Have you ever been in a situation where you had to sketch or add notes on a shared screen while in a Zoom meeting? You’re definitely not the only one! As someone who regularly uses Zoom for both personal and work purposes, I’ve learned to appreciate the usefulness of being able to draw on a shared screen. In this article, I’ll provide step-by-step guidance on how to draw on a shared screen in Zoom and also share some of my own helpful tips and tricks.
Getting Started
Before we dive into the details, let me first make sure you have the necessary setup. To draw on a shared screen in Zoom, you’ll need to have the Zoom desktop client installed on your computer. If you don’t have it yet, you can easily download and install it from the official Zoom website.
Once you have the Zoom desktop client installed, make sure you’re signed in with your Zoom account. This will ensure that you have access to all the necessary features, including the ability to draw on a shared screen.
Sharing Your Screen
Now that you’re ready, let’s proceed with sharing your screen. To do this, click on the “Share Screen” button located at the bottom of the Zoom meeting window. A new window will pop up, allowing you to select the screen or application you want to share.
After selecting the screen or application, click on the “Share” button. Voila! Your screen is now being shared with all the participants of the meeting.
Drawing on the Shared Screen
Here comes the fun part – drawing on the shared screen! Once your screen is being shared, you’ll notice a toolbar at the top of the screen with various annotation tools. These tools allow you to draw, highlight, and annotate on the shared screen in real-time.
To start drawing, simply click on the “Annotate” button in the toolbar. This will open up a menu with different annotation options. You can choose from options like pen, highlighter, text, shapes, and even a spotlight to bring attention to specific areas of the screen.
Once you’ve selected an annotation tool, you can use your mouse or touchpad to draw or write on the screen. You can change the color, line thickness, and even erase any annotations if needed. The beauty of this feature is that it allows you to add your personal touches and commentary to the shared screen, making your presentations or collaborative sessions more engaging and interactive.
Some Personal Tips and Tricks
Now that you know how to draw on a shared screen in Zoom, let me share some personal tips and tricks that I’ve found useful:
- Practice beforehand: If you’re new to drawing on a shared screen, it’s always a good idea to practice beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the different annotation tools and explore their capabilities to ensure a smooth experience during your actual meeting.
- Use different colors and styles: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your annotations! Experiment with different colors and line styles to make your drawings stand out. This can be especially helpful when you’re trying to emphasize specific points or ideas.
- Collaborate and engage: Drawing on a shared screen opens up a whole new world of collaboration and engagement. Encourage other participants to join in and contribute their own annotations. This can lead to more lively discussions and better understanding among the participants.
Conclusion
Being able to draw on a shared screen in Zoom is a powerful feature that can greatly enhance your presentations, collaborative sessions, and virtual meetings. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily annotate and add your personal touch to the shared screen. Remember to practice, get creative, and encourage collaboration to make the most out of this feature. So, go ahead and start drawing on your shared screens in Zoom!