Business professional using SMART Ink to annotate a blueprint on a SMART board, with colleagues watching and smiling.

Getting started

SMART Ink for Business

Use this page to guide the installation and setup of your SMART Ink®.

What is SMART Ink?

SMART Ink® is free software included with your SMART panel that allows you to pick up a pen and mark up your files, applications, web browsers, and more to keep ideas flowing and meetings dynamic.

See SMART Ink in action!

Save what you write
Write without overlay

Circular icon representing SMART Ink, featuring a pencil drawing a wavy line, symbolising the software's writing and markup capabilities.Frequently asked questions

  • When is SMART Ink needed?
    SMART Ink is needed to create an interactive meeting experience. Ink over any document on a connected computer and navigate seamlessly without frustrating overlays.
  • Who should download SMART Ink?
    Any user who would like to connect their computer to a SMART interactive display and have inking capabilities will need to download SMART Ink software. SMART Ink is a computer application and is not installed on the SMART panel.
  • How do I download SMART Ink?
    Download the SMART Ink drivers
  • How do I install SMART Ink to allow annotation?
    Note: Connect the computer to the display with both HDMI and USB or single USB-C for interactivity.

    Download the SMART Ink drivers from support.smarttech.com. Once they are installed:

    1. Open SMART Ink Settings
    2. Under General Settings, tick:
      1. Start SMART Ink when you log on
      2. Erase ink after it’s converted to text
    Click here to view the General Settings image
    1. Under Toolbar Settings, tick:
      1. Always show pen toolbox
    Click here to view the Toolbar Settings image
    1. Under Microsoft Office Settings, tick:
      1. Use SMART Ink so that my ink doesn’t permanently affect my content
      2. Enable the SMART PowerPoint plug-in
    Click here to view the Microsoft Office Settings image
    1. Select Apply
  • How do I annotate PDF documents?

    PDF documents can be annotated in a couple of different ways, depending on your operating system.

    Windows
    Adobe Acrobat Reader
    To be used with Adobe PDF files, SMART Ink must be installed on a computer with Adobe Acrobat Adobe Reader XI or Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. SMART Ink will not work with Adobe Acrobat Pro.
    Learn more
    Windows
    SMART Ink Document Viewer
    SMART Ink Document Viewer is available on your computer if you installed SMART Ink with SMART Notebook software or SMART Meeting Pro software.
    Learn more
    MAC
    SMART Ink Document Viewer
    SMART Ink Document Viewer is available on your computer if you installed SMART Ink with SMART Notebook software.
    Learn more
  • How do I annotate in Microsoft applications (PowerPoint, Word, etc.?)

    You can write with either SMART Ink or Microsoft Ink over Microsoft applications on your connected display. However, SMART Ink and Microsoft Ink interact in different ways with your documents.

    Using SMART Ink
    With SMART Ink, you are able to highlight important notes or draw attention to content in your document without making permanent changes. SMART Ink is captured in a transparent layer over your document and you can take screen captures to save your notes for later using the SMART screen capture tools.
    Using Microsoft Ink
    With Microsoft Ink, you are able to review or make changes to your document and ink is inserted directly into your document or file. Inserted ink is saved within the document, so the next time you open it, the ink will still be there.
    Click here to view the Microsoft Office Settings image
    Note: You can decide on default settings for Microsoft applications in SMART Ink Settings -> Microsoft Office® Settings. Each setting includes an explanation of how each of the ink options will affect your documents and content.
    Learn more about using SMART Ink with Microsoft Office