Features in the canvas toolbar

The canvas toolbar is one of the most powerful parts of the ALLO canvas where you can utilize it to communicate and collaborate with others a lot more efficiently and easily. In this article, we will go through the tools in the canvas toolbar one by one and explain how they can be used.

Tools include Selector, Drawing, Shapes, Texts, Upload files, Sticky note, table, Stickers, YouTube, Comments, Canvas, and Audio memo.

Selector

The selector is the default tool in the canvas, your normal mouse pointer. Use it to adjust object positioning, change size, enter editor or preview mode with a double-click, and select multiple objects for grouping or making bulk changes.

Drawing

Click the pencil icon to draw or handwrite on the canvas. Use it to create drawings, and select the highlighter for transparent highlights. Adjust colors and line thickness, and erase using the eraser tool.

Shapes

Create shapes on the canvas by selecting your desired shape, then clicking and dragging it into position. You can also adjust shapes by clicking once to move or change their size, and connect them using arrows for various purposes.

Text

Double-click anywhere on the canvas to create a text box, and start adding content with features like checkboxes, rich text formatting, and bullet points.

Upload files

Drag and drop files of various types onto the canvas, including multiple files simultaneously. Supported formats include MS Office, GSuite, PDFs, audio, video, and images, with in-app previewing. You can also copy and paste web links directly onto the canvas.

Protip:  Easily create a new Google Doc within the canvas by using the "Upload Files" feature. Select "Embed Link," choose the type of Google Doc you want, and click "Create New."

Sticky note

Drag and drop sticky notes onto the canvas for idea documentation. Double-click to edit.

Table

Drag and drop tables onto the canvas for a grid-like information display. Double-click to input data.

Stickers

Search for your favorite sticker, hit enter, and drag it onto the canvas.

YouTube

Search for a video, hit enter, and drag it onto the canvas. YouTube videos play in-canvas for your convenience.

Comments

Click the comment icon, then click the object you want to comment on. Use "@" to mention colleagues for notifications in asynchronous communication.

Subcanvas

Create subcanvases to gather related collaterals, subtasks, or subcategories. Click the three dots at the end of the toolbar, select "Canvas," and name your subcanvas. Double-click to enter the subcanvas and use the breadcrumb menu on the top to return to the main canvas.

Audio memo

You can efficiently deliver your message via audio memos within a canvas. This feature is handy for adding explanations to lecture slides or meeting notes. To record, click the three dots, choose "Audio memo," start recording, and click "Insert" to attach it to the canvas.

Audio memos act like other objects on the canvas. Click to select and drag to reposition. To play, select it and click the play button. Playback progress is displayed on the memo and a fixed progress bar at the bottom. Adjust time and volume using the bar.

💡 Note: The maximum length for each Voice memo is 3 minutes for now.