Open a room
Sign in or use testing mode, allow camera and microphone access, then start the session.
Share the link
Copy the invite link or room ID. Add an optional room password when needed.
Open the material
Switch from video to the blackboard, upload a supported file, or share a desktop screen.
Work together
Draw, explain, change layouts and enable follow mode when everyone should see the same view.
Device guidance
Use the strongest browser for the job.
Joining and drawing work across modern browsers. Desktop Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari are the strongest hosting targets; Safari is the preferred fallback on iPhone and iPad when another iOS browser has media trouble.
| Device | Recommended browser | Join and draw | Host | Screen share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone / iPad | Safari; test Chrome or Firefox as secondary | Yes | Yes, after device check | Usually unavailable from the mobile browser |
| Android phone / tablet | Current Chrome | Yes | Yes, after device check | Browser/device dependent |
| Mac | Current Chrome or Safari | Yes | Recommended | Yes |
| Windows | Current Chrome or Edge; Firefox tested separately | Yes | Recommended | Yes |
Browsers on iPhone and iPad use Apple's WebKit media layer, so “Firefox on iPad” does not behave exactly like Firefox on Windows or Mac.
Before a real session
A 60-second preflight prevents most failures.
Test both sides before the first paid or important meeting, with the exact devices, browsers, headphones and network that will be used.
1. Permissions
Confirm the browser and operating system both allow microphone and camera access for penandboard.com.
2. Two-way sound
Speak on each device in turn. Confirm both people hear the other and that the local microphone indicator moves.
3. Recovery
Lock and unlock a phone, background the tab briefly, rotate the device and switch Wi-Fi off and on.