- \n
- Brainstorm where you already get work done<\/li>\n
- Keep clients involved and informed<\/li>\n
- Improve communication<\/li>\n
- Act on their ideas ASAP, and more<\/strong>!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Seriously, they can do all of that<\/em>! Maybe that\u2019s why ClickUp Whiteboards were chosen by G2 as the number one collaborative whiteboard tool<\/a> for Spring 2023!<\/p>\n
But with great power comes great responsibility, and before you take to your canvas like Picasso, let\u2019s show you around first. \ud83c\udfa8<\/p>\n
If you need more functionality than your current whiteboard tool has to offer\u2014or are new to the game entirely\u2014this guide has tons of tips, whiteboard templates<\/a>, and use case examples to optimize your workflows using this highly visual tool. So snooze your DMs, pop open a soda water, and get acquainted with ClickUp\u2019s most collaborative feature to date\u2014Whiteboards<\/a>. \ud83d\udc9c<\/p>\n
Welcome to ClickUp\u2019s Most Collaborative Feature<\/h2>\n
Whiteboards are as efficient as they are visual, but more than just a space to flex your Microsoft Paint skills from \u201891. \ud83d\udc40<\/p>\n
ClickUp Whiteboards create a more inclusive work experience for everyone involved, especially clients and stakeholders looking to grasp the big picture as quickly as possible. Plus, Whiteboards offer the full transparency that ClickUp was built for.<\/p>\n
\n![\"ClickUp](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/ClickUp-Mind-Map-Draw-Connections.gif\")
Draw connections and link objects together to create roadmaps or workflows from your ideas alongside your team in ClickUp Whiteboards<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n With the ability to see who\u2019s viewing and contributing to your board in real time, you can work alongside the team without overlap or confusion. And when you\u2019re ready for approvals from clients or external stakeholders, all you need to do is send a public link to grant viewing access. This is why you should always have a whiteboard on hand for every project meeting\u2014simply share your whiteboard URL and start collaborating like you\u2019re IRL.<\/p>\n
Lightyears beyond your fifth-grade class smartboard, Whiteboards in ClickUp are designed to capture your ideas the moment they happen and connect to your workflows faster than ever. This is accomplished through the features found in your whiteboard menus, keyboard shortcuts, and hundreds of templates designed to make your brainstorming sessions more impactful.<\/p>\n
Make the Most of Your Whiteboards<\/h2>\n
While you have the option to get started with a literal blank canvas, ClickUp\u2019s Template Center<\/a> will always be our preferred first step for any whiteboard use case.<\/p>\n
Templates add structure to an otherwise intimidating blank space and act as a catalyst in your product development process. These pre-built diagrams, charts, and frameworks are narrowly tailored to your exact use case but can be customized further to meet your org-specific needs.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re also not just for \u201cbeginners.\u201d Without fail, starting with a template will save a significant chunk of time in the early stages of planning and execution. And later on, serves as the official documentation of every project choice from start to finish.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re presenting a priority matrix<\/a>, writing brand guidelines<\/a>, or concept mapping<\/a>, ClickUp has developed hundreds of customizable templates for every possibility and level of comfortability using Whiteboards.<\/p>\n
\n![\"ClickUp](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/ClickUp-Whiteboards-for-Effective-Project-Management-With-Clients.gif\")
Collaborate with clients or internal teams more effectively with virtual Whiteboards to spark innovation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n But your template isn\u2019t the only asset created to take your project over the finish line\u2014what makes ClickUp Whiteboards stand apart is the ability to convert virtually anything on your board into a task<\/a> in a matter of clicks.<\/p>\n
One more time for the people in the back: instantly connect Whiteboards to your existing processes.<\/em><\/p>\n
When we say \u201cact on your ideas,\u201d we mean it. And anyone who\u2019s experimented with other digital whiteboard software can attest that this is a game-changer. \ud83c\udfc6<\/p>\n
\n![\"ClickUp](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/ClickUp-Whiteboards-for-Assigning-Users-and-Tasks.gif\")
Use ClickUp Whiteboards to assign tasks, tag assignees, and anything needed to kickoff your next collaboration<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n Converting shapes, objects, and text into tasks is the key to using your whiteboard beyond the ideation phase and how you\u2019ll carry out your strategy from the first stage of development to the last. Imagine leaving a productive meeting and not<\/em> having to re-write your next steps as trackable tasks? Sounds almost too good to be true. \ud83d\ude0e<\/p>\n
The editing toolbar is another feature designed to capture your ideas ASAP. Either with a click of your mouse or stroke of the keyboard<\/a>, you can add color-coded shapes, draw freehand, format text, make sticky notes<\/a>, link to existing tasks, and more!\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
Using the menu at the bottom of your screen, you can take full advantage of ClickUp\u2019s embedding capabilities with the option to add web, Doc, and task cards to your whiteboard. These cards are live on your board, meaning you can edit text on the minimized ClickUp Doc, update task statuses, and interact with third-party work tools\u2014all from your whiteboard!<\/p>\n
\n![\"Embedding](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Release-2.176_Whiteboard-Doc-Edit_V1.gif\")
Embed live ClickUp Docs directly into Whiteboards to access important project documents, research, and context without ever leaving your board<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n But we still haven\u2019t forgotten the whiteboarding basics that you know and love! Access rich text formatting, make comments to your team, and add connectors between objects<\/a> as your workflow takes shape.<\/p>\n
What does this look like in action, though? Let\u2019s take a look. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
Putting Your Whiteboards To Use (Case)<\/h2>\n
Whiteboards definitely sound<\/em> cool, but we\u2019re here to answer your most burning question: what\u2019s in it for me?<\/em><\/p>\n
Teams across industries use whiteboards in different ways, here is a breakdown of how some of these groups can introduce them to their current processes and maximize the benefits.<\/p>\n
Whiteboards for engineering and software teams<\/a><\/h3>\n
Whiteboard software makes a huge difference for teams working in engineering, product, or design (EPD).<\/p>\n
These teams value speed, reliability, and seamless collaboration to scope, design, develop, and ultimately, ship faster. AKA, everything Whiteboards were made to do.<\/p>\n
ClickUp Whiteboards allow teams to mention each other anywhere on the board to quickly spot new action items<\/a> and expedite turnaround times. And since you\u2019ll never run out of room, teams can store multiple mind maps and wireframes in the same space while they\u2019re perfecting their user flows. \ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udffc<\/p>\n
\n![\"ClickUp](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ClickUp-User-Mapping-Flow-Template-Example.gif\")
This user mapping template lets you create visual representations of complex ideas like user flows, wireframes, and engineering diagrams<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n Plus, ready-made templates like ClickUp\u2019s User Flow Whiteboard Template<\/a> handle the heavy lifting involved in constructing those intricate diagrams so you can focus on what matters most\u2014your product and customer satisfaction.<\/p>\n
On its own, this template prompts you to map out how users will interact with your product by adding images, media, objects, and connectors to create a visual representation of your user interface. You also have the ability to take this template a step further by dropping other Docs, data, and tasks onto the board for more context\u2014without having to open another tab to do it.<\/p>\n
Download This Template<\/a><\/div>\nBut the possibilities truly are endless! These features can benefit every inch of your development processes, that\u2019s why software teams turn to Whiteboards as the home base for other project needs including:<\/p>\n
- \n
- User story mapping<\/a><\/li>\n
- Burndown charts<\/a><\/li>\n
- Impact effort matrices<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Whiteboards for project management<\/a><\/h3>\n
Project managers rely on Whiteboards to elevate their brainstorming sessions, build presentation-worthy diagrams, and oversee the progress of any project. They provide a structured but scalable foundation to streamline their operations from the jump, leading to faster project delivery and more satisfied stakeholders.<\/p>\n
Speed aside, Whiteboards help teams break away from typical document-based processes and think outside of the box with more visually engaging ideation techniques<\/a> like design thinking, mind mapping, bubble mapping<\/a>, and brainwriting. \ud83e\udde0<\/p>\n
Bonus: Check out 10 Bubble Map Templates for Brainstorming<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
With your workflow diagram at the ready, it\u2019s time to set your plans in motion, and the Action Plan Template<\/a> was created to help project managers do exactly that.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Convert](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Sticky-_-Task.gif\")
Act on your plans by converting your sticky notes directly into tasks using the Action Plan Template for ClickUp Whiteboards<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n This template is easy to apply and even easier to use with set review frequencies to determine which tasks are left to do, in progress, or done.<\/p>\n
In this case, each sticky note or shape may represent certain action items. But to make this template even more valuable, we suggest embedding your ClickUp tasks and Milestones<\/a> directly into the board for easy access.<\/p>\n
And as this template suggests with its quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily review cycles, your whiteboard stays with you through the project\u2019s lifecycle and beyond. \ud83e\ude90<\/p>\n
Download This Template<\/a><\/div>\nWhiteboards for creative teams<\/a><\/h3>\n
Whiteboards\u2019 visual nature helps creative teams appropriately scope their work and deliver campaigns that positively impact revenue, promote brand awareness, and attract high-quality leads.<\/p>\n
These teams may start with a whiteboard in preparation for a workshop with a new client, where they\u2019d store images, media, notes, and mockups. During the meeting, the movable canvas lets you easily navigate around your board to hone in on specific areas while presenting potential ideas or past work. From there, you can immediately start editing the whiteboard based on the client\u2019s feedback in real-time.<\/p>\n
- Burndown charts<\/a><\/li>\n
- User story mapping<\/a><\/li>\n
![\"Customizing](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Whiteobard-Campaign_Scope-1.gif\")