Freeform is Apple’s flexible whiteboard app. It gives you an open canvas for text boxes, sticky notes, shapes, images, PDFs, sketches, files, planning layouts, and collaborative brainstorming.
Freeform arrived with macOS Ventura 13.1 and syncs through iCloud to iPhone and iPad.
Does This Affect You?
Use Freeform when a normal document feels too rigid and you want to arrange ideas visually on a board.
Create a Board and Add Content
- Open Freeform from Spotlight or Launchpad.
- Click the plus button or choose File > New Board.
- Double-click the canvas to add a text box.
- Use the shapes tool for sticky notes, arrows, circles, and other objects.
- Use the drawing tool to sketch with a trackpad, mouse, or Apple Pencil on a synced iPad.
- Drag images, PDFs, and files from Finder onto the canvas.
- Pinch or use View zoom commands to move around the unlimited canvas.
- Rename the board from its title. Freeform saves automatically.
Collaborate on a Board
- Open the board.
- Click the Collaborate button.
- Send the invitation through Messages, Mail, or a copied link.
- Review or adjust sharing permissions if prompted.
- After others join, watch their cursors and edits appear live.
- Use the collaboration menu later to review participants or remove access.
Freeform Tips
Group Objects
Drag a selection around multiple items, then right-click and choose Group to move or resize them together.
Use Templates
Use New Board from Template when available for project planners, mood boards, brainstorm maps, and other starting layouts.
Zoom to Fit
If a board grows too large, use Zoom to Fit or the zoom control to bring the whole board back into view.
iCloud Sync
With iCloud Drive enabled for the same Apple Account, boards appear on Mac, iPhone, and iPad automatically.
Export a Snapshot
Use File > Export to save a board or selection as an image when sharing with someone who does not use Freeform.
Sources
- Apple Support: Get started with Freeform on Mac
- Apple Support: Collaborate on a board in Freeform on Mac
- Apple Support: Add content to a Freeform board on Mac