The 2024 autumn release

The noteworthy new features from our 2024 autumn release.

Feature overview highlighting new sandbox tools, video AR filters, export options, and safety features

Customization is at the heart of our autumn release. Our new features give you more control over how you create, collaborate, and share on Padlet.

In this overview, we're introducing some highlights from the release. Most of the features mentioned here are available now on web and mobile. We’ll indicate otherwise.

Stay tuned for detailed guides on major features in our blog series over the next few weeks. We’ll update this post to include links to those guides and any other features we launch this release cycle.

New sandbox tools

A mind map showing 'Animal Habitats Project' connecting three environments with animated animal characters below each habitat.

New shapes

Create concept maps and graphic organizers with our expanded shape collection. New shapes include lines, triangles, diamonds, parallelograms, and speech bubbles.

Connector tool

Make connections between ideas with our new connector tool. Perfect for creating mind maps in the classroom or designing workflows with your team.

Enhanced sandbox collaboration

Allowed tools settings panel showing toggles for Pointer, Draw, Text, and Note tools, with an admin access notice

Allowed tools setting (beta, web)

Control which tools collaborators can use on your sandbox. Limit options for younger learners, gradually introduce features as skills develop, or streamline tools for specific activities.

Join our beta group by following these instructions.

Freeze sandbox

Freeze your sandbox to prevent changes—after a brainstorming session, when assignment submissions are due, or to preserve group work.

Hide cursors

Collaborate without seeing everyone’s cursors on your sandbox. Especially useful when collaborating with a large or easily distracted group.

Sharing your sandbox

A sandbox export titled 'My trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art' showing images of Egyptian artifacts and a dinosaur exhibit, with connecting icons

Sandbox exports

Export your sandbox as an image or PDF. Use these features to export presentations for parents' night, preserve class projects, or create handouts from collaborative work. Available on web.

Sandbox embeds

Embed sandboxes into your learning management system, class website, or digital portfolio platforms. Available on web.

Advanced sandbox features

A card interface showing a photo of a sleeping cat with a 'Take me to my website' button and globe icon, demonstrating linking capability

Link objects in your sandbox to external URLs to create interactive content. Turn shapes into clickable resources, design digital scavenger hunts, or build guided research activities.

Use auto-remake links for individual activities and assignments. When you click this link, it will create a copy of the activity without impacting the original. Available on web.

Grouping objects

Organize your sandbox by grouping related elements and taking bulk actions. Create flowcharts and mind maps quickly and easily. Available on web.

Video improvements

Video recorder interface with AR lens filters, showing an animated character with an astronaut filter with recording controls below

AR video lenses (beta, web)

Bring video assignments to life with augmented reality effects. Great for creative storytelling projects, engaging language practice videos, or adding visual interest to video discussions.

Video recording limits

Set time limits for video recordings to keep assignments and discussions to the point.

Analytics

An analytics panel titled 'About this board' showing metrics for Posts, Contributors, Views, and Visitors

Enhanced analytics features (beta, web)

View new analytics directly from your padlet board or sandbox. Learn about the number of views and unique visitors to your padlets.

Accessibility

Two animated characters in orange sweaters discussing curriculum in a classroom setting in a video modal with a play button overlay

WCAG A for boards

Make learning accessible to all students. We are now broadly compliant with WCAG level A for our Board product. Next up: working towards AA compliance.

Safety

Four prohibition icons for content protection features: Download, Share, Remake, and Export

Copy protection (web)

Control whether others can download attachments or export your padlet. Protect student work, discussions, and file uploads.

Safety Net on sandbox

Automatically moderate text and attachments uploaded to your sandbox to create a safe environment for collaboration.