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Getting Started with Box Canvas

What is Box Canvas?

Box Canvas is a digital whiteboard tool that enables flexible collaboration in real time or asynchronously. It helps you organize ideas, facilitate discussions, group activities, or solo creative endeavors right in Box.

 

You can use Box Canvas to:

  • Brainstorm
  • Visualize a workflow
  • Create a mood board
  • Organize a retrospective

Box Canvas works best for:

  • Team meetings
  • Interactive workshops
  • Side by side comparisons
  • Simple design work

 

Table of Contents

  1. How does Box Canvas work?
    1. Making your first Canvas

  2. Best practices for Canvas

     

How does Box Canvas work?

Canvas has two different navigation modes: Trackpad and Mouse Mode. Each collaborator will be able to choose the mode that works best for their set up.

 

At the bottom the Canvas there are an array of tools housed in a toolbar.

 

Using the Select button you can toggle between the pointer, which allows you to click and move individual elements on the Canvas around, and the hand, which allows you to drag your view of the Canvas.

 

The Sticky Note button has 9 different color options that you can place anywhere on the Canvas with a single click.

 

The Shapes button offers quick select options, and if you click the View All button you can choose from a huge library of icons and shapes for all occasions. You can double click on a shape to start typing in it or click on an icon to change its color.

 

You can also use the Text button in the toolbar to add standalone text anywhere on the Canvas.

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The Pen button has both a free-draw pen and eraser, with the option to choose how thick the drawn lines are, and the color.

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The Connector button allows you to link different elements on the Canvas via an arrow. You can clip the connectors to handles on each element so that when you move one element the arrow moves with it.

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The Upload button allows you to upload images to your Canvas. You can also drag and drop images into the Canvas.

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Finally, the Template button brings up a dialog box with all the available Canvas templates to choose from.

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Making your first Canvas

Use a template! Even if you need to rename or move things around a template will get you started fast.

Want a walkthrough of all the tools Canvas offers? Select the “Get Started with Canvas” template option and complete the activities.

 

Best practices for Canvas

  • Ensure all participants have Editor access to the Canvas file.
  • Working with a large group or when you want individual contributions to be clearly credited? Designate colors for individuals (for example, all of Carol’s Sticky Notes are red, Trey’s are purple) or let users pick a small icon to place next to their entries. This makes it easy to trace ideas and hold people accountable.
  • Build a legend that explains what different icons, shapes, colors, and Connector types mean. Place the legend in a visible spot on the Canvas so new contributors can quickly understand the conventions and maintain consistency.
  • Use clear section headers or frames to group related items and reduce visual clutter. Regularly tidy up by merging duplicates and archiving outdated items to keep the Canvas focused.

  • Set a brief onboarding note for new collaborators outlining your chosen conventions (color assignments, icon meanings, connector styles) and any expectations for edits or comments. This helps bring new contributors up to speed fast.


 


 

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