Abstract: An improved technique involves embedding a pen selection within a selected color. When a user selects a color for a new stroke by moving a cursor over a color icon, a pen palette appears within the selected color icon. In some arrangements, the improved techniques further involve automatically selecting a pen by default as the previous pen used for that color, so that only a single color selection need be made rather than separate pen and color selections. In this way, the user may then quickly and fluidly select both a color, then a pen for a drawing stroke. Such a color and pen selection process may be seen to simulate the actions in drawing on a whiteboard.

Abstract: Systems and method for presenting a free-form drawing are described. In some aspects, a first point, a second point, and a third point from an input curve in the free-form drawing are received. A first quadratic Bezier curve is determined, where a control point of the first quadratic Bezier curve includes the second point and endpoints of the first quadratic Bezier curve include the first point and the third point. A first portion of the first quadratic Bezier curve is provided for display, where endpoints of the first portion of the first quadratic Bezier curve include the first point and a second terminal point, and where the first portion of the first quadratic Bezier curve does not include the third point.

Abstract: An improved technique involves embedding a pen selection within a selected color. When a user selects a color for a new stroke by moving a cursor over a color icon, a pen palette appears within the selected color icon. In some arrangements, the improved techniques further involve automatically selecting a pen by default as the previous pen used for that color, so that only a single color selection need be made rather than separate pen and color selections. In this way, the user may then quickly and fluidly select both a color, then a pen for a drawing stroke. Such a color and pen selection process may be seen to simulate the actions in drawing on a whiteboard.

Abstract: An improved technique involves providing for a gesture-based undo command for use within a collaborative drawing environment. Such an undo function that is both gesture-based and capable of being used within a collaborative environment takes full advantage of the capabilities of tablet computers and laptop computers having touch screens. The gesture-based undo command may involve a multi-point linear swipe such as a two-point linear swipe gesture in order to easily distinguish an undo command from a drawing command.

Abstract: Systems and method for presenting a free-form drawing are described. In some aspects, a first point, a second point, and a third point from an input curve in the free-form drawing are received. A first quadratic Bezier curve is determined, where a control point of the first quadratic Bezier curve includes the second point and endpoints of the first quadratic Bezier curve include the first point and the third point. A first portion of the first quadratic Bezier curve is provided for display, where endpoints of the first portion of the first quadratic Bezier curve include the first point and a second terminal point, and where the first portion of the first quadratic Bezier curve does not include the third point.