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An Introduction to Pencil Mobile
An Introduction to Pencil Mobile

The fundamentals of Pencil Mobile and the functions that can be performed in the mobile version.

Marissa Agno avatar
Written by Marissa Agno
Updated over 2 years ago

The team at Pencil is extremely proud to announce that we've expanded our product offering to include Pencil Spaces on mobile! However, we know that this can come with new difficulties as you start learning a new set of controls. To help you out, we'll break down how the basics of Pencil Mobile works, and how you can get the most out of innovation.

1. First Impressions

When you first log into Pencil Mobile, you'll be presented with a very familiar screen, the "My Spaces" page.

You'll be able to access any of your previously visited Spaces, either by scrolling through the lists or searching for a specific Space. You can also create a new Space by clicking the blue "Plus" button.

However, you will not be able to access the remainder of the usual sidebar features that you would find on the Pencil homepage if you were using a computer. We are currently working on pushing those to mobile as fast as we can to provide a comprehensive experience across all platforms.

2. In-Space Controls

Once you enter a Space on mobile, you'll notice that you still have access to a wide variety of controls to enhance your mobile experience.

At the bottom of your Space, you will see a shortened toolbar. This toolbar contains the Selection Tool, Move Tool, Undo, Redo, Writing Tools, and a "More" Button. To use any of the available tools, press on your tool of choice, and use it as you would regularly!

Pressing the "More" Button will give you access to the Text Tools, Shape Tools, Line Tools, and the Equation Tool. As with the previously mentioned tools, these tools function similarly to how they do on a computer, so simply pick one and get going!

3. Menu Options

Furthermore, by tapping the "Menu" Button (3 lines), in the upper left-hand corner, you access several pop-ups with additional features. At the bottom of your screen, you have the ability to change between the whiteboards in the Space by tapping whichever whiteboard on which you wish to work.

On the bottom left-hand side of your screen, you can access a group chat for your Space, or private chats with anyone in the Space by pressing the "Chat" Button.

Finally, in the upper right-hand corner of your screen, you can press the white "Add People" Button to add participants to your Space just as you would on a computer. Add by name or email, or alternatively share the link with whomever you'd like to join!

4. Calling in Pencil Mobile

In the standard view on Pencil Mobile, you'll notice that the green "Call" Button is in the upper corner of your screen. When you tap it, you'll be given the ability to adjust your audio and video settings just as you would on a computer before you start your call.

Once you've started the call, you'll notice that a green bar will appear at the top of your screen, which will then be replaced by a video box. Using the video box, view the videos of other people in the call, adjust your audio or video settings, use reactions, minimize the video box, and exit the call, just like on a computer.

If you are not the owner of the Space, you will be able to join calls once they're started from mobile and exit the call just as you would on a computer. You will have all the same abilities as other mobile users, aside from the ability to start the call.

5. Exiting Pencil Mobile

Once you've finished using Pencil Mobile, there are a few different ways to exit the application.

If you're currently in a Space on mobile, follow these steps to log out:

  1. Press the "Menu" button (3 lines) in the upper left-hand corner. This will open up several different pop-ups.

  2. Next, press the white "Exit" button in the upper left-hand corner. The button will be part of a dark blue bar.

  3. You will now be taken back to the "My Spaces" page, which you first saw when you logged in. Finally, press your name in the upper right-hand corner, and click the "Logout" button that pops up as a result.

  4. This takes you back to the login page, and completes the logout process.

Alternatively, you can exit Pencil Mobile at any time by simply closing the browser tab in which you were using Pencil. However, when you return to Pencil Mobile at a later date, you will remain logged in and automatically jump to the "My Spaces" page.

6. Need More Help?

If the steps mentioned above don't help you use Pencil Mobile, please reach out to our team as soon as possible for additional assistance. Either:

  1. Click on the "Messenger" icon at the bottom right corner of this page, and follow the onscreen instructions.

  2. Click the "?" Button at the top right corner of your screen in an active Pencil Space on a computer to start a conversation with our team.

If it's easier, you can also email us directly at [email protected].

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