How to Use Jamboard in Google Meet

This guide shows you how to start a Jamboard directly from a Google Meet call, share it with participants, and collaborate in real time. You’ll learn the exact clicks, how to manage permissions, and what to do when things don’t work as expected. All you need is a Google account and a Meet meeting you can join.

What You’ll Need

A Google account (personal or Workspace).
Google Meet running in a browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari) or the Meet mobile app.
Permission to present in the meeting (usually the host or a participant with presenting enabled).

Step-by-Step

Join or start a Google Meet call. Open meet.google.com and either create a new meeting or join an existing one using the link or code.
Open the activity panel. At the bottom right of the Meet window, click the icon that looks like a square with a small square inside (often labeled “Activities” or shown as a puzzle piece). In the mobile app, tap the three-dot menu or the same icon.
Select “Whiteboard.” In the activity panel, you’ll see options like “Polls,” “Q&A,” and “Whiteboard.” Click “Whiteboard.”
Choose a Jamboard. A list of your recent Jamboards appears. Click one to open it, or click “+ New Jam” to create a blank board. If you’re on mobile, tap the “+” icon to start a new jam.
Start presenting. By default, when you open a Jamboard from Meet, it automatically starts presenting to everyone. If it doesn’t, click the “Present now” button (the rectangle with an arrow) and choose “A tab” or “Your entire screen,” then select the Jamboard tab.
Share editing permissions. To let others draw, add sticky notes, or type, click the “Share” button in the top-right corner of the Jamboard. Under “General access,” change “Restricted” to “Anyone with the link” and set the role to “Viewer” or “Editor.” For a meeting, “Editor” is usually best. Copy the link and paste it into the Meet chat, or simply ask participants to click the “Open in Jamboard” button that appears in the Meet activity panel.
Use the tools. The toolbar on the left includes a pen, highlighter, eraser, sticky note, text box, image upload, and laser pointer. Click a tool, choose a color and thickness, then draw or type directly on the board.
Navigate frames. Jamboard uses frames (like slides). Use the arrows at the top to move between frames, or click the frame grid icon to see all frames at once. Add a new frame with the “+” button.
End the session. When you’re done, close the Jamboard tab or click “Stop presenting” in Meet. The Jamboard saves automatically to your Google Drive, and everyone with access can open it later.

Common Mistakes

Not sharing the link properly. If you only present your screen, participants can see the board but can’t edit it. You must explicitly share the Jamboard link or set permissions to “Anyone with the link can edit.”
Opening the wrong Jamboard. When you click “Whiteboard” in Meet, it shows your recent files. Double-check you’re opening the intended one, especially if you have many boards.
Forgetting to stop presenting. If you leave the Jamboard open and switch to another tab, participants still see the Jamboard. Click “Stop presenting” when you’re ready to show something else.
Using the eraser on sticky notes. The eraser only removes pen/highlighter strokes. To delete a sticky note or text box, select it and press Delete or Backspace.
Assuming mobile has all features. The Meet mobile app lets you view and draw, but some features like inserting images or using the laser pointer may be missing. Use a desktop browser for full functionality.

Tips

Set the board size beforehand. If you plan to use Jamboard, create it before the meeting and add any background images or frames you need. This saves time during the call.
Use frames for structure. Instead of one long board, split your content into frames (like “Agenda,” “Brainstorm,” “Action Items”). This keeps the discussion organized.
Laser pointer for emphasis. When presenting, use the laser pointer tool to highlight specific parts of the board. Participants see it as a red dot.
Lock the board when needed. If you want to prevent others from editing temporarily, click “Share” and change the role to “Viewer.” You can switch back later.
Save a copy. To keep a record, go to the Jamboard and choose File > Make a copy, or export frames as PDF (via the three-dot menu).

Troubleshooting

Jamboard doesn’t open in Meet. Make sure you’re using a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari). Clear your browser cache and reload the meeting. If it still fails, try opening Jamboard directly from jamboard.google.com and share your screen.
Participants can’t see the board. You may not be presenting. Click “Present now” and select the Jamboard tab. Also check that you haven’t accidentally stopped presenting.
Participants can’t edit. The link permissions are likely set to “Viewer.” Open the Jamboard, click “Share,” change the role to “Editor,” and re-send the link.
Board is laggy or slow. Close other heavy tabs, reduce the number of participants who are drawing simultaneously, and try a wired internet connection. If it’s still slow, ask participants to refresh the Jamboard tab.
Jamboard doesn’t appear in the activity panel. This feature is available on most Google Workspace accounts and personal Gmail. If you don’t see it, update your browser or try incognito mode. You can always use a separate Jamboard tab and share your screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Jamboard in Google Meet for free?

Yes. Both Google Meet and Jamboard are free for personal Google accounts. Workspace accounts also include them.

Do participants need a Google account to edit the Jamboard?

If you set the link to “Anyone with the link can edit,” they don’t need to sign in. However, if you restrict to your organization, they’ll need a Google account with access.

Can I use Jamboard on a phone during a Meet?

Yes, you can open a Jamboard from the Meet mobile app, but editing tools are limited. For full features, use a computer.

How do I save a Jamboard after the meeting?

Jamboards save automatically to Google Drive. You can find them in the “Jamboards” folder or search for “Jam.”

Can I export a Jamboard as a PDF?

Yes. Open the Jamboard, click the three-dot menu, and select “Export to PDF.” You can also copy frames as images.

Why can’t I see the Whiteboard option in Meet?

This option appears in the activity panel. If you don’t see it, try updating your browser, or use a separate Jamboard tab and share your screen.

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