Got a Kolab link and a session starting soon? You're in the right place. Let's get you in.
First time? Run the System Check before your session to make sure your camera, mic, and browser are ready. It takes 60 seconds and catches most issues before they happen.
The 60-Second Version
- Click the link you received (email, Slack, calendar invite)
- Allow camera and microphone when your browser asks
- Check your preview - can you see yourself? Hear yourself?
- Click "Join"
That's it. You're in.
What You'll See First
When you click a Kolab link, you'll land on the pre-join screen. This is your chance to make sure everything's working before you enter.
The Pre-Join Screen
You'll see:
- Your video preview - A live view of your camera
- Your name - How others will see you
- Device selectors - Choose which camera/microphone to use
- Join button - Click to enter the space
Before You Click Join
Take 10 seconds to check:
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Video | Can you see yourself? Is the angle okay? |
| Audio | Is the right microphone selected? |
| Name | Is your name spelled correctly? |
| Background | Anything embarrassing behind you? |
First Time? Your Browser Will Ask Permission
When you first visit Kolab, your browser will ask to use your camera and microphone.
Click "Allow" - Kolab needs these to work properly.
If you accidentally clicked "Block," don't worry. Here's how to fix it:
Chrome
Click the camera icon in the address bar → Allow → Refresh the page
Firefox
Click the permissions icon (left of the URL) → Clear permissions → Refresh
Safari
Safari menu → Settings for this Website → Allow camera and microphone
Once You're In
You've clicked "Join" - welcome! Here's what you'll notice:
It's Not a Grid
Unlike Zoom or Teams, Kolab doesn't put everyone in boxes. You're on a canvas - a shared space you can move around in.
You Might Not Hear Everyone
Kolab uses spatial audio. You hear people who are near you on the canvas. Move closer to someone to hear them better. This is intentional - it lets multiple conversations happen naturally.
Finding Your Bearings
- Your video appears where you are on the canvas
- Other participants appear as videos scattered around the space
- The canvas might have sticky notes, drawings, or other content
Basic Controls
| Action | How |
|---|---|
| Move around | Click and drag on empty canvas space |
| Zoom in/out | Scroll wheel or pinch on trackpad |
| Mute yourself | Click the microphone icon |
| Turn off camera | Click the camera icon |
| Open chat | Click the chat icon |
Quick Troubleshooting
"I can't see myself"
- Check if another app is using your camera
- Try selecting a different camera in the dropdown
- Refresh the page
"I can't hear anyone"
- Move closer to other participants on the canvas
- Check your speaker/headphone volume
- Make sure you're not muted (check for the mute icon)
"No one can hear me"
- Check that you're not muted
- Make sure the right microphone is selected
- Try speaking and watch if your audio indicator moves
"The page won't load"
- Try Chrome or Firefox (best supported)
- Disable VPN if you're using one
- Check your internet connection
What's Next?
You're in the session - nice work! Here are some things you might want to learn:
- Setting up your audio and video - Get the best quality
- Navigating the space - Move around like a pro
- Using the canvas - Contribute to the collaboration
Need Help During a Session?
Use chat to ask your facilitator if you get stuck—they can guide you quickly.