heyloTHE HEYLOBUDDY PLAYBOOK
PictionaryRules, tips & a good first game.
One player draws a secret word while the rest race to recognize it. The canvas is shared across devices, but only the current drawer can see the answer before the reveal.
YOUR CONTROLS
Draw with a mouse, finger, or stylus. Choose color and line width, use Eraser or Undo, and type guesses in the guess box.
Before the first sketch
Create a room and share the invite. The host chooses a word pack, 1, 2, 3, or 5 rounds, and a drawing time of 30, 60, or 90 seconds. At least two players are needed to start; a room supports up to 20. Join while the room is still in its lobby.
Draw the idea, not the word
If the secret is umbrella, begin with its recognizable canopy and handle. Do not write the answer or spell it with letter shapes. Large, simple outlines are usually easier for friends on phones to recognize than many tiny details.
Guess on your own device
Type your guess and submit it before the timer runs out. The drawer cannot submit guesses for their own turn. After a correct guess, wait for the reveal while other players continue. Scores are updated by the game, and drawing duties rotate through the players.
Keep the canvas readable
Use contrasting colors and a broad stroke for the main shape. Undo removes a mistaken stroke; clearing the canvas starts the drawing again. Rotate your phone only between turns if changing orientation makes it harder to keep drawing in the same place.
When the connection slows
Drawings travel over the network in small stroke updates. A friend may see a stroke a moment after you draw it. Keep the room open while it reconnects and avoid opening several copies of the same player session.
A couple of good questions
Can everyone draw at once?
No. Only the assigned drawer can change the canvas during a turn.
Can we change the settings during a game?
Room settings are selected in the lobby and locked while the game is running.
Guide checked against this game version · October 22, 2026