> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://bigbluebutton.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Interface Overview

> A guided tour of the BigBlueButton interface — toolbar, chat, presentation area, user list, and webcams.

The BigBlueButton interface is organized into distinct regions, each serving a specific purpose during your session.

## Interface Regions

### Toolbar (Top)

The toolbar at the top of the screen provides quick access to session-wide controls:

* **Audio controls** — join/leave audio, mute/unmute your microphone
* **Webcam toggle** — start or stop sharing your camera
* **Screen share** — share your screen or application window
* **Raise hand** — signal to the moderator that you have a question
* **Reactions** — send quick emoji reactions to the session

### User List (Left Panel)

The user list shows all participants in the session:

* See who is a **moderator**, **presenter**, or **viewer**
* View participant status indicators (raised hand, away, etc.)
* Moderators can manage users from this panel (mute, promote, remove)

See [Manage Users](/docs/help/moderator-guide/manage-users) for moderator controls.

### Chat Panel (Left Panel)

The chat panel supports both public and private messaging:

* **Public chat** — visible to all participants
* **Private chat** — one-on-one messages between participants
* Save or copy chat messages for reference

See [Send Public and Private Chat Messages](/docs/help/user-guide/send-public-and-private-chat-messages).

### Presentation Area (Center)

The main content area displays:

* Uploaded **presentations** (PDF, slides)
* **Screen shares** from the presenter
* **External videos** shared by the presenter
* The **whiteboard** for annotations and collaborative drawing

Presenters control navigation using [Presentation Controls](/docs/help/presenter-guide/use-the-presentation-controls).

### Webcam Area

Webcams can be positioned in different areas depending on your layout:

* **Webcam pagination** — navigate through multiple webcam feeds.
* **Pin a webcam** — keep a specific webcam visible. See [Pin a Webcam](/docs/help/user-guide/share-a-webcam#how-do-i-pin-my-webcam).
* **Move webcams** — reposition the webcam area. See [Move Webcams](/docs/help/user-guide/move-webcams-in-a-live-session).

## Screen Layouts

BigBlueButton offers several layout options to optimize your view:

* **Default layout** — balanced view of presentation and webcams
* **Grid layout** — equal-sized tiles for all webcam feeds.
* **Custom layouts** — moderators can push a layout to all participants.