Refurboard

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Give Your Classroom Projector Superpowers

Refurboard transforms any projector or display into an interactive whiteboard - no expensive hardware required! Using just a webcam and an IR pen, teachers can write, draw, and interact directly on their projected lessons.

Refurboard Logo

Why Refurboard?

Many schools have projectors but can't afford expensive interactive whiteboard systems. Refurboard provides the same functionality using equipment you likely already have:

What You'll Need

Item What to Look For
IR Pen Any infrared stylus with a button (Wii-era whiteboard pens work great and are inexpensive)
Camera A webcam that can see infrared light, OR use your smartphone as a webcam with apps like Camo, EpocCam, or DroidCam
Computer Windows, Mac, or Linux - connected to your projector
Projector/Display Your existing classroom projector or large display
IR pass filter A lens you can place over your camera lens to only let IR light through.

Tips for Cameras

You'll need a camera that can see infrared light. The easiest option is to add an IR pass filter over the lens - these are inexpensive and readily available (search for "IR pass filter" or "infrared cold mirror" sized for your camera lens).

Using your phone as a webcam? These options work well:

Tip: Use a USB cable instead of Wi-Fi for the most responsive experience.

Getting Started

Step 1: Download Refurboard

Download the latest version for your operating system from the Releases page.

Mac Users: First-Time Setup

Since Refurboard isn't from the Mac App Store, your Mac will show a security warning the first time you open it. Here's how to allow it:

  1. Right-click (or Control-click) on Refurboard.app
  2. Select Open from the menu
  3. Click Open in the warning dialog
  4. That's it! The app will now open normally every time

If you already tried to open it and got blocked:

  1. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security
  2. Scroll down to find the message about Refurboard
  3. Click Open Anyway

Grant Camera Permission:

When you first select a camera, macOS will ask for permission. Click OK to allow access. If no cameras appear in the dropdown:

  1. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera
  2. Find Refurboard in the list and enable it
  3. Restart Refurboard

Grant Accessibility Permission (required for cursor control):

Refurboard needs permission to move your cursor. macOS won't prompt for this automatically — you must grant it manually:

  1. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility
  2. Click the + button
  3. Navigate to and select Refurboard.app
  4. Make sure the toggle is turned on

If cursor tracking shows in Refurboard but your cursor doesn't move, this permission is missing.

Step 2: Position Your Camera

Set up your camera so it can see the entire projected area:

Step 3: Launch and Calibrate

  1. Open Refurboard - a small control panel appears
  2. Select your camera from the dropdown menu
  3. Click "Start Calibration" - a fullscreen window opens with four targets
  4. Touch each target with your IR pen - hold steady until it locks (about 1 second each)
  5. Done! Your pen now controls the cursor

Step 4: Start Teaching!

Your IR pen now works like a mouse:

Quick Troubleshooting

Problem Solution
Pen not detected Make sure your IR pen's battery is charged and the button is pressed
Cursor jumps around Reduce ambient light or adjust the sensitivity slider
Wrong screen Re-run calibration on the correct display
Camera not found Check USB connection; try a different port
Mac: "unidentified developer" Right-click the app, select Open, then click Open in the dialog
Mac: No cameras detected Grant Camera permission in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera
Mac: Cursor doesn't move Grant Accessibility permission in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility

Classroom Ideas

Need More Help?

About Refurboard

Refurboard is a free, open-source project created to help teachers make the most of their existing classroom technology.