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How to Use the Apple Freeform App

Let us learn about How to Use the Apple Freeform App. We will try to discuss, understand and explain the topic in detail.

Even though the Notes app is fantastic and has respectable collaboration features, there was a gap. Apple has released the Freeform app for iPhone and iPad, a useful whiteboard tool, to fill the need. Please continue reading to learn more about the Apple Freeform app and how to utilize it.

After several hours of trying and investigating the Freeform app, this tutorial was produced. As a result, be prepared to receive plenty of advice, tactics, and intriguing insights. Let’s start:

WHAT IS THE FREEFORM APP BY APPLE FOR THE IPHONE AND IPAD?

Apple created the digital whiteboard software Freeform for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Users may work together on a variety of tasks, both personal and professional.

The projects, or the board as Apple refers, function much like a large canvas. You may scribble down thoughts, observations, and plans, add photographs, videos, links, and more, whether travelling alone or in a group. Everyone involved in a project may communicate instantly using FaceTime or iMessage.

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Conditions for Using the Freeform App

To use Freeform, you’ll need at least one of the following gadgets:

  • iPhone with iOS 16.2 or a later version.
  • Using an iPad with iPad 16.2 or later.
  • On a Mac with macOS Ventura 13.1 or later

HOW TO SET UP FREEFORM ON AN IPAD AND AN PHONE?

Use the Apple Freeform App

It’s best to confirm that Freeform is activated and synchronized with your iCloud before we get started.

  • First, open the Settings application and select Your Name/Display Picture.
  • Next, select iCloud.
  • Then, select Show All here (under the App Using iCloud section).
  • After that, scroll down and activate the Freeform option.

Note: Toggle on Select and Scroll in the Apple Pencil section of Settings if you use the Apple Pencil.

HOW TO OPEN A BOARD IN THE FREEFORM APP FOR APPLE?

The supported device’s Home Screen or App Library should instantly display the Freeform app. However, you may get it from the App Store by clicking the link below if you can’t locate it.

A welcome message will appear the first time you launch the App. To construct your first board, tap Continue.

The canvas where you may make notes, write down plans, and work with others is the magic is happening right now. Grids are defaulted on the board, page, or project (or whatever name you choose).

You are free to adjust the zoom level as desired. The board has a toolbar at the bottom of the page and several tools on top, as you can see from the screenshot up top, so let’s take a closer look at each feature.

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A NOTE CAN BE ADDED AND MODIFIED TO YOUR FREEFORM BOARD.

Click the Note symbol on your board (bottom-left corner). Instantly, a vibrant square note will appear.

Text to enter. Tap it twice to begin typing. You may change the font size, style, and text alignment from the toolbar above the keyboard. Additionally, if necessary, you may also create lists. When you’re done writing, press return.

Use the Apple Freeform App:

  • To resize the note, tap it, then grasp a blue dot from any corner and move it outward or inward to change the size of the square.
  • Detach the note: To move the note to any desired area, press, hold, drag, and drop it.
  • Change the note: To get various editing options, tap it. You can, here,
  • The note’s color should be changed.
  • Change the font’s style and size.
  • Duplicate.
  • To access other choices, such as:
  • Delete.
  • control layers (Bring the note forward or return it)
  • You won’t be able to move it across the board if it is locked.
  • Cut or copy.
  • Copy and paste the note’s style.
  • Description (may be utilized by assistive technology for voice-over) (can be used by assistive technology for voice-over)

DIRECTIONS FOR ADDING SHAPES TO THE FREEFORM BOARD

To access a wide selection of shapes and icons that are neatly organized under several categories, tap the Shape (second icon). If you want anything specific, touch the search icon and start typing.

Choose your preferred form and drop it onto the board. To change the size, drag and tap the blue dots.

Text to add: Any form may be double-tapped to begin writing.

Change the Shape’s look: Once you’ve tapped the Shape symbol, you may:

  • A  distinct color (you can even use the picker tool for the desired tool).
  • Add a border in your chosen color and width.
  • Modify the text’s orientation, color, and size.
  • Duplicate.
  • Lastly, Delete.

The other menu: The three-dot symbol brings up tools resembling notes when you tap it. However, there are also three more intriguing and practical choices in the mix:

  • Break down
  • Text Size Auto
  • Limit proportions

ADDING A TEXT BOX TO A FREEFORM

This one is quite simple. Place the text box where you want it to be by tapping the text box (centre icon). Next, adjust the size by dragging the blue dots in or out. Double-tap to insert text.

For additional possibilities, tap the text box:

  • Change the color of the text.
  • Text format.
  • Duplicate.
  • Delete.

The menu offers standard choices.

HOW TO DRAW FREEFORM ON AN IPAD OR AN IPHONE

Select the Markup icon, which is the final one from the bottom.

You will have access to the standard set of tools, but you cannot sign papers in this location. Draw with the tool of your choosing.

Long-press the tool to alter the opacity or size of the pen, brush, or eraser. Tap the color wheel to change the color. Press “Done” when you’re done.

Tap the sketch if you want to make changes. Choose the preferred tool, then begin editing.

FREEFORM SUGGESTIONS AND TIPS:

We discovered several hidden surprises on the Freeform board while examining it. Enjoy!

  • Remove background from photos: Freeform now includes Apple’s most recent background-removal technology. Add the image, tap it, choose the Eye symbol, tap and hold the topic until a white line appears, and then choose Copy.
  • Shadows and rounded corners: The media files in the board come with these features by default. Uncheck Shadow and Round Corners by tapping the More (three-dot) icon to eliminate them.
  • The playback speed: Tap the video and choose the Eye symbol. Here, pick the preferred speed by tapping the More icon Playback Speed. Additionally, you may use AirPlay, mute, and remove the text from the video from this point.
  • Tap any vacant place on the board and choose Things to pick numerous objects. You may press the once you’re ready or Select All items on the board. Additionally, you may resize or reposition the chosen items.

Now that we’ve shown you how to utilize the freeform board to its full potential, let’s learn how to handle it.

USE THE IPHONE AND IPAD TO MANAGE THE FREEFORM BOARD

Despite its limitations, Freeform provides some effective board management and organization setup possibilities. Tap the More icon in the top bar to get to the settings. Simply press the New Board icon in the top-right to start a new Freeform board from this page.

Tip: You may change the text in addition to searching all of it. A search bar appears when you select Find from the list of options. You may access these choices by clicking the down arrow next to the search button, as seen in the picture on the right.

Guidelines dictate the arrangement of things on the board when placing them near one another (observe the screenshot below). Depending on your needs, you can enable or disable these rules.

Toggle the following parameters on or off to do this by going to Settings Freeform:

  • Middle Guide
  • Edge Guidance
  • Span Orientations

You may design and operate the board in this manner. After that, let’s move on to learning how to invite people to work with you on any Freeform board.

How to Collaborate and Share on Freeform Boards:

The fundamental idea is similar to sharing Notes on an iPad or iPhone. You can enlist the help of your family, close friends, or coworkers on the board. Easily choose who may view and modify the board as well.

  • In the first step, open the Freeform board you want to share.
  • From the top bar, tap the Share icon.
  • Tap “Only invited persons may edit” under Collaboration to customize the collaboration option.
  • Review the appropriate selections for Permissions and Who Can Access here.
  • Next, turn “Allows others to invite” on or off, then touch Done.
  • You have two options for choosing the contacts: use the share sheet or the applications menu to slide to the Invite with Link option.

When the receiver approves the request, you’ll be informed. Moreover, you may get notifications whenever someone changes the board due to Apple’s most recent project collaboration tool, Messages.

It’s interesting to note that each contributor will have their cursor on the board. You may use this to see in real-time who is working on what.

Things that we wish will soon be available in the Apple Freeform app:

We know that Freeform comes with many features, but a heart wants what a heart desires, right? While the software is fantastic, we lack features like tags, mentions, smart folders, and other elements included in Notes and Reminders.

Have you ever used Freeform? Is it the top iPad and iPhone whiteboard app? What more features would you want to see added to Freeform? Tell us in the comments section. Finally, we discussed Using the Apple Freeform App in this article.

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