Pen tool
The Pen tool allows users to draw freehand strokes directly on the canvas. Use this tool to create text and drawings, or to draw over objects on the canvas to add annotations.
Pen types
myViewBoard offers the following pen types. Note that the Pen icon on the toolbar displays what Pen type is currently active.
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Marker The Marker is the default pen tool, designed for general-purpose writing or drawing. It allows users to create freehand annotations directly on the canvas with ease. This tool is ideal for quick sketches or marking key points during presentations or lessons. |
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Paint Brush The Paint Brush mimics the effect of calligraphy, producing strokes that vary between thin and thick lines. This tool is well-suited for artistic tasks or creating stylized writing. It provides a smooth, natural drawing experience for users looking to add a creative touch. |
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Highlighter The Highlighter creates semi-transparent strokes that emphasize text or graphics without covering the underlying content. It is perfect for visually reinforcing important information during discussions or notes. Strokes made by the highlighter always appear over any other object on the canvas. |
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Shape Pen The Shape Pen acts like a stamp, creating single or repeating geometric shapes with each stroke. It helps users add consistency to diagrams or visual aids effortlessly. This tool is a time-saver when creating structured visuals such as charts or outlines. |
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Magic Line Pen The Magic Line Pen reveals the background gradually with each stroke, creating an engaging visual effect. It is especially useful for unveiling hidden content in a creative or interactive manner. This tool adds an element of surprise and interaction to the canvas. |
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Laser Pen The Laser Pen creates semi-transparent strokes that fade away after a short time, leaving the canvas clear. It is useful for briefly pointing out details or guiding focus without needing to erase marks manually. This tool is ideal for dynamic, live presentations where attention shifts quickly. |
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AI Pen The AI Pen analyzes user drawings and returns a set of vector images based on its interpretation of the shapes. It requires users to be signed in to myViewBoard to access this feature. This pen is excellent for turning rough sketches into polished visuals. |
⚠️ Availability
Access to this feature is only available to:
- Users subscribed with a Pro plan
- Users under an Entity account
Video demo
Click one of the links to see how the output of a particular pen type looks like. To see that pen in action, click the play button below:
Using the Pen Tool
Using the Pen tool is pretty straightforward:
- Launch myViewBoard.
- Click thePen icon on the toolbar once to activate.
- Once the tool is active, drag your mouse, stylus, or finger to create lines or write text on the canvas.
- To change how drawn lines appear:
- Click a color option to open the settings menu, where you can adjust color, line thickness, and opacity.
- Click to show the other pen types. Click on another Pen icon to switch to that type.
- To make changes to your drawn strokes:
- Use theUndo button to remove the most recent action.
- Use theEraser tool to remove specific lines or marks.
- Experiment with the other pen types.
Customizing the Pen Tool
Click or tap the color circle to open the settings menu:
- Click a color to change the active color on the quick-selection.
To add a custom color, click the icon. - Use the slider to adjust line thickness.
- Use the slider to modify the opacity for transparent or solid strokes.
Thin and thick stylus tips
Supported IFPs may display an extra panel that allows users to individually customize the strokes drawn by the Thin and Thick tips of a dual-tip stylus. Note the following behavior:
- Thin tip draws thin strokes.
- Thick tip draws thick strokes.
To customize the color for each pen tip:
- Activate thePen tool on the main toolbar.
By default, the Marker type is selected.
- Hold your stylus and switch to the tip you want to configure.
- Use this tip to tap a color circle.
- The settings menu appears.
- The graphic in the panel switches to the pen tip that will be updated.
- On the settings menu:
- Click a color to change the active color on the quick-selection.
To add a custom color, click the icon. - Use the slider to adjust line thickness.
- Use the slider to modify the opacity for transparent or solid strokes.
Other Pen types (not the Marker tool) will always render drawn strokes with the thick tip, even if you draw with the thin end.
'Tip' panel
Sample stylus
Adorning menu
The Adorning menu is a context menu that provides additional options to interact with your pen strokes on the canvas. Actions available on the menu change depending on the pen stroke selected.
Options shown will depend on what pen type was used to create the stroke.
Pen strokes / highlighter
For strokes created with the Marker, Brush, and Highlighter pens.
Stamp / background
For strokes created with the Stamp and Background reveal pens.
Menu options
The following options are specific to the adorning menu for pen strokes:
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Stroke Adjusts the color, thickness, and opacity of strokes created with the Marker, Brush, and Highlighter pens. |
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Stroke thickness Adjusts the thickness and opacity of the pen strokes created by the Stamp and Background reveal pens. |
Video walkthrough
For a more detailed walkthrough, see the video below. Click on the timestamps to jump to a section.
00:16 Use Marker, Highlighter, and Paint Brush for notes and diagrams
00:21 Adjust stroke thickness, color, and transparency
01:22 Try Shape Pen, Magic Line Pen, Laser Pen, and AI Pen for visual engagement
02:54 Use the adorning menu to copy, spin, delete, and customize strokes