Google Jamboard will be deactivated: what changes from 1 October 2024

Google has announced that the Jamboard app will be shut down starting October 1, 2024. Between October 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024, the app will be in “view-only” mode, preventing new Jams from being created or edited across all platforms, including Web, iOS, and Android. However, during this period, users will be able to continue to back up their Jam files.

Table of Contents

• What is important to know
• What do you have to do
• Recommended partners
• Assistance
• FAQs

What is important to know

Jamboard files currently saved in Google Drive will automatically be converted to PDF format. From October 1, 2024, the conversion process will begin, and the PDFs will be placed in the same location as the original Jam on Drive. Here are some key details to keep in mind:

• PDF conversions will be performed with the best possible effort. Google recommends migrating Jams proactively to one of its partners to continue working on the files.
• The PDF will retain the same creation and last modification dates as the original Jam and will be shared with the same people.
• Once the PDF is created, any changes to the original Jam file, such as the file location or shared list, will not carry over to the PDF.
• If the Jam was transferred to a new person, but the new owner did not accept the transfer, the PDF will be received by the original owner.
• After converting to PDF, Jams will remain in Drive and can be migrated to Blackboard partners using their import tools. After December 31, 2024, Jams will be deleted and will no longer be possible to migrate them. PDFs will still remain in Drive.

What do you have to do

Google has detected that you have recently used the Jamboard app or have at least one Jam in your Google Drive. It is advisable to back up your Jam files by migrating them to one of the suggested partners. Below, a list of partners and instructions on how to import your Jams to continue working on your whiteboards.

Recommended partners

• FigJam by Figma: A visual collaboration platform that offers advanced tools for brainstorming and planning.
• Lucidspark by Lucid Software: An online whiteboard application that facilitates team collaboration and ideation.
• Mirò: An online collaborative whiteboard that allows planning and brainstorming in an interactive and visual way.

Assistance

For more information, you can visit Google’s FAQ page.

FAQs

1. When will the Jamboard app be turned off?

The Jamboard app will be deactivated starting October 1, 2024. After this date, you will no longer be able to create or edit new Jams.

2. What will happen to my Jam files after October 1, 2024?

Jam files saved in Google Drive will automatically be converted to PDF. This process will begin on October 1, 2024, and the PDFs will be placed in the same location as the original Jam on Drive.

3. Can I continue to edit my Jams after deactivation?

No, starting October 1, 2024, the Jamboard app will be in “view-only” mode and you will not be able to create or edit new Jams. However, you will be able to back up your Jam files.

4. What should I do to save my Jam files?

It is recommended to migrate your Jam files to one of Google’s partners to continue working on them. Recommended partners include FigJam by Figma, Lucidspark by Lucid Software, and Miro.

5. Will the PDFs retain the same sharing information as the original Jams?

Yes, the PDFs will have the same creation and last modification dates as the original Jam and will be shared with the same people the Jam was shared with.

6. What happens if a Jam has been transferred to a new person but has not been accepted?

If the new owner did not accept the transfer of the Jam, the resulting PDF will be received by the original owner of the Jam.

7. What will happen to Jam files after December 31, 2024?

After December 31, 2024, Jam files will be deleted from Google Drive and will no longer be possible to migrate them. However, PDFs will remain in Google Drive.