Mac

How to Use Freeform on Mac (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

by Howfinity

Freeform is Apple’s powerful new visual brainstorming app available on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Whether you’re mapping out ideas for a new project, planning a book, or organizing tasks, Freeform makes it easy to create flexible, visual workspaces that sync across all your Apple devices.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Freeform on Mac, from creating your first project to using advanced features that enhance your brainstorming process.

What Is Freeform?

Freeform is a free app from Apple that offers an infinite canvas where you can add text, images, shapes, links, and more. It’s designed for creatives, planners, educators, and anyone who prefers visual thinking over traditional note-taking.

Getting Started: Create Your First Freeform Project

When you open Freeform on your Mac for the first time, you’ll be prompted to create a new board (project).

How to Create a New Board:

  1. Open the Freeform app from your Applications folder or Launchpad

  2. Click “New Board”

  3. Give your board a name (e.g., “Project Plan” or “Book Outline”)

  4. Choose a blank canvas or template (for this tutorial, we’ll use a blank canvas)

Once your board is open, you’ll see a large, empty workspace where you can begin adding and arranging ideas.

Adding Content to Your Canvas

To build out your board, click the “+” icon in the toolbar at the top of the screen. From there, you can add:

  • Shapes: Choose from a wide variety of icons and graphics

  • Text boxes: Perfect for notes, titles, or labeling sections

  • Images and videos: Add media files directly from your Mac

  • Sticky notes: Great for quick thoughts or reminders

Everything you add can be resized, moved, and customized to match your visual layout.

Organizing Your Ideas in Freeform

One of Freeform’s key strengths is its flexibility in organizing content.

Tips for Structuring Your Board:

  • Drag and drop shapes to group related ideas

  • Use color coding to visually separate sections

  • Group multiple items by selecting them and clicking the group icon in the toolbar

  • Create visual flow by connecting elements with lines and arrows

This makes Freeform ideal for mind maps, timelines, product planning, or content outlines.

Advanced Freeform Features on Mac

Freeform includes several hidden tools that boost productivity:

1. Add Links Between Shapes

  • Select a shape and click the link icon

  • Paste a URL or choose another object on your board

  • This helps connect related ideas or reference outside resources

2. Leave Comments on Elements

  • Click a shape and tap the comment icon

  • Use this to leave notes or collaborate with others on shared boards

These features are particularly helpful for team collaboration, writing workflows, or complex project planning.

Real-World Use Case: Organizing a Book Outline

I recently used Freeform to structure a new book project. I created a board with different sections for each chapter, added visual cues for key concepts, and linked related sections using the built-in linking tool. I even shared the board with beta readers, who left comments directly on the board — a major upgrade over traditional note sharing.

Why Freeform is Worth Trying

Here’s what makes Freeform stand out:

  • Available on Mac, iPad, and iPhone

  • Real-time iCloud sync across devices

  • Infinite canvas to capture unlimited ideas

  • Visual tools to customize layouts and flow

  • Ideal for personal projects, business planning, or creative brainstorming

Final Thoughts

If you enjoy visual planning, mind mapping, or organizing complex projects, learning how to use Freeform on Mac is well worth your time. It combines the creative freedom of a whiteboard with the structure of digital tools — and it’s completely free for Apple users.

Download Freeform from the Mac App Store and try it today. You might just find it’s the brainstorming tool you didn’t know you needed.