Bring external content into your Kolab space. Embed YouTube videos, Google Slides presentations, Miro boards, and virtually any web content directly on your canvas or as a presentation tool.
What Can You Embed?
Popular Embed Types
| Service | Use Case |
|---|---|
| YouTube | Video content, tutorials |
| Google Slides | Presentations with navigation |
| Google Docs | Shared documents |
| Miro | External whiteboard content |
| Figma | Design prototypes |
| Loom | Video walkthroughs |
| Padlet | External collaboration boards |
| Any iframe | Most web content that allows embedding |
Google Slides Special Features
Google Slides embeds get extra functionality:
- Back/Forward navigation - Move between slides
- Restart - Return to first slide
- Facilitator-controlled navigation
Two Ways to Embed
1. Canvas Element (iFrame)
Place embeds directly on the canvas:
- Participants can see and interact
- Positioned like any canvas element
- Can be resized and moved
- Multiple embeds possible
2. Embed Tool (Presentation Mode)
Display embeds as a focused tool:
- Takes prominent position
- Great for presentations
- Navigation controls (for Google Slides)
- One embed at a time
Adding Embeds to Canvas
Getting Embed Code
Most services provide embed codes:
- Find Share or Embed option in the service
- Copy the iframe code or embed code
- It looks like:
<iframe src="..." ...></iframe>
YouTube example:
- Click Share under video
- Click Embed
- Copy the iframe code
Google Slides example:
- File → Share → Publish to web
- Select Embed tab
- Copy the iframe code
Adding to Canvas
- Open the Tools & Media menu in canvas toolbar
- Select Embed or iFrame
- Paste your embed code
- Click Add or Create
- Embed appears on canvas
- Resize and position as needed
Embed Tool for Presentations
Creating an Embed Tool
- Open Tools or Agenda panel
- Click Add Tool
- Select Embed as type
- Paste your embed/iframe code
- Give it a title
- Save
Using the Embed Tool
When activated:
- Embed displays prominently
- Navigation controls appear (Google Slides)
- Participants see your presentation
Google Slides Navigation
For Google Slides embeds:
| Control | Action |
|---|---|
| ← Back | Previous slide |
| → Forward | Next slide |
| ↺ Restart | Return to slide 1 |
Note: Only facilitators control navigation; participants view.
Embed Best Practices
Before the Session
- Test your embed - Verify it loads and works
- Check permissions - Ensure content is publicly viewable or shared
- Consider size - Some embeds need minimum dimensions
- Check interactivity - Know if participants can interact or just view
Sizing Embeds
Different content needs different sizes:
| Content Type | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| YouTube video | 16:9 aspect ratio |
| Google Slides | Wide/landscape |
| Documents | Taller/portrait |
| Miro boards | Large, square-ish |
Aspect Ratio
Canvas embeds have aspect ratio controls:
- Select the embed element
- Find aspect ratio in element menu
- Choose appropriate ratio (16:9, 4:3, etc.)
Common Embed Scenarios
Scenario 1: Video Instruction
Setup:
- Embed YouTube tutorial on canvas
- Position near activity area
- Participants watch, then do activity
Tip: Consider muting participant audio while video plays.
Scenario 2: Slide Presentation
Setup:
- Create Embed Tool with Google Slides
- Activate when presentation time
- Use navigation controls to advance
- Deactivate when done
Scenario 3: Reference Document
Setup:
- Embed Google Doc on canvas edge
- Keep visible during work
- Participants reference as needed
Scenario 4: External Collaboration
Setup:
- Embed Miro or Figma board
- Participants may need separate login
- Work happens in embedded tool
- Results visible in Kolab
Embed Permissions & Access
Public vs. Private Content
For embeds to work, content must be accessible:
| Visibility | Will it work? |
|---|---|
| Public | ✅ Yes |
| Anyone with link | ✅ Usually yes |
| Organization only | ⚠️ Only for logged-in org members |
| Private | ❌ No |
Setting Up Access
YouTube:
- Set video to Public or Unlisted
Google Slides/Docs:
- Publish to web, OR
- Share with "Anyone with link can view"
Miro/Figma:
- Enable public viewing or embedding
Troubleshooting Embeds
"Embed won't load"
- Check the URL/code - Valid iframe format?
- Check permissions - Content publicly accessible?
- Check service - Does service allow embedding?
- Try different browser - Some block embeds
"Embed shows error or blank"
- Service may block embedding (X-Frame-Options)
- Content may require login
- URL may have expired
- Try regenerating embed code
"Participants see different content"
- For Google Slides, only facilitator controls slides
- Check if embed requires login
- Verify link permissions
"Embed is too small/large"
- Resize the element on canvas
- Adjust aspect ratio
- Some services have minimum sizes
Services That Don't Allow Embedding
Some services block embedding for security:
- Most banking/financial sites
- Some enterprise tools
- Sites with X-Frame-Options: DENY
Security Considerations
What Embeds Can Do
- Display external content
- Run JavaScript within the iframe
- Request user interaction
What Embeds Cannot Do
- Access Kolab data
- Control your canvas
- See participant information
Best Practices
- Only embed trusted sources
- Verify embed URLs before using
- Be cautious with unknown embed codes
- Test embeds before sessions
Screen Share vs. Embed
| Feature | Embed | Screen Share |
|---|---|---|
| Source | URL/iframe code | Your screen |
| Quality | Native resolution | Stream quality |
| Interactivity | In-iframe interaction | View only |
| Persistence | Stays on canvas | Ends when you stop |
| Best for | Pre-planned content | Live demos, spontaneous |
Use embeds when you have a URL and want persistent content. Use screen share when showing live work or desktop content.
Related Guides
- Using the Canvas - Canvas basics
- Card Decks - Interactive card content
- Your First Session - Facilitation basics
- System Check - Verify your setup