back to top
HomeSoftwareProductivityOpenBoard – Best Free & Open Source Alternative to Microsoft Whiteboard for...

OpenBoard – Best Free & Open Source Alternative to Microsoft Whiteboard for Online Teaching & Collaboration

Firethering Team
By Firethering Team
2
Last updated:
- Advertisement -

File Information

SoftwareDetails
NameOpenBoard
Version1.7.3 (Latest Stable)
LicenseFree & Open Source
File Types.exe, .dmg, .deb
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
Size~163MB Installer
DeveloperOpenBoard Developers (Community Driven)
Official Sitehttps://openboard.ch

Table of contents

Description

OpenBoard is a free & open-source interactive whiteboard designed for schools, universities, teachers & students. Built for ease of use, OpenBoard allows educators to present lessons, draw, annotate, insert multimedia content, and interact with digital material in real time. It’s a perfect blend of simplicity & performance, making teaching & learning more engaging.

The software works with touchscreens, pen tablets, & interactive projectors, giving educators the flexibility to use digital boards just like physical ones. You can import documents, embed images, play videos, annotate PDFs, or connect external resources all inside the same environment.

Because it’s open-source, OpenBoard comes with no license fees, no ads & no restrictions. Teachers & institutions worldwide choose it as a reliable classroom tool that works across Windows, macOS & Linux.

The Best Open-Source Alternative to Microsoft Whiteboard

OpenBoard stands out as the most reliable free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Whiteboard. While Microsoft’s tool ties users into its ecosystem, OpenBoard offers freedom, flexibility, and complete control:

  • No Cost, No Lock-in – 100% free and open-source, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Cross-Platform Support – Works seamlessly across devices without requiring Microsoft accounts.
  • Offline Ready – Fully functional even without an internet connection, unlike MS Whiteboard’s cloud dependency.
  • Advanced Teaching Tools – Includes screen annotation, PDF import, interactive resources, and media integration.
  • Data Privacy – Your notes and lessons stay under your control, with no forced cloud storage.

For educators, trainers, and professionals seeking a powerful and unrestricted digital whiteboard, OpenBoard is the clear choice over Microsoft Whiteboard.

Features

FeatureDescription
Interactive WhiteboardDraw, write & annotate using pens, markers & shapes with a smooth interface
PDF AnnotationImport PDF files & annotate them directly during lessons
Multimedia SupportInsert images, audio & video into your presentations with ease
Document ManagementOrganize lessons & notes in folders for quick access
Math ToolsBuilt-in compass, ruler & protractor for classroom demonstrations
Screen RecordingRecord lessons & export them for students to review later
Web IntegrationAccess online resources & integrate them into your whiteboard
Cross-PlatformWorks seamlessly on Windows, macOS & Linux
Touch & Pen FriendlyFully compatible with stylus pens, touchscreens & interactive projectors
Free & Open Source100% free with no restrictions, constantly improved by the community

Screenshots

System Requirements

PlatformOperating SystemRAMDisk SpaceProcessor (CPU)Additional Info
WindowsWindows 7 or later (64-bit)4GB (8GB recommended)500MB installationIntel/AMD dual-core or better.exe installer
macOSmacOS 10.12 or later4GB minimum500MB freeIntel 64-bit or Apple Silicon (Rosetta).dmg package
LinuxAny modern Debian/Ubuntu distro4GB500MB spaceDual-core or higher.deb package for easy installation

How to Install OpenBoard??

Before installation, scroll down to the download section & choose the correct file for your OS:

  • .exe for Windows
  • .dmg for macOS
  • .deb for Linux

Windows Installation

  1. Download the .exe installer.
  2. Double-click the file & follow the setup wizard.
  3. Choose install location & complete installation.
  4. Launch OpenBoard from the Start Menu.

macOS Installation

  1. Download the .dmg file.
  2. Open the installer & drag OpenBoard into Applications.
  3. If blocked, approve it in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
  4. Launch from Launchpad or Spotlight.

Linux Installation (Debian/Ubuntu)

  1. Download the .deb package from below.
  2. Open terminal & navigate to the download directory.
  3. Run: sudo dpkg -i openboard.deb sudo apt-get install -f
  4. Open from Applications menu or run openboard in terminal.

Download OpenBoard Now For your System

Download For Windows
Download For macOS
Download For Linux

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
puremac macos cleaner

PureMac: A Simple macOS Cleaner for Removing Apps, Junk Files, and Leftovers

Firethering Team - 0
macOS doesn’t really delete apps. It removes the app bundle, sure, but everything else stays behind. Preferences, caches, random support files buried in Library folders. PureMac goes after that leftover mess. Pick an app and it pulls up everything linked to it. It digs through metadata, bundle IDs, and other hints to figure out what belongs where. You get a list, you decide what goes. It also checks for leftovers from apps you already removed. That one surprised me a bit. Old files from things I don’t even remember installing. There’s a cleaning section too. Caches, logs, Xcode data, Homebrew downloads, large files sitting around doing nothing. It’s all there, grouped in a way that doesn’t feel random.
File Converter Pro offline file converter for images audio video and documents

File Converter Pro offline file converter for images audio video and documents

Firethering Team - 0
Most file converters still push you to upload your files somewhere. Even for basic stuff like changing a PDF or converting an image. It works, but it’s not something you feel great about, especially with random files. File Converter Pro works like a simple offline converter. You drop files in, pick what you want, and it converts everything locally. No uploads or any server. The UI isn’t just functional, it actually looks like someone cared. Smooth startup, proper dark mode, small touches that make it feel like a real app instead of a side project. There’s also some extra stuff like stats and achievements. Sounds gimmicky, but it kind of works. You start noticing how often you use it. It’s not lightweight though. And if you want audio or video conversions, you’ll need FFmpeg. But once that’s sorted, you’re done setting things up.
DockDoor macOS app for window previews and Alt Tab switching

DockDoor macOS app for window previews and Alt Tab switching

Firethering Team - 0
macOS looks clean until you have five Safari windows open and no clue which one actually has the tab you need. DockDoor fixes that in the simplest way possible. Hover over an app in the dock, and it shows you every open window right there. You just click the one you want. That’s it. It also adds a proper Alt+Tab experience. Not the macOS version that switches apps, but actual window switching with previews, the way Windows users are used to. Once you try it, going back feels weird.

Don’t miss any Tech Story

Subscribe To Firethering NewsLetter

You Can Unsubscribe Anytime! Read more in our privacy policy