Chapter 2: No-Login Classroom Setup
Many creative tools assume every student has an account, email address, or online profile. In schools, this often creates unnecessary barriers.
Brush Ninja is designed to work well without logins, which makes it easier to use in primary classrooms, shared computer rooms, clubs, and short workshops.
This chapter explains how to run Brush Ninja in the classroom without student accounts. Most schools use it this way, as it keeps lessons simple and avoids unnecessary setup.
If you’ve already run your first lesson, this shows how to make that process smooth and repeatable.
Why this works well
Using Brush Ninja without accounts removes many common classroom issues. There are no passwords to manage, no forgotten logins, and no shared profiles.
Students can open the tool, create their work, and export it straight to their device. Student work is not uploaded to Brush Ninja, and students do not need to create profiles. This keeps lessons focused on making rather than administration.
How it works
When students use Brush Ninja without logging in, their work exists only on the device they are using. While they are working, it is stored temporarily in the browser. Once exported, it becomes a file saved locally.
Students then submit their work using your normal classroom systems.
A simple classroom workflow
In most lessons, the process looks like this:
- Students open Brush Ninja on their device
- They create their work
- They export the final file
- They submit it using your usual system
There’s no setup or accounts required beyond sharing the link.
Common teacher concerns
Teachers often worry that students will lose work without accounts. In practice, simple export routines are usually enough.
Most classrooms already use systems for collecting files, so Brush Ninja fits into existing workflows rather than replacing them.
Typical classroom setups
Different schools use Brush Ninja in different ways:
- one device per student
- paired work on shared laptops
- tablet trolleys
- Chromebook classrooms
- clubs and workshops
- home learning
The same export-based workflow works well across all of these environments.
Working on shared devices
On shared or temporary devices, students should always export their work before logging out. Browser storage may be cleared automatically, so it should not be relied on.
For longer projects, saving .brushninja files locally can help students return to their work later. Clear instructions and regular reminders are usually enough to prevent problems.
Using starter files
Some teachers prepare starter files in advance. These are .brushninja files that students can open and edit.
They might include backgrounds, diagrams, or simple templates to help students get started quickly. These files can be shared directly, and students can use them without needing accounts.
When accounts might be useful
Most classes do not need accounts. In some cases, a teacher account can be useful for preparing templates, storing personal work, or creating reusable resources.
Even then, students do not need to log in.
Common problems
If students cannot find their work, check the Downloads folder and search by file name.
If work disappears, it is usually because the page was refreshed. Encourage exporting early and often.
If files are saved to the wrong account or location, remind students to use local downloads rather than shared browser profiles.
If the animation is corrupted and you have an exported GIF or a saved .brushninja file, you can usually recover the work by opening it in the editor.
Safeguarding and privacy
Using Brush Ninja without logins means there are no student profiles, no public posting, and no central storage of student work.
This aligns well with most school safeguarding policies. For more detail, see the For Schools page and the Privacy Policy.
