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How to use the new Whiteboard backgrounds on the CommBox Classic S5 (Goanna)

The Goanna update adds state handwriting lines, music staves, piano keyboard and more as Whiteboard backgrounds — all accessible directly from the toolbar so you can set up your lesson in seconds.

Applies To

CommBox Classic S5 — All models (Goanna firmware and above, CommBox Whiteboard updated to latest version)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Update the CommBox Whiteboard

  • Open the CommBox Store and install any available Whiteboard updates before continuing.

Step 2: Open the CommBox Whiteboard

  • From the home screen or side menu, tap Whiteboard.

Step 3: Open the Background tool

  • Tap the Background icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
  • This is now accessible directly from the toolbar in Goanna — no need to go into the menu.

Step 4: Browse and select a background

  • Scroll through the available backgrounds.
  • Switch between Templates (lined, grid, dotted, and education-specific patterns) and Backgrounds (colours and custom uploads) using the tabs.
  • New backgrounds available in Goanna include:
    • State handwriting lines — NSW, SA, TAS, QLD, VIC and WA formats
    • Sky, Grass and Dirt writing lines
    • Piano keyboard
    • Blank music staves
  • Tap your chosen background to apply it.

Step 5: Apply different backgrounds to different pages

  • Each page in a multi-page whiteboard can have its own background.
  • Navigate to a different page and select a new background for that page.

Step 6: Export or share — backgrounds are included

  • When you export or share the whiteboard, the background you have selected will appear in the exported PDF or image.

💡 Tip: Combine the NSW or VIC handwriting lines background with the matching state curriculum font on the Write to Text pen for a complete handwriting modelling setup that mirrors students' exercise books.

💡 Tip: The piano keyboard and music stave backgrounds are ready to use for music lessons — no printing, no laminating, and students can annotate directly on screen.

Troubleshooting / What to Do If It Doesn't Work

  • New backgrounds are not appearing — confirm the Whiteboard app has been updated to the latest version in the CommBox Store.
  • Background is not included when exporting to PDF — select Export as PDF (not Export as Image) when saving. The PDF export includes the background.
  • Background tool is not on the toolbar — confirm CommBox OS Experience is active and that the Whiteboard has been updated.
  • If you need help, log a ticket on the Support Portal in Knowledge Base: https://support.commbox.com.au/knowledge/kb-tickets/new

Video Tutorial Refer to the CommBox Training Hub for a video on using Whiteboard backgrounds at www.commbox.com.au/training-hub.