Embeds & iFrames

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#

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 an Embeddable URL#

Most services provide a share or embed URL:

1. Find Share or Embed in the source service
2. Copy the URL
3. If the service only gives full iframe code, copy the value inside src="..."

YouTube example:

1. Click Share under video
2. Copy the URL or embed URL

Google Slides example:

1. File → Share → Publish to web
2. Copy the published link or embed URL

Adding to Canvas#

1. Open the Tools & Media menu in canvas toolbar
2. Select Embed or iFrame
3. Paste your embed URL
4. Click Add or Create
5. Embed appears on canvas
6. Resize and position as needed

Embed Tool for Presentations#

Creating an Embed Tool#

1. Open Tools or Agenda panel
2. Click Add Tool
3. Select Embed as type
4. Paste your embed URL
5. Give it a title
6. 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:

Note: Only facilitators control navigation; participants view.

Watch Together with Sync#

YouTube, Vimeo, and SoundCloud embeds can play in sync, so the whole room sees and hears the same moment.

Turn it on when you add the embed#

When you paste one of these links, a Sync playback switch appears ("Control playback for all participants").

Change it any time#

Hosts and facilitators see a Sync switch in the embed's top-left corner. Hover it to see what each side means:

• "On: everyone watches together": you drive playback, and everyone follows
• "Off: everyone plays on their own": everyone uses the player for themselves

What participants see#

While sync is on, participants see a Synced chip and their own volume control. They can't click into the player, because a facilitator is driving it. They can hide the chip with its ×.

Tip: Turn sync off for a solo activity, like "watch this clip at your own pace, then add a sticky note."

Embed Best Practices#

Before the Session#

1. Test your embed - Verify it loads and works
2. Check permissions - Ensure content is publicly viewable or shared
3. Consider size - Some embeds need minimum dimensions
4. Check interactivity - Know if participants can interact or just view

Sizing Embeds#

Different content needs different sizes:

Aspect Ratio#

Canvas embeds have aspect ratio controls:

1. Select the embed element
2. Find aspect ratio in element menu
3. Choose appropriate ratio (16:9, 4:3, etc.)

Common Embed Scenarios#

Scenario 1: Video Instruction#

Setup:

1. Embed YouTube tutorial on canvas
2. Position near activity area
3. Participants watch, then do activity

Tip: Consider muting participant audio while video plays.

Scenario 2: Slide Presentation#

Setup:

1. Create Embed Tool with Google Slides
2. Activate when presentation time
3. Use navigation controls to advance
4. Deactivate when done

Scenario 3: Reference Document#

Setup:

1. Embed Google Doc on canvas edge
2. Keep visible during work
3. Participants reference as needed

Scenario 4: External Collaboration#

Setup:

1. Embed Miro or Figma board
2. Participants may need separate login
3. Work happens in embedded tool
4. Results visible in Kolab

Embed Permissions & Access#

Public vs. Private Content#

For embeds to work, content must be accessible:

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"#

1. Check the URL - Does it open directly?
2. Check permissions - Content publicly accessible?
3. Check service - Does service allow embedding?
4. Try different browser - Some block embeds

"Embed shows error or blank"#

1. Service may block embedding (X-Frame-Options)
2. Content may require login
3. URL may have expired
4. Try regenerating embed code

"Participants see different content"#

1. For Google Slides, only facilitator controls slides
2. Check if embed requires login
3. Verify link permissions

"Embed is too small/large"#

1. Resize the element on canvas
2. Adjust aspect ratio
3. 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#

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
• Uploading Videos - Upload your own video and watch it together
• Your First Session - Facilitation basics
• System Check - Verify your setup