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Using Padlet for process mapping

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This article contains some tips on setting up a Padlet specifically for process mapping. Whilst other software may offer more functionality this can sometimes be distracting, Padlet is a supported tool that is simple to use, making collaborating easier.

Screenshot of a Padlet

Choose the format for your Padlet

  1. Select the +Make button.
  2. Start by selecting any of the five options of boards. (Wall, Columns, Table, Timeline or Map)
  3. Next, Padlet adds a default title. Replace the title and add a description. Also, change your Padlet format to Freeform by selecting on the Freeform option and then selecting Done. The Freeform is the format that will allow you to create connectors between posts.
  4. We recommend using a dark background because the connector lines are dark gray and can't be changed, making it difficult to navigate with a light background. To update the background, select the Open Padlet settings button and you will find the background settings under the Appearance tab.
  5. Enable or disable posting and content settings such as displaying the author names on posts, allowing post comments and post reactions.

screenshot of posting and content settings in padlet

Add posts to map your process

Double-click on the Padlet or click the plus button on the bottom right. Add a title and content. Click Publish to post it on the Padlet.

You can add different files, media and links, also you can edit your post. For more information, see the Add a post guide (this link redirects to the Padlet support website).

Another thing you may find useful for process mapping is resizing a post by holding and dragging the corner of the post.

gif of editor resizing post in padlet

Post shapes can't be changed but post colours can

Post shapes can't be changed in Padlet so you may want to change the background colour of specific posts to differentiate them, e.g. decisions could be posts with a blue background.You can change the colour when creating a post and on an existing post. Also, you can help your users by adding a post with a key explaining what each of the colours represents in your Padlet.


To change the colour on an existing post, select on the Edit button (or ellipsis icon) on the top right of the post and select one of the options.

gif of editor changing colour on a padlet post

Using connectors between your posts

To add a connector between posts, select the Edit button (or the ellipsis icon) on the top right of a post, select Connect to post and then Connect. You have the option to have a label on the connector, if you would like.

gif of editor connecting one post to another in a canvas padlet

To remove a connector between posts, select the Edit button (or ellipsis icon) on the top right of a post and select Disconnect from post. Select on the Close button (or X mark) that appears on the connector.

gif of editor disconnecting one post to another in a canvas padlet

Set your privacy and visitor permissions

To allow others to view and contribute to your Padlet, you need to set the appropriate privacy and visitor permission for this purpose. See our Share your Padlet guide for further details.

 

 

Ways to save your Padlet

  1. Select the Open Share Panel button on the right.
  2. Select one of the export options. You can export your process map as an image or PDF.

Page last checked: April 2026

< View Padlet: Guides for Staff home page
< View Padlet: Guides for Students home page