Apple’s Freeform app is like your own personal digital sketchbook where ideas run wild.
Born out of the need for a more integrated digital workspace, it’s designed for all those times you need to brainstorm, doodle, jot down notes, or even plan an entire project—from the comfort of your device. It’s available on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even the Vision Pro, making it a solid go-to for anyone in the Apple ecosystem.
Once you get started, the concept of an ‘infinite canvas’ becomes pretty exciting. Picture yourself with limitless paper to sketch, write, and organize to your heart’s content. Freeform’s canvas, or rather ‘boards,’ let you drop in sketches, documents, and a bunch of other media. You can also sketch on there to your hearts content. It’s a digital wonderland for creators and planners alike, eliminating those frustrating boundary limits of traditional paper or restricted canvas apps.
In terms of tools, Freeform doesn’t disappoint. It’s got this whole array of digital pens, markers, colour palettes and even sticky notes—like your digital Post-it dreams come true. Whether you want to scribble a quick note or sketch an elaborate diagram, the various drawing and text options have your back. And for those who think in shapes, there are hundreds ready for you to play with, recolor, and layer as you wish.
What sets Freeform apart is how it seamlessly integrates media—images, PDFs, videos, you name it, all can be dropped directly onto the board. Got something on paper? Use your device camera to scan and pop it right into your masterpiece. Plus, iCloud syncs everything across Apple devices, so your latest I-think-I-just-had-a-brilliant-moment board is always up to date wherever you are.
Collaboration is another big win here. Ever been in a group project where coordinating was just a nightmare? Freeform bridges that gap. Invite up to 100 people on a board, and whether you’re in a FaceTime call or just co-working remotely, everyone sees updates in real-time, simplifying teamwork like it’s no biggie. It’s especially handy for virtual brainstorms and team meetings, where you can literally watch ideas come alive as your colleagues add their input.
There are some disadvantages though, Freeform is great within the Apple world, but leaves those on Android or Windows out of the party. The layering and version history aren’t as sophisticated as a full-fledged design app, and some users mention quirky usability issues, like lag or awkward zoom behavior. But, if you’re just looking for a digital sketchbook and notepad all in on, that is the perfect app for you.
So, whether you’re a freelancer putting together a project proposal, a student working on group assignments, or a creative cat laying out your next big art piece, Freeform offers endless possibilities right from your device. It’s not the catch-all solution for everyone, but for Apple users looking for a dynamic workspace, it’s definitely something to consider.