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How to Use Apple Freeform: The Ultimate Guide to Apple's Best Productivity App

Outlier score8.7×Overperformer

199,516 views vs a median of 22,854 across the channel's last 15 long-form uploads · as of Oct 28

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Brooke Tierney walks through Apple Freeform, explaining how the infinite digital whiteboard app overcomes key limitations of Apple Notes. She demonstrates core canvas mechanics, Apple Pencil customization, tables, multimedia embedding, mind-mapping connectors, math solving, and seamless multi-device real-time collaboration.

Read the teardown

How it earns the click and holds attention, second by second.

9chapters2on-screen captures1people1named frameworks10claims and stats9references in all
Source: Apple Freeform - Apple’s Most Underrated App!? · brooke tierney
Find in this video

Search what was said and shown

One search covers the transcript, on-screen text, claims and references. Every result jumps to its moment.

    The explainer

    What the video says, with a link to every moment

    A 2-minute read. Each underlined phrase opens the video at that second.

    Apple Freeform operates as an infinite digital whiteboard designed to bridge the functional gaps of Apple Notes, especially for visual thinkers using the iPad. When users open a new board, they are greeted by an expansive canvas featuring an infinite blank space1:55 equipped with optional background grid dots that can be toggled off at the bottom corner. In contrast to Apple Notes, Freeform places virtually no pencil input restrictions2:09, permitting freehand sketching, handwriting auto-refinement, and gesture-based snap-to-shape mechanics across any part of the canvas.

    Manipulating objects on the board is versatile and intuitive. In the iPad system preferences, users can configure their Apple Pencil select and scroll settings3:28 to seamlessly alternate between moving objects and drawing strokes. Adding visual elements is straightforward, whether dropping customizable geometric shapes2:45 that support embedded typing or creating sticky notes and tables4:15 with individually styled cells, custom border widths, and granular text formatting.

    Freeform excels at gathering research and organizing multi-format media. Users can embed photos, videos, scans, and documents directly onto a board, or utilize the native iOS Share Sheet to instantly send web links into a board6:50 such as furniture catalog items. Because large moodboards can quickly become sprawling, Freeform offers the Scenes navigation feature7:45, which takes discrete view snapshots across the canvas so creators can quickly jump, reorder, or export specific board locations.

    For structured thinking and study sessions, Freeform provides powerful charting and calculation tools. Users can turn on alignment guides and activate smart connector arrows9:50 to easily construct responsive flowcharts and mind maps where connection lines dynamically track repositioned nodes. Additionally, enabling the handwritten math results setting11:10 automatically calculates mathematical equations directly from handwritten input using Apple Intelligence.

    slide
    Math Results: Suggest Results
    ▶ 11:10
    On screen at 11:10

    Finally, Freeform integrates seamlessly into broader workflows and team projects. Boards support bidirectional Apple Notes sharing11:40 and PDF file imports, while rich live collaboration allows teams to work synchronously across iPad and iPhone. Participants can see edits live, launch FaceTime calls, or initiate the follow along feature15:10 to mirror another collaborator's real-time viewport and navigation across the canvas.

    Highlights
    1. 0:31Freeform app interface and boards overview
    2. 2:20Apple Pencil tools and shape snapping
    3. 3:24Apple Pencil select and scroll settings
    4. 7:40Creating and managing board Scenes
    5. 11:10Handwritten Math Results solver
    6. 14:30Real-time cross-device collaboration and Follow Along
    Chapters across the 16:13 runtime
    How it's told

    A hands-on iPad app walkthrough tutorial

    Format: Tutorial. The host presents a step-by-step feature breakdown and practical workflow demonstration on iPad. The guide transitions from basic interface navigation and drawing settings into advanced styling, media embedding, and collaboration features.

    Story arc

    1. 0:00Introduction to FreeformOverview of the app and its advantages over Apple Notes.
    2. 0:31Interface & OrganizationExamining the board dashboard and discussing organization limitations.
    3. 1:13Canvas & Drawing ToolsNavigating the infinite canvas, toggling grid dots, and sketching with Apple Pencil.
    4. 2:15Ruler & Basic ToolsUtilizing the digital ruler, text boxes, and basic vector shapes.
    5. 3:16Apple Pencil SettingsSwitching settings to enable Select and Scroll mode.
    6. 3:36Shape Styling & TextCustomizing fills, borders, resizing, and writing directly inside shapes.
    7. 4:15Sticky NotesAdding, recoloring, and writing on digital sticky notes.
    8. 4:42TablesInserting grids, adjusting rows and columns, and formatting cell fonts and fills.
    9. 5:58Media MenuOverview of media import options from files, photos, and links.

    Setups and payoffs

    1. 0:14Setup Host introduces Apple Pencil integration as Freeform's major advantage
      ↳
      1:38Payoff Demonstrates fluid handwriting, auto-refining, and shape snapping on canvas.
    2. 3:17Setup Host encounters Apple Pencil drawing instead of selecting objects
      ↳
      3:28Payoff Navigates to iPad Settings to enable the Select and Scroll setting.

    Devices

    • Pacing shiftHost alternates between talking-head commentary for high-level context and overhead iPad captures for detailed software manipulation0:000:311:562:15
    • Troubleshooting tipHost demonstrates resolving an unexpected tool behavior by adjusting system settings3:22

    From the video's own structure, matched to the transcript and on-screen text.

    Teardown

    This video converts passive Apple device owners into active users by framing a forgotten stock app as the secret fix for Apple Notes' most frustrating limits.

    A real overperformer: 8.7× its typical views (199,516 vs a median of 22,854 across the channel's last 15 long-form uploads, as of Oct 28) · Long-form tutorial · 156 days old

    The promise

    A demonstration showing why Apple Freeform is a powerful, overlooked tool that might be superior to Apple Notes for organizing your life.

    Packaging

    How it looks in the feed

    Show the feed as
    16:13

    Apple Freeform - Apple’s Most Underrated App!?

    brooke tierney199K views · 5mo ago✨ Turn your ideas into something visual with Apple Freeform. In this video, I’ll show you the best Freeform features, tips, and real-world ways to use it for…

    Views and age as of the teardown, Oct 28, 2026. Other videos are blanked out.

    • 5/5Thumbnail imageThe high-contrast composition guides the eye instantly from the creator's expressive face to the iPad screen. Showing a real, colorful travel board grounds the software concept in a practical use case.A woman points with an open-mouthed expression toward an iPad showing an Ireland trip scrapbook alongside the official Freeform app icon and a bright yellow arrow.
    • 5/5Thumbnail text“better than notes!?”At three words, it directly challenges Apple's default note-taking app that almost every viewer already uses. It creates immediate conflict without cluttering the screen.Large bold white text with black drop shadow reading 'better than notes!?' positioned at the top right.
    • 4/5TitleIt names the software clearly and positions it as an overlooked treasure. It creates solid intrigue, though it relies on standard superlative tech phrasing.Text reading 'Apple Freeform - Apple’s Most Underrated App!?'
    • 5/5Title + thumbnailThe packaging worked by letting the title identify the exact app while the thumbnail provides the punchy comparison against Notes. Together they turn a boring utility into a high-stakes workflow debate.The title provides the app name 'Apple Freeform' while the thumbnail text asks 'better than notes!?' over a tangible iPad demonstration.

    Curiosity gap: Can an obscure built-in Apple tool actually beat the note-taking app you already rely on daily?

    The three hooks

    The title, the thumbnail text and the first words spoken each make a promise, and each does a different job.

    • Title“Apple Freeform - Apple’s Most Underrated App!?”Insider secretCuriosityNoveltyIt makes the viewer want to discover secret functionality hidden inside an app pre-installed on their device.
    • Thumbnail text“better than notes!?”Contrarian takeCuriosityNoveltyIt makes the viewer want to find out whether their current note-taking setup is inferior to an app they already own.
    • First words spoken“If you're not already using the Freeform app, you absolutely should be.”Contrarian takeLoss aversionCuriosityIt creates immediate loss aversion by telling the viewer they are missing out on high-value software already sitting on their devices.
    • PairingDifferent jobsThe title provides the subject context and app name, while the thumbnail creates the tension by comparing it against Apple Notes.
    • StakesFitsThe video delivers exactly what it promises: a clear breakdown of why Freeform fills Apple Notes' gaps without exaggerating the app's role.
    • UrgencyNoneThe video relies on evergreen curiosity about an overlooked pre-installed app rather than artificial time limits or breaking news.

    The first 20 seconds

    TimeWhat you seeWhat you hearWhat it does
    0:00Host framed centrally against home office background.If you're not already...Starts in medias res with an assertive premise.
    0:01Host speaks; Freeform app icon graphic pops up on screen right....using the Freeform app, you...Instantly confirms the subject visually and verbally.
    0:02Host points toward the icon....absolutely should be.Delivers high-conviction recommendation.
    0:03Host continues talking beside the icon graphic.It is one of Apple's...Sets up qualification of why to care.
    0:04Host speaks passionately, icon still visible....best new-ish apps.Stakes a bold claim about app quality.
    0:05Host gestures with open hands, app icon remains.It's the perfect complement...Frames the app's utility.
    0:06App icon disappears; host talks directly to camera....to Apple Notes, because...Contextualizes it against an app viewers already use.
    0:07Host uses hand gestures while talking....it fills in a lot of the gaps...Identifies the exact problem it solves.
    0:08Host maintains direct eye contact and gestures....for things that Apple Notes...Builds contrast with Apple Notes.
    0:09Host speaks candidly with expressive face....just doesn't do well,...Highlights limitation of standard tool.
    0:10Host gestures outward with both hands....especially when...Builds suspense for specific feature.
    0:11Host begins reaching down with right hand....it comes to the...Prepares physical prop.
    0:12Host pulls white Apple Pencil into frame....Apple Pencil.Introduces physical hardware prop.
    0:13Host holds up the Apple Pencil and gestures with it.[slight pause]Lets the physical prop register visually.
    0:14Host wiggles pencil slightly to emphasize.I like to think of Freeform...Transitions into conceptual explanation.
    0:15Host continues holding pencil; social media badge appears lower left....as a digital...Introduces mental model.
    0:16Social overlay displays @_brooketierney_; host speaks....whiteboard...Delivers clear, tangible analogy.
    0:17Host lowers pencil and opens palms outward....that I now...Expands on personal experience.
    0:18Host gestures with both hands....have access...Emphasizes accessibility.
    0:19Host continues talking with open body language....to a...Extends the whiteboard analogy.
    0:20Host looking at camera, speaking.[continues speaking]Maintains conversational momentum.
    Click confirmation
    Delivers immediately at 00:01 by stating 'using the Freeform app' while popping the app icon onto the screen.
    Time to the point
    0:04
    Hook
    bold claim, contrarian take
    Reason to stay
    Discovering how Freeform fixes the frustrating limitations of Apple Notes, especially for Apple Pencil users.
    Missing on purpose
    No channel intro, no greeting, no channel branding bumper, and no call to subscribe.
    Pace and texture
    Fast-paced single continuous shot driven by expressive delivery, an early graphic overlay, and a physical prop reveal.

    Story map

    Tutorial. A frustrated Apple Notes user wants an unconstrained visual workspace for handwriting and planning, but rigid app layouts get in the way. Freeform pays off by offering an infinite canvas, flexible Pencil support, and real-time collaboration.

    TimeSectionNew tensionStakesTurnLoops
    0:00 –1:36Introduction & Interface Reality CheckIs Freeform actually an upgrade, or just another cluttered Apple utility?RiseFreeform lacks standard folder organization and board pinning, but its blank infinite canvas solves the layout rigidity of Notes.Opens: Can Freeform actually replace or meaningfully complement Apple Notes?Closes: What the basic dashboard looks like.
    1:36 –3:58Infinite Canvas & Apple Pencil FreedomDoes the Apple Pencil actually work better here than in Apple Notes?RiseThe pencil defaults to drawing lines when trying to drag objects, therefore you have to toggle 'Select and Scroll' in iPad system settings.Opens: How do you navigate and manage shapes without getting stuck drawing?Closes: Whether Apple Pencil handwriting works anywhere on the canvas.
    3:58 –5:50Shapes, Sticky Notes, & Structured TablesCan an open whiteboard handle structured information like tables and lists?HoldTables look basic initially, but individual cells and entire columns can be independently colored and styled.Opens: How do you integrate live external media into these boards?Closes: Whether Freeform supports structured data and sticky notes.
    5:50 –7:30Live Media & Safari Share Sheet WorkflowIs importing links and images tedious on an iPad screen?RiseCopying and pasting links manually takes too long, therefore using Safari's native Share Sheet sends interactive bookmarks straight into designated boards.Opens: How do you prevent an infinite board from becoming impossible to navigate?Closes: How web links and product inspiration boards are constructed.
    7:30 –8:50Board Navigation with ScenesDoes an infinite board become messy and unmanageable once it gets large?HoldDragging manually across a massive canvas is clunky, therefore the Scenes tool lets you bookmark and jump between exact frame snapshots.Opens: Can Freeform replace structured diagramming tools?Closes: How to stay organized across large canvas projects.
    8:50 –11:10Connectors, Flowcharts, & Math ResultsCan Freeform replace specialized flowchart and calculation apps?RiseManually drawing connector lines is slow, but toggling 'Connectors On' auto-snaps dynamic arrows that stay attached as shapes move.Opens: How does this interact with standard Apple Notes workflows?Closes: How to build dynamic mind maps and solve handwritten math equations.
    11:10 –13:30Apple Notes Integration & File EmbeddingDo you have to choose between Apple Notes and Freeform, or can they sync?RiseLong typed documents do not work well as freehand boards, therefore you can embed full multi-page PDFs or push Notes directly into boards via Share.Opens: What does a complete, practical Freeform project look like in daily life?Closes: How to connect typed Apple Notes and PDFs with visual boards.
    13:30 –15:52Real-World Projects & Multi-Device CollaborationDoes real-time sync across devices actually work smoothly?RiseWorking on a massive shared board can get chaotic, therefore 'Follow Along' mode automatically syncs your screen view to another user's live actions.Opens: How do you export the final project to people without Freeform?Closes: Real-time collaboration and multi-device interaction.
    15:52 –16:13Exporting & Closing VerdictFallSag: no turnCloses: How to export the canvas as a shareable PDF; whether to use Freeform.

    Payoff: delivered fully at 1:56. She shows how Freeform eliminates Apple Notes' strict constraints on Apple Pencil placement and typed text overlap, proving the core value proposition. Ending: A quick summary reminding users to try Freeform to overcome Notes' limits, ending with a casual call-to-action asking viewers what they use the app for.

    Leaks

    Where a viewer might leave. Guesses from watching, not retention data.

    • 0:46 Discussing missing folder organization and pinning options early on lowers enthusiasm before the best features are demonstrated.
    • 4:42 Detailed formatting of basic table grids feels like routine spreadsheet setup and slows down the visual momentum.
    • 11:48 Explaining the mechanics of exporting notes to Files before re-importing into Freeform introduces friction and administrative overhead.

    Steal this

    1. Acknowledge the tool's flaw before praising it Critiquing the app's lack of folders at 00:46 gives the host instant credibility, making subsequent praise feel earned rather than sponsored. 0:46
    2. Address an immediate user pain point in settings Pausing mid-demo to show how to switch Apple Pencil to 'Select and Scroll' fixes the exact friction point viewers run into on minute one. 3:22
    3. Demonstrate live collaboration using two personal devices Moving an object on an iPhone off-screen while the iPad updates live instantly proves sync speed without needing a second presenter. 14:35

    Skip this

    • Relying on personal mood boards (furniture shopping, holiday scrapbook) as primary demo material. This works because the host's audience appreciates aesthetic lifestyle planning; technical or productivity-first creators need functional, work-oriented boards.

    Open questions

    • How much does the video's long-term traffic come from YouTube search queries for 'Apple Freeform' versus home feed recommendations?
    • Did viewers drop off during the slower table formatting segment compared to the travel board demo?

    Teardown by Avail.video from the thumbnail, the title, the first 20 seconds and the report's notes on the whole video.

    On screen

    Everything the video showed you

    Slides, frameworks, quotes and formulas, captured verbatim with the moment they appeared. Tap any card to jump there.

    Reference shelf

    People, ideas and things mentioned

    Said means mentioned aloud; Shown means it appeared on screen.

    People1

    • Brooke TierneyHost and tech reviewer.0:00Said + shown

    Ideas & frameworks1

    • Math ResultsApple feature that evaluates handwritten math equations automatically.11:10Said + shown

    Organizations1

    • IKEAInternational furniture retailer website.6:40Said + shown

    Things on screen6

    • FreeformApple's infinite digital whiteboard application for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.0:02Said + shown3:24Said + shown15:55Said
    • Apple NotesApple's default note-taking application.0:07Said11:40Said + shown
    • Apple PencilApple's precision stylus for iPad.0:11Said + shown3:28Said + shown
    • iPadApple tablet device running iPadOS.0:31Shown
    • iPhoneApple smartphone device running iOS.14:35Shown
    • Apple RemindersApple's task and reminder management app.13:02Said + shown
    Video description

    A description you can paste into YouTube

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    1,186 / 5,000 characters
    By the numbers

    What YouTube shows about this video and its channel

    As of Oct 28, 2026. YouTube's public numbers first, then Avail.video's own arithmetic on them.

    The video

    Views
    199.5K
    Likes
    4.3K
    Comments
    261
    Published
    May 24, 2026
    Length
    16:13
    Category
    Science & Technology
    YouTube's topics
    Lifestyle (sociology), Technology
    Captions
    No
    HD
    Yes
    Language
    English
    Paid promotion
    None declared
    Made for kids
    No
    License
    Standard YouTube

    Creator's tags

    • freeform for beginners
    • apple ecosystem
    • ipad productivity
    • apple productivity apps
    • Apple Freeform
    • Freeform app
    • Apple Freeform tips
    • Freeform tutorial
    • Apple Freeform guide
    • Freeform app tutorial
    • iPhone productivity
    • Apple Pencil tips
    • digital whiteboard app
    • Freeform features
    • Freeform ideas
    • Apple apps
    • iPad tips and tricks
    • productivity apps
    • brainstorming app
    • flowchart app
    • Freeform collaboration
    • Freeform for students
    • Freeform workflow

    The channel

    brooke tierney@brooketierney
    Subscribers
    75.4K
    Videos
    109
    Total views
    5.2M
    Channel age
    5 years (since Jul 2021)
    Country
    Canada
    Uploads
    about every 9 days
    Across the last 15 long-form uploads
    Before this video
    7 days after the previous long-form upload

    Calculated by Avail.video from YouTube's public numbers

    Outlier score
    8.7× · Overperformer
    Views against the median of the channel's last 15 long-form uploads
    Views per subscriber
    2.65
    Likes vs the channel's usual
    0.8× the channel's usual
    2.2% of views vs a usual 2.6%
    Comments vs the channel's usual
    0.5× the channel's usual
    0.13% of views vs a usual 0.24%
    Rank among recent uploads
    #2 of 16
    By views: this video and the channel's last 15 long-form uploads
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    Watched by Avail.video · 2026-10-28