Welcome to BigBlueButton
This guide walks you step by step through BigBlueButton (BBB) - an open-source platform for virtual classrooms and online meetings. You don't need any prior knowledge. Whether you're trying to navigate a meeting link, run your first online lesson, or just understand what all the buttons do - you're in the right place.
What is BigBlueButton?
BigBlueButton is a web conferencing software designed specifically for online teaching. It runs entirely in the browser - no downloads, no apps. Unlike generic conferencing tools like Zoom or Teams, BBB ships with pedagogical features out of the box:
- Slide presentations directly in the meeting (PDF, PowerPoint, images)
- Multi-user whiteboard - everyone can draw at the same time
- Breakout rooms for group work
- Polls and quizzes for live feedback
- Shared notes for collaborative writing
- Session recording
- Emoji reactions and "raise hand"
BBB is open source under LGPL-3.0. The project is backed by an active community and the company Blindside Networks.
BigBlueButton vs. Greenlight - What's the difference?
This confuses people at first. In short:
| BigBlueButton | Greenlight | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The actual meeting software | A web interface in front of BBB |
| Purpose | What you see inside the meeting (whiteboard, chat, cameras) | Manage accounts, rooms, invites, recordings |
| When you need it | Whenever you join a meeting | Optional - many organizations use Moodle, Drupal, Canvas etc. instead |
You can use BBB without Greenlight - for example, embedded into a learning management system. Greenlight is "just" the simplest version of a user interface around it.
How this guide is structured
The guide is divided into two main parts:
- BigBlueButton - the meeting experience: from your first join to audio setup, whiteboard, breakouts, and recordings.
- Greenlight - the room management: create an account, set up rooms, share links.
If you're a participant: Read the BigBlueButton chapters in order - the first three usually cover it.
If you're a moderator or teacher: Read everything, including Greenlight.
Requirements
You don't need much:
- A modern browser: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari (recent versions)
- Microphone (for audio); webcam optional
- A stable internet connection (at least ~1 Mbit/s upload for audio + video)
- Ideally a headset - prevents echo and feedback
BBB also runs on tablets and smartphones (iOS 12.2+, Android 6+), though the desktop experience is significantly more comfortable.
Current version
This guide is based on BigBlueButton 3.0 - the current version with new whiteboard (tldraw 2.0), redesigned layouts, quiz functionality, and enhanced chat (reactions, threads, editing).
Let's start with the first chapter: Requirements & joining a meeting.