Freeform is a formal Apple app that comes free with macOS, iPadOS, and iOS. It’s an excellent way to write down ideas with the aid of its unlimited blank space, which expands as you need it. You can also draw, sketch, and add color to your ideas, then share them in real-time or discuss them while working using the combined FaceTime feature. Apart from being a lot of fun to use, Freeform also has a lot of creative potential for times when inspiration strikes. Here, we’re going to guide you through some of the basics of Freeform on iPhone to provide you with an idea of what the app is capable of and the several ways you can use it.
What Is Freeform on iPhone?
Freeform is Apple’s version of a digital whiteboard. This means, that if you have an iPad or Mac running macOS Ventura 13.1, iOS 16.2, or later, you already have Apple’s take on a whiteboard app called Freeform. You can create boards in the app that have an infinite blank canvas that can be extended in whatever direction you desire.
Furthermore, using an Apple Pencil or your finger, you can doodle or handwrite notes on the page using the drawing tools. You can also use its features to incorporate other types of media, such as audio, visuals, and even links. The lack of rigidity in its note-taking format makes it a good tool for visual brainstorming.
The app works great for local collaboration as well, such as when your MacBook is linked to a projector in a conference room. Later, if more people require access to the board, it can be printed off or shared electronically. If you need to save a board for future reference or share it with clients or those who don’t have a compatible device, you can do so by exporting it as a PDF.
Finally, Freeform boards are simple to share with other Apple users, so you can add up to 99 individuals to the same board so that they can all work on the same project at the same time. Boards could be synced across multiple devices that are signed into the same iCloud account
What Is Freeform on iPhone?: Requirements to Use the Freeform App on iPhone
You will need at least one of the following devices to use Freeform on the iPhone:
- iPhone running on iOS 16.2 or later.
- iPad running on iPadOS 16.2 or later.
- Mac running on macOS Ventura 13.1 or later.
What Is Freeform on iPhone?: How to Enable Freeform App on iPhone
Before we get started, it’s a good idea to make sure that your Freeform setting is turned on and that it’s synchronized with iCloud.
- Step 1: Open the Settings app and select your name or profile image.
- Step 2: Select iCloud from the list of available services.
- To go to Step 3, click Show All (under the App Using iCloud section).
- Step 4: Access iCloud by tapping your profile and then selecting it.
- Step 5: Activate Freeform by scrolling down and clicking the switch.
Additionally, Apple Pencil users should head to Settings > Freeform > Apple Pencil, and turn on Select and Scroll there.
How to Use Freeform App on iPhone
The Freeform app will be added to the device’s home screen or app library without the user’s intervention. But if you can’t find it, you can always get it from the App Store. The first time you launch the app, you’ll see a warm welcome screen. Tap on Create Your Initial Board now. The canvas, where users can jot down ideas, and plans, and collaborate with others, is where the real magic happens in this app.
How to Use Freeform App on iPhone: Creative Ways You Can Use Apple’s Freeform App
While we’re walking you through the ins and outs of using Freeform on your iPhone and iPad, let’s take a look at some of the incredible scenarios in which it may be put to use.
#1. To Make a Digital Inspiration Board
Don’t bother with that other graphic design program; instead, bring your vision board to life right on Freeform’s whiteboard. Put in whatever visuals, videos, links, post-its, doodles, etc. are required. In addition, iCloud sync makes it available across all of your devices.
#2. Brainstorm a Few Ideas
Write down, draw, or import your thoughts, observations, and inspirations on Freeform, whether you’re working alone or in a group. In addition, you can use FaceTime or Messages to have a continuous conversation with someone else and see what they are doing in real time.
#3. Make Travel Plans
Try Freeform to create and manage your travel itinerary rather than using Google My Maps or any other third-party tool. Why? Simply put, because you can.
- Include information on your airline, hotel/hostel, travel paperwork, packing lists, must-have items, and more.
- You can even include reference photographs for what to wear, photo opportunities, transition videos, etc. so that you don’t forget a thing.
- You can also transform this plan into a travelogue to record your experiences.
#4. A Teaching Tool
Since it’s free, teachers who already own Apple devices might benefit financially by incorporating Freeform into their classrooms as useful software for students. Sending a student a link to the board is an easy way to give them access. Unless you designate the board as “view only,” anyone with the link can edit it.
#5. Use it as a Sketchpad
The Apple Pencil works wonderfully with Freeform’s simple drawing tools. As an alternative to typing one’s thoughts, sketching them out first might be a helpful creative process for those who are always on the go. You can use the Freeform app as a digital sketchpad if you’re an artist or just enjoy dabbling in that realm occasionally. Create, edit, and save your colored designs in the cloud with iCloud Drawings.
So, now that we’ve shown you what’s achievable, here’s a breakdown of the steps involved.
How to Use Freeform App on iPhone: Detailed Guide
No matter what you call it, the default layout of the board page or project includes grids. This means you have complete control over how much detail is shown. Let’s take a closer look at each of these features.
#1. Insert a colorful Note Into Your Freeform Board
To do this, In your board,
Step 1
Press the Note icon in the bottom-left corner of your board. A bright square note will appear in an instant.
Step 2
Input text: To begin typing, simply double-tap it. The toolbar located directly above the keyboard allows you to modify the text’s size, style, and alignment. In addition, you have the option of creating lists. When you’re finished typing, press the return key.
Step 3
To adjust the size of the square, tap the note, hold the blue dot in any corner, and drag out or in.
Step 4
Change the key: You can drop the note wherever you like by pressing and holding the button.
Step 5
Edit the remark Simply tapping it will provide a menu of customization choices. In this section,
- Make the note a different color.
- Change the size and style of the font.
- Duplicate.
- Delete.
#2. Add Shapes To The Board With The Freeform
Tap the Shape (second icon) to find an extensive variety of shapes and icons, neatly tucked under an array of categories. then,
Step 1
If you’re looking for something in particular, just use the search button and start typing.
Step 2
Drop the desired form you’ve chosen onto the grid. Drag and drop the blue handles to change the size.
Step 3
Insert a phrase here: Select a pen and a shape with a double tap.
Step 4
Change the look of the form in the app: Just by selecting the Form button,
- You can give it a new look by altering its hue (using the color picker, if you like).
- A border of the desired color and thickness should be added.
- Modify the look of the text by changing its size, color, alignment, etc.
- Duplicate.
- Delete.
Additionally, a set of note-taking tools appears when you hit the menu button (three dots). However, there are also three intriguing and practical alternatives to consider:
- Separate
- Auto-Size Text
- Restricted to Preserve Proportions
#3. Add a Text Box in The Freeform
This one’s pretty basic. Follow the steps below,
Step 1. Drag the text box into position by tapping the central icon (a text box).
Step 2. Pinch in or out on the blue dots to resize, then tap twice to insert text.
Step 3. Input can be refined by tapping the text field, which reveals more choices, including:
- Colourize the text
- Layout of Text
- Diameter of the typeface
- Erase All Duplicates of the text in the box
#4. Insert Photos, Videos, Documents, and Links Into a Freeform Board
To insert a file, click the Insert button; the Files app will appear, where you can choose from a wide variety of file formats. To see the file or replace it, respectively, tap the File and Eye icons. The file can be downloaded or shared directly from this page. Hence, If you click the very last icon on the bottom toolbar, you’ll be able to insert the following items:
#1. Links
Insert the URL by typing it in or pasting it from your clipboard. Select the pen symbol to make changes to the link. Also, tapping the Eye button will launch the link in Safari, the default web browser for the iPhone/iPad.
#2. Scan
If you need to add a scanned document to the whiteboard, you can use the built-in scanner on your iPhone or iPad to do so. Select the Eye icon once again to read, send, or save the file.
#3. Camera
Take pictures or record videos using the board’s camera and upload them instantly for instant updates. From the menu that appears, you can make changes like replacing, cropping, expanding to full screen, duplicating, or erasing the media.
#4. Notes
Images captured with Freeform do not appear in the Photos library. Use the following steps to save the image: Tap the photo, then the Eye icon, then the Share icon.
#5. Photos or videos
Finally, you can choose to insert media from your device’s camera roll. In this part, you’ll find almost the same set of resources as in the previous one.
The central idea is similar to that of collaborating on Notes on iOS devices. Inviting others to work together on the board with you is an option. You can also easily control who can see and make changes to the board.
- Step 1. Launch the shared Freeform board.
- Step 2. Select the share button from the menu.
- Step 3. Select Only invited persons can edit’ under Collaboration to restrict changes to those who have been specifically invited to do so.
- Step 4. Select the appropriate parameters under Who Has Access and Permissions.
- Step 5: Toggle ‘Allows others to invite’ and tap Done if necessary.
- Step 6, Choose the people you want to invite by tapping Invite with Link or by using the sharing sheet.
When the recipient accepts your invitation, you will be alerted. Moreover, you will get notifications whenever someone updates the board thanks to Apple’s newest project collaboration feature, Messages. Interestingly, the board’s coworkers will each have their own cursor. In this way, you can monitor the progress of individual tasks in near-real time.
Is Freeform only for Apple users?
Freeform, like most Apple applications, is only compatible with Apple hardware like the Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
Where are Freeform files stored?
Freeform boards are stored in iCloud, so users can stay in sync across devices
Why is Freeform not working on my iPhone?
Reinstalling/resetting the app may also resolve the problem. If you can’t share any Freeform boards with others, look into iCloud sync (described earlier in this article).
Is Freeform default on iPhone?
Yes, Freeform is being downloaded by default.
Can I delete the Freeform app on my iPhone?
Freeform comes preinstalled on iPhone or iPad, but you can delete it if you don’t want it.
References
- Makeuseof.
- .howtogeek.
- .guidingtech.
- .popsci.
