December 13, 2022
Update
Apple has launched Freeform: a powerful new app designed for creative brainstorming and collaboration
Freeform for iPhone, iPad and Mac makes visual collaboration easier than ever
Freeform is an all-new app available starting today and included in the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Freeform helps users organize and visualize content on a flexible canvas, giving them the ability to view, share and collaborate all in one place without worrying about layouts or page sizes. Users can add large files and preview them online without leaving the board. Designed for collaboration, Freeform makes it easier than ever to invite others to collaborate on a board. Users can collaborate with others while on a FaceTime call. Freeform boards are stored in iCloud, so users can stay in sync across all devices.
“Freeform opens up endless opportunities for iPhone, iPad and Mac users to collaborate visually,” said Bob Borcher, Apple’s vice president of worldwide product marketing. “With an infinite canvas, support for uploading multiple types of files, iCloud integration and collaboration capabilities, Freeform creates a shared brainstorming space that users can take anywhere.”
A canvas for creativity with easy-to-use tools
Freeform is the perfect whiteboard experience for gathering inspiration and ideas in one place. The infinite canvas expands as content is added to the board for unlimited flexibility when working with multiple files or collaborating with others. With support for built-in gestures, users can move around the board seamlessly.
The app offers a variety of brush styles and color options to capture ideas, add comments, and draw sketches. iPhone and iPad users can draw with their fingers on the canvas anywhere, and with Apple Pencil support, Freeform makes it easier than ever to sketch ideas on the iPad while on the go.
Freeform supports a variety of files, including photos, video, audio, documents, PDFs, links to websites and map locations, sticky notes, shapes, designs, and more. iPhone and iPad cameras can even be used to upload an image or scanned document directly to the tablet. With a full shape library, Freeform offers users over 700 options, allowing users to change the color and size, add text, and create personalized shapes.
Users can drag and drop content, including files and folders, onto the board, and it’s easy to keep the board organized with built-in alignment guides. With Quick View, users can preview content with a double tap without leaving the board, and multiple video files can be played at the same time to create a dynamic view. Content like images and PDFs can be locked onto a board, and collaborators can annotate on or around the object — using Freeform to sketch ideas on top of floor plans for a home renovation project or map out a basketball court image for coaches.
Co-working space
Whether the user is at a desk or on the go, Freeform is incredibly useful for individual projects or collaborating with others. With the ability to work with up to 100 collaborators on the same board, Freeform creates a shared space for creativity, whether working on group projects or even planning a vacation with friends.
Freeform takes advantage of the new collaboration features in Messages, which allow users to invite others to a Freeform board by simply dragging them into a message thread. All members of that thread are automatically invited to boards and can collaborate instantly. Activity updates appear at the top of the message thread when someone edits.
With FaceTime built into the app, users can start a FaceTime call in Freeform by tapping the collaboration button in the upper right corner of the screen. All collaborators can view the contributions of others as they add content or perform quick sync capabilities and iCloud integration. Freeform boards sync across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and users can invite others via link or email and export a board as a PDF or take a screenshot.
Availability
Starting today, Freeform comes free on all iPhones, iPads, and Macs that support iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, or macOS Ventura 13.1.
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Tara Courtney
Apple
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