Creating a new board takes less than a minute
A Pinterest board is a collection where you save pins on a specific topic — recipes, home decor, fashion ideas, whatever interests you. You create a board first, then add pins to it. The process is straightforward whether you're on the Pinterest website or using the mobile app.
To start, you need a Pinterest account. If you don't have one yet, you'll set that up before you can create boards. Once you're logged in, you'll see a button or menu option to create a new board, and Pinterest will ask you for a name, description, and privacy setting. That's all there is to the initial setup.
Key Takeaways
- You create a board by clicking the "Create" button on your profile or home page, entering a name and optional description, then choosing whether it's private or public.
- Board names should describe what the board contains so other people (and you, later) understand what pins belong there.
- Private boards are visible only to you; public boards can be seen and followed by anyone on Pinterest.
- You can add pins to a board immediately after creating it, or wait and add them later as you discover content you want to save.
- You can edit or delete a board at any time, and you can invite other people to collaborate on boards together.
Creating a board on the Pinterest website
Open Pinterest in your web browser and log in to your account. Look for the "Create" button — it's usually at the top of the page, often shown as a plus sign or the word "Create." Click it and select "Create a board" from the menu that appears.
A form will pop up asking for a board name. Type a clear, descriptive name that tells you what the board is for — "Kitchen Remodel Ideas," "Weeknight Dinners," or "Living Room Inspiration" are all good examples. The name is what you and others will see, so make it specific enough to be useful.
Next, you'll see a field for a description. This is optional, but adding one helps. Write a sentence or two about what the board contains. For example: "Budget-friendly kitchen updates I'm considering for my home" or "Quick dinner recipes for busy weeknights." This description appears when someone views your board.
At the bottom of the form, you'll choose whether the board is private or public. A private board is visible only to you — no one else can see it or the pins you save there. A public board can be seen by anyone on Pinterest, and other users can follow it. Choose private if you're saving personal ideas, or public if you want to share your collection with others.
Click "Create" and your board is ready. Pinterest will take you to the empty board, where you can start adding pins right away.
Creating a board on the Pinterest mobile app
Open the Pinterest app on your phone or tablet and tap the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. This takes you to your profile page. Look for a plus sign or "Create" button — the exact location varies depending on your device and app version, but it's usually near the top of your profile.
Tap "Create a board." You'll see the same form as the website: a field for the board name, an optional description field, and a choice between private and public. Fill in the name and description the same way you would on the website.
For the privacy setting, tap the option you want. The app will show you clearly whether you're creating a private or public board. Once you've made your choice, tap "Create" and the board appears on your profile.
What to name your board so you can find it later
Your board name is the first thing you and other people see, so spend a moment thinking about what to call it. Vague names like "Ideas" or "Inspiration" might make sense right now, but six months from now you won't remember what pins are in there.
Instead, use specific names that describe the actual content: "Master Bedroom Paint Colors," "Apartment Balcony Plants," "Cocktail Recipes," or "Gift Ideas for Mom." If you're collecting pins for a project with a timeline, you can include that too: "Kitchen Renovation 2025" or "Wedding Planning — Venues."
You can always rename a board later if you change your mind. Click or tap the three dots on the board and select "Edit board" to change the name, description, or privacy setting at any time.
Adding pins to your new board
Once your board exists, you can start saving pins to it. When you find a pin you want to save, click or tap the save button — it's usually a bookmark icon or the word "Save." Pinterest will show you a list of your boards and ask which one you want to save the pin to. Select your new board from the list.
You don't have to add pins right away. You can create an empty board and fill it later as you discover content. Many people create boards for projects they're planning and add pins over weeks or months as they find ideas they like.
If you want to move a pin from one board to another later, you can do that too. Open the pin, click the three dots menu, and select "Move pin" to choose a different board.
Making your board private or public, and inviting collaborators
When you create a board, you choose whether it's private or public. You can change this setting anytime by opening the board, clicking or tapping the three dots menu, and selecting "Edit board." Toggle the privacy setting and save your changes.
If you want other people to help you collect pins for a board, you can invite them to collaborate. Open the board, tap or click the three dots, and look for an option to invite collaborators or add members. Enter their Pinterest username or email address, and they'll receive an invitation. Once they accept, they can add, remove, and organize pins on that board just like you can.
Collaborative boards are useful for group projects — planning a wedding, organizing a family recipe collection, or gathering design ideas with a friend. Everyone who collaborates can see all the pins and make changes.
Organizing your boards and keeping them useful
As you create more boards, your profile can get crowded. Pinterest lets you organize your boards by pinning your favorites to the top of your profile. Open a board, click or tap the three dots, and select "Pin to profile." That board will appear at the top of your profile page, making it easy to find.
You can also delete a board if you no longer need it. Open the board, click the three dots, select "Delete board," and confirm. Deleting a board removes all the pins in it, so only do this if you're sure you don't want to keep those pins.
Some people create seasonal boards — "Holiday Decorating Ideas" or "Summer Outfit Inspiration" — and archive them when the season ends. You can't archive boards directly in Pinterest, but you can make a board private so it's hidden from your public profile while you keep the pins saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change a board from private to public after I create it?
Yes. Open the board, click or tap the three dots menu, select "Edit board," and toggle the privacy setting. Your pins will become visible to other Pinterest users once you make the change.
What happens if I delete a board?
Deleting a board removes it and all the pins in it permanently. You cannot undo this action, so make sure you don't need the pins before you delete. If you just want to hide a board, make it private instead.
Can multiple people edit the same board?
Yes, if you invite them as collaborators. Open the board, tap the three dots, and look for the option to invite collaborators. They'll need a Pinterest account, and they can add, remove, and organize pins once they accept your invitation.
Do I need to add a description when I create a board?
No, the description is optional. However, adding one helps you remember what the board is for and helps other people understand the board's purpose if it's public.
Can I create a board without saving any pins to it first?
Yes. You can create an empty board and add pins to it later. Many people create boards for upcoming projects and fill them over time as they discover content they like.