Share Your Screen in Zoom

Questions

  • How do I share my screen in Zoom?
  • How do I share a specific window or application in Zoom instead of my whole desktop?
  • How do I share a whiteboard in Zoom?
  • How do I share my iPhone or iPad screen during a Zoom meeting?
  • How do I annotate while sharing my screen in Zoom?
  • How do I stop sharing my screen in Zoom?
  • How do I know what part of my screen is being shared in Zoom?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students using the Zoom desktop app on Windows 11 or macOS Sequoia (15.x) or later. Screen sharing is available to all participants by default, though the host can restrict it. Some options — such as sharing an iPhone or iPad — require the device and computer to be on the same Wi-Fi network (for AirPlay) or connected via USB cable.

Resolution

Start Sharing Your Screen

  1. In a Zoom meeting, click Share Screen in the toolbar at the bottom of the meeting window.
  2. A window opens showing everything available to share. Select what you want to share:
    • Desktop — Shares your entire screen. Everything visible on your monitor will be seen by participants.
    • A specific application window — If you have PowerPoint, a browser, or another app open, it appears as a selectable option. Choose it to share only that window while keeping the rest of your screen private.
    • Whiteboard — Opens a blank canvas that you and participants can draw and write on together.
    • iPhone/iPad via AirPlay — Mirrors your iPhone or iPad screen wirelessly. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
    • iPhone/iPad via Cable — Mirrors your iPhone or iPad screen using a USB cable connected to your computer.
  3. Click Share in the lower-right corner to begin sharing.
Which part of my screen is being shared? A green border appears around whichever part of your screen is currently being shared. If you are unsure what participants can see, look for this green outline.

Switch What You Are Sharing

To change your shared content while already sharing, click Share Screen again in the meeting toolbar and select a new option. The previous share stops and the new one begins immediately.

Annotate While Sharing

After starting a screen share, an Annotate button appears in the toolbar that moves to the top of your screen. Click it to open annotation tools — draw, highlight, add text, or use a stamp. See Annotate During a Zoom Screen Share in the Related Articles section for detailed annotation instructions.

Stop Sharing

Click the red Stop Share button at the top of your screen to end the screen share. The button is always visible while you are sharing.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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Related Articles (4)

Annotate During a Zoom Screen Share
How to use Zoom's annotation tools during a screen share — drawing, highlighting, clearing annotations, saving a marked-up file, and allowing participants to annotate collaboratively.
Enable Screen Sharing in Zoom on a Mac
How to grant Zoom screen recording permission on a Bowdoin Mac so that screen sharing works in meetings — including how to handle the Privileges app if administrator access is needed.
Using Zoom Tools on an iPad as an Attendee
How to use Zoom meeting features as an attendee on an iPad — including audio and video controls, in-meeting chat, reactions, joining breakout rooms, sharing your screen, and annotating shared content.
Zoom Meeting Roles: Host, Co-Host, Alternative Host, and Participant
A reference table comparing what the host, co-host, alternative host, and participant roles can do in a Zoom meeting, covering participation controls, participant management, and recording permissions.