Companion Sparkle
  • Text and drawing
  • Equation
  • Upload

For more information on the specific icons and features of the New Whiteboard, please review this article from Zoom.

An example of the New Whiteboard with annotation tools. 

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