> ## 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.

# Practical Tips

> Power-user tips for chat, whiteboard, webcams, presentations, and audio in BigBlueButton.

Quick tips organized by area to help you get the most out of BigBlueButton.

## Audio

* **Use a headset** to avoid echo and feedback
* **Mute when not speaking** — especially in large sessions
* **Test audio before class** using the echo test
* **Close other audio apps** (Spotify, etc.) to avoid interference
* Join via **microphone** (not listen-only) if you plan to speak

## Chat

* **Save important chat messages** before the session ends — chat is not preserved after the meeting
* Use **private chat** for individual student support without disrupting the class
* **Pin important messages** by referencing them verbally so students can scroll back
* Moderators can **clear public chat** if it becomes too noisy

## Webcams

* **Good lighting** matters more than camera quality — face a window or desk lamp
* **Blur your background** for privacy. See [Change Webcam Background](/help/user-guide/share-a-webcam)
* **Disable self-view** if your own video is distracting. See [Disable Self-View](/help/releases/disable-self-view-of-webcam)
* **Pin important webcams** to keep them visible. See [Pin a Webcam](/help/user-guide/share-a-webcam#how-do-i-pin-my-webcam)
* **Adjust brightness** if your webcam image is too dark. See [Adjust Brightness](/help/user-guide/share-a-webcam#how-do-i-adjust-my-webcams-brightness)

## Presentations

* **Convert to PDF** before uploading for the most reliable rendering
* **Use large fonts** (24pt+) — small text is hard to read on student screens
* **Upload before class** to save time and verify rendering
* **Enable download** if students need the slides for reference. See [Download Original Presentation](/help/presenter-guide/upload-a-presentation-enable-for-download)

## Whiteboard

* **Use different colors** when multiple people annotate to tell contributions apart
* **Clear annotations** between slides to avoid clutter
* The **multi-user whiteboard** is great for collaborative work but can get chaotic — set clear instructions
* **Export whiteboard annotations** from breakout rooms before closing them

## Screen Sharing

* **Close unnecessary tabs** and notifications before sharing
* **Share a specific window** instead of your entire screen to maintain privacy
* **Use Chrome or Edge** for the best screen sharing experience
* Sharing **iPad/iPhone screens** requires AirPlay or QuickTime mirroring

## Breakout Rooms

* **Give clear instructions** before opening breakout rooms
* **Set a timer** so groups know how much time they have
* **Visit rooms briefly** to check progress
* **Export shared notes and whiteboard** before closing rooms
* Allow **1–2 minutes** for transition time in your session plan