Sandbox tools

Create a magical place to learn and collaborate - all while having fun! Learn about the Padlet Sandbox tools provided and how to use them!

Getting started

The three views: Creating, Interacting, and Presenting

When using Sandbox, there are three views to be aware of.

Creating (editing the Sandbox itself) - This is when someone is building or contributing to the Sandbox by adding cards, drawing, typing, uploading media, etc. Only users with Writer permissions or higher can do this. The Owner always has full creative control.

Interacting / Posting (contributing content) - Visitors with Writer permissions can add their own posts or content to the Sandbox. This is great for collaborative activities such as brainstorming, class responses, and group work.

Presenting (view-only) - Presentation view lets you flip through cards in order, like a slideshow or storybook. This is ideal if you want to share a finished lesson or presentation. Just click the Slideshow button at the top!

General tools

Now that we have that out of the way, let's talk about the different tools available for your Sandbox.

On the top-right of your screen you will see the tools needed for Remaking your Sandbox, Sharing it with others, and your Settings and user menus. It looks very similar to a board's options, doesn't it?

Sandbox tools

Card deck

Lets get to the fun stuff!

Your cards will be displayed on the left-hand side of your screen. Create multiple cards by selecting the plus (+) button at the top of your card deck. To rearrange the cards, drag and drop the cards into your preferred order or click the three-dot ellipsis button (...) and choose where to move.

Override your Sandbox Permissions

Not only can you assign specific visitor permissions for the whole Sandbox - but you can assign different permissions for each individual card! This works great when there are two or three cards you'd like your students to post on but would prefer the others be read-only.

To assign an individual card specific permissions, click the three-dot ellipsis button (...) next to the card and choose Sharing & permissions.

Next to 'Permissions,' click the drop-down menu and make your selection!

Tool menu

Your tool menu is located on the right side of your Sandbox. Here you can draw, add text and shapes, sticky notes or use the pointer during a presentation! Each tool is explained below.

• Interact: Use the Interact tool to quickly test object interactions that will be active in Presentation view. Buttons that you've made clickable now become interactive, games that have been created become playable, and you can even flip through an interactive storybook.
• Pointer: Making a presentation? Use the pointer tool just as you would an old-school pointer stick on a chalkboard! -- And now I've just revealed my age -- Trust me, the pointer tool we have is much cooler!
• Select tool (arrow cursor): Select the different objects on your card to move or resize them. You can even click the vertical three-dot ellipsis button (...) that appears to move objects to the front/back, duplicate them or freeze them in place!
  Use the Select tool to crop your image! Double-click the image you want to edit and a cropping frame will appear. Click and drag the edges or corners to adjust the visible area. When you're happy, click outside the image to apply!
• Draw: I bet you can't guess what this is for! Click the Draw tool to create something greater than Leonardo Da Vinci, himself, can even imagine -- or -- if you're like me, the best stick figure known to human existence.
• Text: Type a story or add colorful text to your cards.

Resize your text by dragging from the corner or using the Select tool - Click on the text, click the text size indictor (it will show Auto, Small, Medium or Large depending on what is currently selected), choose the size.

To change the text color, click on the colored circle in this same menu.

• Notes: Create colorful sticky notes! Add text or small pictures, rotate, resize and duplicate them! To duplicate a sticky note quickly, click the arrow on the side! Note: Only the sticky notes themselves are duplicated (nothing added to them).
• Shapes: Include different shapes on your card - use different colors - different backgrounds - create a fun space to encourage learning!

• Connectors: Use connector lines and arrows!
• Media search: Scour the internet for images, GIFs, or YouTube videos to add to your Sandbox.
• Stickers: Add some emotion to your Sandbox with emoji stickers.
• AI image: Enter a prompt to create your own unique image.
• More tools: Click the attachments tool (the circle with three dots) to reveal all the attachment options available for you to use. We've got nearly everything covered including Spotify links, YouTube videos, a Screen recorder and more!

FAQs

Is there a limit to the number of cards I can have in one Sandbox?

Your plan type determines the number of cards that can be created in your Sandbox.

For example, when using a free account, you can add up to 20 cards in one Sandbox -- and if you are subscribed to our Team Gold plan, you can add up to 100 cards per Sandbox. See below for each subscription type.