DeviceHowTo
iPad (iPadOS)⏱ 3 min

How to Annotate a Screenshot on iPad (iPadOS)

Add arrows, text, and highlights to a screenshot using built-in tools.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

The iOS Markup editor opens as soon as you tap the screenshot thumbnail in the bottom-left corner, presenting a full toolbar of drawing tools — pencil, pen, marker, eraser, ruler, and a shapes insert menu — along with a colour picker and opacity slider. The editor enters Full Screen mode automatically in landscape orientation, giving you more working space for detailed annotations on tablets. Annotated screenshots save back to the Photos library at full resolution, and you can share the marked-up version directly from within the editor.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Take a screenshot and tap the preview thumbnail. Use the Markup toolbar to draw, add text, and insert arrows or shapes.
  2. 2Add callout arrows and text labels to draw clear attention to specific areas.
  3. 3Save or share the annotated image using the Done / Share button in the editor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I annotate a screenshot on iPad (iPadOS) without installing anything?
Yes. Tap the screenshot thumbnail before it disappears to enter the built-in Markup editor with a full set of drawing and annotation tools.
How do I add an arrow to a screenshot on iPad (iPadOS)?
In the Markup editor, tap the + button and select Arrow from the shapes list. Drag to position and resize it.
How do I blur or hide sensitive information in a screenshot?
In Markup, use the filled rectangle shape with an opaque colour to cover the sensitive text or data.
Does annotating a screenshot on iPad (iPadOS) overwrite the original?
Built-in annotation tools save the annotated version as the same file by default. If you need both the original and annotated version, duplicate the file first before opening it for editing.

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