9 free tools to support remote collaboration
It’s no secret that a lot of creative work happens remotely these days. Whether you’re freelancing or part of an in-house team, with the right tools, you can share ideas and work even if you aren’t in the same place. With so many options available, however, it can be tricky to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve put together a list of free and budget-friendly software that’s perfect for remote collaboration. From digital whiteboards to project management tools and presentation software, these picks are sure to keep your creative team connected.
1. Trello
Good for: Planning and project management
Pricing: Free, with different payment levels depending on tools you desire
Based on the Kanban board principle, Trello can be used for organising and planning your projects. It lets you track tasks with lists and cards, moving them through stages like ‘to-do’ and ‘done,’ while allowing you to attach files, add comments and integrate with apps like Figma, Slack, and Google Drive. For creatives juggling various platforms and ideas, this tool helps keep everything in one place.
Check it out here.
2. Miro
Good for: Brainstorming, visualising ideas, project management
Pricing: Free, with different payment levels depending on tools you desire
A digital alternative to a whiteboard, Miro is a visual workspace that helps teams collaborate. It allows for brainstorming with sticky notes, planning with mind maps and project management through tools like Kanbans and flowcharts. You can also use the platform to design, present and visualise complex ideas and structures.
Check it out here.
3. Keynote for presentations and decks
Good for: Collaborative presentations
Pricing: Free for Apple users
Apple’s Keynote lets you craft slideshows with text, images and charts. It comes with a range of themes, fonts and animations to make your presentations stand out. Designed for iOS, it integrates smoothly with your device’s camera roll for easy image access. This tool could be useful for any type of creatives looking to pitch ideas to clients or collaborators.
Check it out here.
4. Asana
Good for: Project and task management
Pricing: Free, with different payment levels depending on team size
This work management tool makes it easy for you to set goals, plan projects and keep track of tasks in a collaborative setting. Asana’s built-in communication and task tracking features help everyone stay on the same page. It’s a handy way to keep a creative team organised, aligned and focused.
Check it out here.
5. Figma
Good for: UX and UI design for websites and digital products
Pricing: Free for starter teams, with different payment levels depending on team size and tools needed
Popular amongst designers, product managers, writers and developers, Figma allows users to create, share and test designs for websites, mobile apps and other digital products. The platform fosters collaboration and feedback, helping you make informed decisions about web and digital designs alongside a team.
Check it out here.
6. FigJam
Good for: Brainstorming designs, creative ideation
Pricing: Free for starter teams, with different payment levels depending on team size and tools needed
Recommended by our friends over at Anyways Creative agency, FigJam offers a streamlined online whiteboard for designers and teams to brainstorm and ideate. Ideal for defining user problems, sparking inspiration and exploring new concepts, it features sticky notes, emojis and drawing tools for you to work in real-time collaboration.
Check it out here.
7. Google Slides
Good for: Collaborative presentations
Pricing: Free with a Google account
Part of the Google Drive suite, Google Slides offers a smooth experience for creating and editing presentations whether you’re online or offline. You can add text, images and charts, and integrate it with other Google services like Docs and Sheets. Its flexibility makes it a reliable choice for any presentation task, whether this be pitching to clients or communicating ideas to a creative team.
Check it out here.
8. Google Meet
Good for: Meetings
Pricing: Free with a Google account, premium options available
Google Meet is a free, user-friendly platform that lets you connect with up to 100 people for collaborative meetings. You can join from any device without installing software, simply by opening your browser or using the mobile app. With features like screen sharing and live captions, it’s a great tool for effective video collaboration.
Check it out here.
9. Monday.com
Good for: Project and task management
Pricing: Free, with different payment levels depending on team size
Another excellent tool for streamlining your project management, Monday.com provides various views like Gantt, Kanban and Calendar to give you perspective on your projects. The Gantt chart offers a clear timeline and highlights task dependencies, helping you keep your creative projects organised and visually engaging.
Check it out here.
Written by Creative Lives in Progress