Here are some basic tips to get up and running when collaborating on interactive (touchscreen) displays, such as Microsoft Surface Hubs, Surface Studios, or any display that has access to a browser (by going to app.mural.co/display). See our article on which touchscreen displays and devices Mural is most compatible with.
This article assumes you've already sent a mural to your interactive display.
Note: Using Mural on an interactive display is a simplified version of the Mural app, so your experience will be limited.
Contents
FAQ.
Navigate the canvas on an interactive display
You can navigate the canvas using your fingers directly on the screen:
Sliding your finger across the screen to pan around.
Pinching with two fingers together (to zoom in) or apart (to zoom out).
Note: If you're using Mural through a browser, you must use Move mode to move around the canvas. Select the Move (hand) icon to switch to Move mode.
Move mode prevents you from accidentally editing any content while you move around the canvas. You’ll find the Move mode icon in the bottom left or bottom right of your screen.
Add objects from an interactive display
Adding objects to the canvas on your interactive display is very similar to the steps for Mural’s desktop and web app. The main difference is that, instead of clicking with your mouse, you’ll tap directly on the screen with your finger!
Quickly add a sticky note from an interactive display
To add a sticky note:
Double-tap anywhere on the canvas.
Or, tap the sticky note icon in the left or right sidebar. Then tap and drag a sticky note onto the canvas.
Add other objects from an interactive display
You can also add other objects such as text boxes, shapes, icons, images from the web, and frameworks to your canvas.
To add other objects:
Tap the object’s icon on the left or right-side toolbar.
Tap the object to add it to the canvas. Or, tap and hold to select an object, then drag it to where you want it on the canvas.
Edit objects from an interactive display
Add content to a sticky note from an interactive display
Obviously, you’ll want to write on your new sticky notes. Just double tap on a sticky note to add content. (You should see a cursor bar start blinking.)
You can then add content by either writing with the stylus pen or typing using the on-screen keyboard that pops up.
Change between these modes by tapping on Switch to text or Switch to draw.
Tap Done to exit edit mode. Or, tap anywhere next to the sticky note
Edit an object from an interactive display
There are two menus to choose from when editing an object: the formatting menu and the context menu.
Note: Your editing options may differ slightly depending on the exact device you’re using. If you run into any issues, please let us know by emailing your feedback to display@mural.co.
When you tap to select an object, the formatting menu automatically pops up. This menu varies a bit depending on the type of object and your specific interactive display. Here’s an example of a sticky note’s formatting menu:
Use the formatting menu to:
Switch to draw mode.
Make the sticky note's font smaller or bigger.
Change the object’s color.
Add a URL to the object.
Change the object type.
You'll see a three-dot icon to the right side of your formatting menu. If you tap on the three-dot icon, you’ll open the context menu:
The context menu gives you different editing options, such as:
Add a comment.
Duplicate the object.
Bring the object to the front or send to the back.
Delete or copy the object.
And more!
Change the size of an object from an interactive display
To change the size of any object:
Draw on the canvas from an interactive display
There are two ways to start drawing on the canvas from your interactive display:
You can pick up the stylus if your device has one and start drawing without entering draw mode first.
Click the Draw icon in the sidebar menu and start drawing with your fingertips.
While in draw mode, tap the pencil icon on the bottom the screen to:
Change pen tip types.
Change the size of the pen tip.
Change your ink color.
Switch to the eraser.
To erase any part of your drawing:
Note: The Draw icon and drawing mode are still enabled even if you don’t have a stylus.
Undo or redo actions on an interactive display
To undo or redo any action on the canvas, simply tap the undo or redo (arrow) buttons. You’ll see these in the bottom left or bottom right of your screen.
Access Mural’s full-screen mode on an interactive display
To go into Mural’s full-screen mode from your interactive display, press the Expand icon in the top right corner of your screen:
If you'd like to exit full-screen mode, click on the Expand icon once again, or tap and hold anywhere on the canvas until an X button appears.
You also have the option to temporarily remove the side toolbars, using the Remove toolbar icon in the bottom left or bottom right of your screen:
All toolbars will disappear, but you will still be able to draw using the stylus and add sticky notes by double tapping.
To exit this view, click the Remove toolbar icon again.
For a completely full-screen experience, tap the Expand icon to expand to full-screen. Then, tap the Remove toolbar icon in the bottom left or bottom right of the screen. Your completely full-screen experience looks something like this:
Press Escape at any time to exit full-screen.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Why are some canvas buttons in different locations for different devices?
Some of the interactive displays are really large, meaning some folks may not be able to reach buttons at the top of the screen! So, we do our best to move frequently-used buttons to where they’re most easily accessible.
How do I submit feedback about Mural for interactive displays?
We’d love your feedback about using Mural on your interactive display! What do you like? What’s missing? Please send us an email with your feedback to display@mural.co.