Best Whiteboard Applications for Your Linux Systems

Whiteboards are essential tools for facilitating brainstorming sessions and collaborating with team members in a digital workspace. With advent of technology, physical whiteboards are gradually becoming obsolete, as they are being replaced by digital whiteboard applications. If you are using a Linux system, you may be wondering what best whiteboard applications are. In this article, we will discuss best whiteboard applications for your Linux systems, along with their features, pros, and cons.

OpenBoard

OpenBoard is a free and open-source interactive whiteboard software that is available for Linux systems. It is designed for use in educational and training environments, and it comes with a range of features that make it an ideal tool for interactive learning.

Features

OpenBoard allows you to import and export various file formats, such as PDF, PowerPoint, and HTML.

It comes with a range of tools, such as pens, highlighters, and shapes, which can be used to annotate and draw on whiteboard.

The software has a built-in equation editor, making it easy to add mathematical equations to whiteboard.

OpenBoard also supports multi-touch gestures, making it possible to use software on touch-enabled devices.

Pros

OpenBoard is easy to use, and it has a clean and intuitive interface.

The software is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs.

OpenBoard is available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

The software is actively maintained and regularly updated.

Cons

OpenBoard may not be suitable for more complex tasks, as it is primarily designed for educational use.

Some users may find range of features overwhelming, particularly if they are new to digital whiteboards.

Explain Everything

Explain Everything is a versatile whiteboard application that is available for Linux systems. It is designed for use in a range of contexts, from education to business, and it comes with a range of features that make it an ideal tool for collaboration and communication.

Features

Explain Everything allows you to import and export various file formats, such as PDF, PowerPoint, and video.

It comes with a range of tools, such as pens, highlighters, and shapes, which can be used to annotate and draw on whiteboard.

The software has a built-in audio and video recorder, making it easy to record and share your presentations.

Explain Everything also supports real-time collaboration, making it possible to work with team members in real-time.

Pros

Explain Everything is highly versatile, making it suitable for use in a range of contexts.

The software is easy to use, and it has a clean and intuitive interface.

Explain Everything supports real-time collaboration, making it an ideal tool for remote work.

The software is available on multiple platforms, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Cons

Explain Everything is a paid application, which may be a barrier for some users.

The range of features may be overwhelming for users who are new to digital whiteboards.

The software may not be as customizable as other whiteboard applications.

Xournal

Xournal is a free and open-source digital notetaking software that is available for Linux systems. While not specifically designed as a whiteboard application, it can be used as a simple and effective tool for collaborative work.

Features

Xournal allows you to write and draw on whiteboard using a range of tools, such as pens and highlighters.

The software supports handwriting recognition, making it possible to convert your handwritten notes into typed text.

Xournal also supports import and export of PDF files, making it easy to work with existing documents.

The software is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs.

Pros

Xournal is free and open-source, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

The software is lightweight and runs smoothly on most Linux systems.

Xournal is highly customizable, making it possible to tailor it to your specific needs.

The software is actively maintained and regularly updated.

Cons

Xournal may not have as many features as other whiteboard applications, making it less suitable for more complex tasks.

The handwriting recognition feature may not be as accurate as other dedicated handwriting recognition software.

The interface may not be as intuitive as other whiteboard applications.

Open-Sankoré

Open-Sankoré is a free and open-source interactive whiteboard software that is available for Linux systems. It is designed for use in education and comes with a range of features that make it an ideal tool for interactive learning.

Features

Open-Sankoré allows you to import and export various file formats, such as PDF, PowerPoint, and HTML.

It comes with a range of tools, such as pens, highlighters, and shapes, which can be used to annotate and draw on whiteboard.

The software has a built-in equation editor, making it easy to add mathematical equations to whiteboard.

Open-Sankoré also supports multi-touch gestures, making it possible to use software on touch-enabled devices.

Pros

Open-Sankoré is easy to use and has a clean and intuitive interface.

The software is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs.

Open-Sankoré is available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

The software is actively maintained and regularly updated.

Cons

Open-Sankoré may not be suitable for more complex tasks, as it is primarily designed for educational use.

The range of features may be overwhelming for users who are new to digital whiteboards.

The software may not be as versatile as other whiteboard applications.

MyPaint

MyPaint is a free and open-source painting software that is available for Linux systems. While not specifically designed as a whiteboard application, it can be used as a simple and effective tool for collaborative work.

Features

MyPaint allows you to paint and draw on whiteboard using a range of tools, such as pens and brushes.

The software supports import and export of various file formats, such as PNG and SVG.

MyPaint also supports use of layers, making it possible to work on different elements separately.

The software is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs.

Pros

MyPaint is free and open-source, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

The software is lightweight and runs smoothly on most Linux systems.

MyPaint is highly customizable, making it possible to tailor it to your specific needs.

The software is actively maintained and regularly updated.

Cons

MyPaint may not have as many features as other whiteboard applications, making it less suitable for more complex tasks.

The interface may not be as intuitive as other whiteboard applications.

The software may not be suitable for collaborative work in real-time.

Conclusion

There are several whiteboard applications available for Linux systems, each with their own features, pros, and cons. If you are looking for a whiteboard application for educational purposes, OpenBoard and Open-Sankoré are both great options, as they come with a range of features that make them ideal for interactive learning. If you need a versatile whiteboard application that can be used in a range of contexts, Explain Everything is a great choice, as it supports real-time collaboration and comes with a range of tools for annotating and drawing. Xournal and MyPaint are both more simple applications, but they can still be effective tools for collaborative work.

Ultimately, best whiteboard application for your Linux system will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are new to digital whiteboards, it may be helpful to try out a few different applications to see which one works best for you. Regardless of which application you choose, a digital whiteboard can be an invaluable tool for collaborating with team members and facilitating brainstorming sessions in a digital workspace.