Using the Canvas

The canvas is where collaboration happens. It's a shared, infinite workspace where everyone can draw, write, add sticky notes, and work together in real time.

New to Kolab? Start with System Check to make sure your browser is ready, then come back here.

Canvas Basics

What You Can Do

The canvas supports several types of content:

Finding the Tools

Look for the toolbar - it's usually at the bottom of your screen. Click on a tool to select it, then click on the canvas to place it.

Additional tools are available by clicking the + button in the toolbar.

Adding Content

Sticky Notes

1. Click the sticky note icon in the toolbar
2. Click where you want to place it on the canvas
3. Type your text
4. Click outside to finish

Tips:

• Double-click an existing note to edit it
• Drag notes to reposition them
• Sticky notes auto-resize to fit your text

Text

1. Click the text icon (T) in the toolbar
2. Click where you want to type on the canvas
3. Start typing
4. Click outside to finish

Shapes

1. Click the rectangle or circle icon in the toolbar
2. Click and drag on the canvas to draw the shape
3. Release to finish
4. Drag corner handles to resize

Images

1. Click the image icon in the toolbar
2. Select an image file from your device
3. The image appears on the canvas
4. Drag to reposition, drag corners to resize

Working with Content

Selecting Things

• Single item: Click on it
• Multiple items: Click and drag a box around them, or hold Shift and click each
• Deselect: Click on empty canvas

Moving Content

1. Select what you want to move
2. Drag it to a new location
3. Release to place it

Resizing

1. Select the item
2. Drag the corner handles to resize
3. Release when happy with the size

Deleting

1. Select the item
2. Press Delete or Backspace
3. Or look for a delete button/icon

Copying and Pasting

• Ctrl+C / Cmd+C to copy
• Ctrl+V / Cmd+V to paste
• The copy appears near the original or where you click

Collaborating in Real Time

You'll See Others

When others are working on the canvas:

• You might see their cursors moving around
• Changes appear instantly - no refresh needed
• You might see who's editing an item

Working Together

Best practices:

• Spread out - don't all crowd the same area
• Use different colors if doing similar work
• Communicate via chat about who's working on what
• It's okay to build on others' contributions

Avoiding Conflicts

If two people edit the same item simultaneously:

• Kolab usually handles it gracefully
• The last change typically wins
• If something gets messed up, use undo (Ctrl+Z / Cmd+Z)

Canvas Activities You Might Do

Brainstorming

• Everyone adds sticky notes with ideas
• Group similar notes together
• Vote on favorites using dots or reactions

Mapping & Organizing

• Create categories with shapes or labels
• Drag content into different areas
• Use arrows to show relationships

Gallery Walk

• Content is spread across the canvas
• Move around to explore
• Add comments or reactions as you go

Visual Collaboration

• Work together on a diagram
• Build a timeline
• Create a mind map

Performance Tips

If the Canvas Feels Slow

1. Zoom out - Less detail to render
2. Close other tabs - Free up browser resources
3. Check your connection - System Check can help
4. Use Chrome - Often fastest for canvas apps

If Content Isn't Appearing

1. Check your internet connection
2. Try refreshing the page
3. Wait a moment - sometimes there's brief lag
4. Ask if others can see your changes

Keyboard Shortcuts Reference

Related Guides

• Navigating the Space - Moving around the canvas
• Troubleshooting - When things don't work
• System Check - Test your setup