Apple's Most Underrated App: Freeform | A Complete Walkthrough (iPadOS 18)

[@9to5Mac]

Try Paperlike Today: paperlike.com/9to5_2406

[@omgsharon]

You can actually crop images to a shape. Lay down the shape, import the image and place it over the shape, select both objects, tap then select edit, then tap the 3 dots and choose mask to shape

[@Arkhemiel]

Someone complained about his talking speed but I like it. No time wasted. Pronunciation is clear so this is nice. If you’re not able to keep up there is an option to slow it down to .75 percent or however slow you need it to be for you. But for the rest of us yea. This is proper.

[@heverton6506]

Me reading this comment while watching on .75 percent speed haha

[@StephenFiore-f4p]

......me watching this 75% of 75%...... h...a........h........a.................h…..................a

[@natesheridan6584]

Me watching this at 1.25 speed and not missing a single word

[@Liam_Maddog]

@@natesheridan6584 oh, so you’re on speed too? 😬

[@singing.winnie]

i'm watching it x2 speed lololollllll i am impatient!!! lolll

[@666Valo777]

iPad needs journal

[@aleoko]

@@666Valo777 omg yessss. I don’t get why it doesn’t still. It would be way more useful on iPad instead of iPhone

[@joshcoady9038]

Considering how apple says it’s easy for developers to make their apps compatible across their OSs, I was surprised about the lack of journal on iPadOS and macOS too. So I’ve used it in a limited way and would use more if I could use it on a device that is easier for typing out long form.

[@LukeoXx]

@@666Valo777 Apple has their own Journal app.

[@strangepecos04]

Yes 🙌🏽 along with support for Apple Watch like Day One journal. To make journal entries on the fly.

[@MatsueMusic]

Can’t believe it’s not available for iPad. Hopefully it doesn’t take as long as their calculator….

[@tonypujals]

Demo glosses over the fact that when you write with the pencil, it's not attached to the object (the post-it note or whatever shape you've got selected). As soon as you tap to go to pencil mode, the object is deselected. If you move the object later whatever you wrote with the pencil doesn't move with it.

[@noobnoob6949]

@@tonypujals I had the same problem but my solution was to long press the written text to highlight it and whilst keeping your finger on it, tap the post it note and then click the shapes icon that pops up, then tap group, should be fixed! Harder workaround and I wish it was simpler tbf, but that’s okay for me

[@SteveUrich]

@@noobnoob6949 boy I would’ve thought that they would’ve fixed the grouping in the latest release. I’m not sure why they don’t use the Select tool the crayon that has the swirls around it to just be able to select the whole thing and click inside and say group.

[@singing.winnie]

best tutorial video for freeform. great job, and thank you :)

[@user-Tanya4]

Great video. I learned so much. Thanks!

[@ScottPaddock]

great video! The one thing that drives me crazy about this app is that the sticky notes can not be formatted upper left. They are always centered. I often make lots of lists using the sticky notes, and having the upper left makes it much easier to read.

[@IamMusicNerd]

If it had layers, I would use it a lot more.

[@BrassyTack]

Informative video, I’d been curious what this app did. Freeform is robust, lots of options and hidden stuff. Since I’m not artsy, the vid showed that it’d take me forever to create anything useful in Freeform … thereby convincing me that I have no use for this app. Thank you for the video!

[@nikkilesley2525]

You don’t have to be artsy. Think of it like a whiteboard, only digital.

[@LucyGray]

Thank you for this tutorial. What app or device do you use to create your tutorials? A document camera??

[@waynemason3274]

Where can I get that wallpaper?

[@xingzhexin8843]

I stopped using freeform because of sync issues. When a group of people work on a page it was not able to sync. If a person draws something on screen parts of it disappear and can't be retrieved. That was a few months back dunno about it now.

[@AH247-qn5uf]

Thx for the video and reminding me how good this app is.

[@Turned2Ice]

thanks for detailed breakdown of the app, I appreciate this as a current windows/android user

[@asystole_]

One big thing I wish you could do is embed, or at least link to, a Freeform board from within a note in Apple Notes.

[@stow8619]

What ipad stand is that?

[@BasicFolders]

@@stow8619 0:49 😎👍

[@claireviens3772]

Thank you for this excellent presentation and clear explanations. I was enthused after watching your video and have adopted Freeform to collect info from various sources on a diversity of topics. Thank you again.

[@javierdeanda5414]

The big issue with freeform is that with huge archive with data or wrting the Ipad gets hot and unresponsive also happens with the mackbook

[@jerrymoreno1714]

Comprehensive vid. Can’t wait for release version of iOS/iPadOS 18 with Freeform 🐬

[@getcasblanca]

One word for you : Bravo !

[@SteveUrich]

Is there any way to quickly group the writing on a Post-it note and the Post-it note?

[@SlofArt]

I really love the app and have been using it for note taking. But for some reason when I use it for more than an hour the app starts to lag. So when I’m writing, I need to wait for a bit till everything that I’ve written is shown on my iPad. And that’s not ideal for when you’re sitting a lecture where the lector is talking really fast. Hope they’ll fix this bug!

[@Russwashere]

Hi Fernando, nice tutorial thanks, is there any way to add tables in Freeform? Regards Russell

[@ronnykhalil]

defintley come a ways....but would love to be able to change teh default bright white background. i've settled with importing either black image, scaling way big and locking to hack my dark mode. or even better, importing paper textures to do the same . glad you put this back on my radar tho

[@RJ.MacReady]

I’m using Freeform on IPad M4 and I can no longer draw a line from dot to dot on the background. I used to be able to draw a line from one dot to another and Freeform would automatically draw a straight line from each dot it doesn’t do it anymore. It’s certainly not connector lines either as I’ve tried that already

[@susanhall3628]

I am definitely going to try the app. Thanks for the demo.

[@devorsharo]

Hi I am a member of your channel and even a paid member of 9to5 Mac, how do you get the beautiful wallpaper? Great tute on Freeform. Thanks

[@crosleytirnghoti5951]

How do you add a KZbin video to a free form board? I saw you did it in this video but I can’t seem to do it. Can you help?

[@richrappa7906]

Thanks for the very informative video. Can YT links and Google drive / docs be added to a board?

[@DennisSwenaPhotography]

I need to be able to save an area of the board to the camera roll. I can only find an option for exporting as a PDF.

[@darkcornholio]

Is there a way to rotate images or stickers?

[@risingraven]

@@darkcornholio two fingers will rotate things.

[@darkcornholio]

@risingraven thank you. I did end up figuring that out. My ipad is used and is for some reason very finicky about multi finger inputs.

[@navysteel]

It’s fun for brainstorming

[@raitonvedan2527]

Here is the MAJOR issue with Freeform : unable to export to an editable file. Sharing with links isn’t enough. I need an actual file I can store anywhere and open with any Apple accounts.

[@robbchristopherson]

I never thought about doing this because I use it more for just organizing. But I can see how this would be super helpful.

[@krbenyo]

very usefull. Thanks!

[@sleepnclass]

6:16 was that an @excessorizeme reference? Love his channel

[@alexandrefrancoise6585]

Hi, very nice video. I use FreeForm everyday at work. Your wallpapers look awesome, i did not understand how to download them. I subscribed to the channel but don’t find the download link.

[@devorsharo]

Me too, I am also subscribed and can not find the awesome wallpapers

[@JeffPom]

Notes now has such amazing integration with calendar and reminders…. Can Freeform do that too?

[@Shabbir-A.]

How to set canvas dimensions or size in freeform? I made a slide and then there is not way to tell what size to print.

[@unquestionabletv]

When I wrote on the sticky note, it doesn’t stick to it. The note and writing is separate :(

[@victorliew172]

Yes. I hope 18 changes all that.

[@AubreyGuo-j5d]

Anto shape doesn't work for me, is there a setting?

[@chadfilbert1366]

How do you get the Apple Pencil setting to allow you to draw a circle or square and it turns into that shape?

[@SteveUrich]

@@chadfilbert1366 You just pause at the end of drawing the circle and it snaps to the perfect shape

[@Thunsegen]

Nice tutorial, I love this app and hope Apple continues to improve it over time.

[@mosijahi3096]

What would you like to see added to the app.

[@Thunsegen]

@@mosijahi3096 2 things on top of my head: better handwriting smoothing control (like with the Noteful app for example) and the possibility to use layers.

[@jazzviewer]

Great video, even better if u edit out every time u say ‘actually’

[@johnhollister3]

I actually agree with that.

[@rajcm8621]

Can you create templates

[@uniquesoul73]

Thanks for this video. I’ve recently been toying with Freeform but was clueless to most features

[@KiltedGreen]

That’s why Apple produce a manual.

[@loaial2904]

Freeforms really needs laser pointer

[@christiam7058]

hui Can someone tell me that as soon as you have a document ready the way to print vertically? It only prints me horizontally...

[@renanletenski]

all I wanted was some way to add plugins to it! like... imagine a pencil style plugin, goodnotes audio sync..... it would definably be a killer app

[@Kyu1LL]

I wish it was cross platform to PC somehow and I would use it a lot more. At least viewable in real time to share with clients etc.

[@drdentrepair5530]

Nice video. I’m using Freeform more and more. I do hope that they had folders soon.

[@robbchristopherson]

Yes. Please. I've been using it to organize so much. Folders would make it amazing.

[@ezinniv]

Yes, I commented 2yrs ago what you ask now, It would be very helpful to have a folder to organize the documents

[@60SecondBoooks]

I dont have those scenes :(

[@JeffPom]

As I played with it today…. It is infinite zooming out. However, you have to have something there. When you reach the edge, it adds a little bit more to the edge. Unfortunately, you can’t zoom ALL the way out, or ALL the way in - so not truly infinite.

[@HeyItsMePB]

Thanks for this video!

[@davidpierrepillon]

But how to print????

[@smilebot484]

it's hard to see the controls. using the screen recorder built in would make a much more useful tutorial.

[@MikeChatman]

How did you make the pencil bring up the tool by tapping with the pencil? I've tried to do it and it doesn't work. Does it need iOS 18 to work? I'm waiting for the update to install if that's the case.

[@SteveUrich]

@@MikeChatman I could be wrong, but I think it requires the second or third generation Apple Pencil

[@kjchoy3248]

Freeform is awesome

[@technikrosa]

Exciting app! However, I have an OLED display on my iPad Pro. And I would like to have a black background. As it has a very stylish look. How can I change the white background to a black one?

[@SaHaRaSquad]

Have you tried enabling dark theme? Just a guess.

[@technikrosa]

@@SaHaRaSquad Unfortunately it doesn't work

[@nisagomez4366]

They need to fix the rotate selection on the iPad version.

[@spitNsawdust]

I hope there is an easy ‘undo’?

[@subhashree4523]

How auto correct happening

[@MikeG1111_]

Does anyone know the brand/name of that grip on his Apple Pencil?

[@9to5Mac]

Paperlike

[@MikeG1111_]

@@9to5Mac Thanks!.

[@irugadark123]

Do you know a way to fix freeform crashes? mines crashes all the time

[@blakedager147]

@@irugadark123 mine too, gets super laggy as well

[@irugadark123]

@@blakedager147 may I ask if it’s ok if what device you are using too

[@unquestionabletv]

Close the app before it crashes. Big brain.

[@drag-ha]

Must be dinosaur devices

[@blakedager147]

@@irugadark123 9th generation iPad

[@nikkilesley2525]

You don’t need an ‘Apple’ pencil to use an IPad. I have a cheap knockoff that works just fine.

[@ChristianPendleton_se]

Is it just me that is really annoyed with the fact that stuff I draw on a sticky note isn’t attached to the note and, for example move with it?

[@commentarytalk1446]

Is it possible to actually write using the pencil on the sticky note but make the handwriting STUCK to the sticky note so if the note is moved the handwriting moves with it? That would be very useful for sticky notes. Is that possible with iPadOS-18 update in FreeForm? Thanks for the video, freeform is very flexible and useful and works well.

[@omgsharon]

I couldn’t get handwriting to move with the sticky note unless I selected by drawing around the entire outside of the note…. Then I could move the text. Just tapping on the note and dragging left the handwritten text behind. You can “group” type text with the note and that moves with the note, but then you have to ungroup when you want to edit the text. If you scale the size of the note while grouped with the text, it gets all goofy and wonky.

[@commentarytalk1446]

@@omgsharon Thanks for the detailed explanation. It sounds like a feature that maybe Apple could work on for the next update to FreeForm. If it was easy/convenient to merely group handwriting on notes I could then in effect make Kanban Boards using FreeFlow bespoke which would be very useful. Thanks a lot again, much appreciated help.

[@jwxnlz21]

Why my Freefrom so lag and crash on iPadOS beta

[@juliolovestacos]

@@jwxnlz21 could be cause it’s a beta

[@blakedager147]

@@juliolovestacosmine did it long before getting the beta

[@samfraulino]

I'm just afraid I will use this as an artist/developer, then Apple decides to take it away someday. It looks really cool.

[@herrsanchez]

What you missed, is basically explaining what the fk am I supposed to do with Freeform? How do you actually use it? Why would I use it? I just don't see the relevance of the software. And I hoped by the description of the video, that you'd explain how is it useful for regular people? Some Apple apps, sometimes seem so useless, like *Freeform *Notes and *Reminders

[@marcusmphotography]

Its all subjective, there are hundreds of other apps out there that are great replacements for all the apple apps you mentioned in your comment. You are on commenting on a youtube channel that focuses primarily on apple products.

[@InternationalBigshot]

I don't get Freeform either. But Notes and Reminders are excellent parts of MacOS. If you use Evernote or Notion then give Notes a try. It will open your eyes. I switched from Evernote to Notes a year ago and do not regret it. Notes is integrated into MacOS, so some connections between other apps is seamless. And reminders, for me, is a no brainer. I use both with the Apple Calendar app.

[@gene978]

Showing us an APP using a BETA version of the OS?!

[@ZETA_RETICULI39.17]

freeform is like windows whiteboard

[@databoy01]

CURVED TEXT??

[@Get-h7e]

Nope, not “the only video you’ll need to watch about Freeform”. There’s lots more to know that he didn’t even mention.

[@ReynoldsGroupRadio]

Without further adieu.

[@Athirn]

The video is a simple introduction to the app and doesn't give any good examples of Freeform use, therefore doesn't answer the question why this app is the Apple's most underrated one.

[@tsshum]

Freeform is free but its iCloud storage is not.

[@jeff2tc99]

do you know anybody who uses it? Its hopeless

[@ericmaina6779]

And here I am wondering why I use paid infinite canvas applications😅 Freeform appears good enough for just about everything

[@jazenka99]

Apple invented Miro 😂

[@BenedictChrysosthomos]

Please, slow a tad down. Watching this video is giving me high bloodpressure.

[@rhubarb_lady]

You can adjust playback speed under settings (the gear icon). Adjusting to .75 sounded good for me :)

[@funnyunkle]

good video but Freeform is still crap. it has limited editing tools and it is a hot mess.

[@einerus]

I don't use it for one simple reason - that absurd undo gesture with three fingers that move the screen? Why they couldn't use two fingers tap like everyone else? It's just a case of apple horrible UI.

[@georgiafam]

Combine notes and Freeform!

[@HamiltonAdolphus]

Huuuuuuge oversight. Can’t add images directly from the web. This functionality would greatly improve the app’s workflow capabilities…😢

[@Djvids-k6b]

Is there an apple accent now?

[@cmaus]

Hmmm Kind of actually actual.

[@veyselozgezerim872]

İpad wallpapers please ?

[@jacobeickhardt84]

What is that thing you have on your Apple Pencil?

[@9to5Mac]

paperlike pencil grip

[@andersonnebraska8044]

‘Without further adieu” is a stale phrase that all video presenter’s should abandon. 😢

[@jacquielevine637]

@@andersonnebraska8044 yessss!! We aren't in the 1800's. So . Many. Say . It still!! 😟😟😟

[@Mttxw]

He’s cute

[@vitogaleno6041]

OMG I got a headache listening to this guy Next time he can try talking even faster!

[@impulsesystems]

It's the tune, where each sentence ending goes up in frequency, that is making my head ache!

[@b.peppercorn739]

If you would talk a bit slower, I would actually understand what you are saying

[@MikeG1111_]

@@b.peppercorn739 Tap on the video, then on the gear in the upper right corner. Adjust Playback speed.

[@22jo222]

@@b.peppercorn739 I changed the playback speed to .75 (in settings).

[@pipo9970]

@@b.peppercorn739 it’s awesome how you can activate subtitles and also change the speed to .75, .5, .25 to understand Fernando :) i hear him pretty well tbh

[@Lesspronouns-moreproverbs]

And if that’s not enough, it’s recorded. So you can watch it again. Best wishes.

[@lisateachey]

@@pipo9970I agree, it was too hard to follow at normal speed. I tried 75 percent, but couldn’t listen to that very long because it gave his voice a valley girl like drag. It’s a shame because the video is informative. Just hard to follow for some of us who are older.

[@brianwalsh288]

You have not convinced me that this isn’t anything more than a toy and a total waste.