What is Freeform and how do you use it? We’ll explain what it is and how to use the Freeform application on Mac, iPad, and iPhone below.
What is Freeform?
Apple describes Freeform as a ‘boundless canvas for creativity’ and that’s a pretty accurate description. In essence, it’s an infinitely large blank sheet that you can draw on, add pictures and videos to, pin sticky notes all over, or even drop documents into. Freeform comes packed with tools to help you get creative. They fall under five main sections: Sticky Notes, Shapes and Lines, Text, Drawing, and Photos, Videos, and Files. We’ll take a look at each one in turn. Your boards will sync across all your Apple devices, which is more necessary than it may seem, as not every feature is available on every device (Mac users lack some drawing tools, for instance). You can then share your boards with others and collaborate on them if you wish.
How Do I Get the Freeform App?
The Freeform app is automatically installed with iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and macOS Venture 13.1 or later. When you upgrade your OS to one of these versions or higher, the Freeform app will appear on your device. If your device is too old to upgrade to these versions of your OS, then unfortunately there’s no other way to install Freeform.
How to Use Sticky Notes in Freeform
Sticky notes are exactly what you would expect—yellow squares that you can place on your board and then add text to. You can then move these notes around to your heart’s content. Frustratingly, whilst it’s possible to draw over the top of a sticky note, the drawing will stay where it is if you try to move the note. To use Sticky Notes in Freeform:
How to Use Shapes and Lines in Freeform
Freeform’s Shapes and Lines functionality allows you to insert and edit lines or select from a large variety of pre-installed shapes. This includes geometric shapes, as well as clip-art-style images, such as people or vehicles. To use lines in Freeform: To use shapes in Freeform:
How to Use Text in Freeform
The Text tool allows you to add text anywhere on your board rather than only on a Sticky Note. To use text in Freeform:
How to Use Drawings in Freeform
You can draw freehand in Freeform, but there is a caveat. If you’re using Freeform on a Mac, the Drawing tools are missing. For some reason, Apple has decided that you can only draw freehand on an iPhone or iPad. To draw in Freeform:
How to Use Photos, Videos, and Files in Freeform
You can also add photos, videos, or other files to your board, move them around, and resize them. To use photos, videos, and files in Freeform:
Collaborating in Freeform
If you want to work on a board with other people, or just show off what you’ve created, you can share your board. To share your Freeform board:
Drawing On Apple Devices
The Freeform application is a useful tool for creating everything from script outlines to epic doodles. It’s not perfect, but it’s a nice addition to the list of pre-installed apps that come with your device. You can also use it across a range of Apple devices. If you use multiple Apple devices, then you’ll want to ensure they play nicely together. You can learn how to AirPlay from iPhone to Mac, or how to use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone when you’re wearing a mask. You can even unlock your Mac with your Apple Watch too. Comment Name * Email *
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