How to Annotate Screenshots on Mac

Add arrows, text, blur, and step numbers to a Mac screenshot, then copy or save the marked-up image.

Annotation marks a screenshot you already have. The capture itself is a separate step. Open the annotator only when the picture is the one you want to mark.

Open the annotator on that image

Take the shot, or reopen it from History.
On Quick Access, choose annotate. In Settings you can make annotate the default after a screenshot, so the editor opens on its own.

Mark the one thing the reader should see

Point: arrows, shapes, text, highlighter, spotlight.
Hide: blur or pixelate a name, a balance, or a message.
Sequence: step counters, one number per click you want followed.
Frame: crop, change the background, or insert another image.

Use the tool that matches the point. A shot full of every tool is harder to read than one arrow.

Leave the annotator

Copy the marked-up image or save it. Still images export as PNG, JPEG, TIFF, or WebP.Pinning the image above other windows is a separate action.

Install Shoverlay on the Mac App Store.