How to Annotate a Screenshot on iPhone (iOS)
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.
- 1Take a screenshot and tap the preview thumbnail. Use the Markup toolbar to draw, add text, and insert arrows or shapes.
- 2Add callout arrows and text labels to draw clear attention to specific areas.
- 3Save or share the annotated image using the Done / Share button in the editor.
Still Not Working?
Try these if the steps above didn't help.
- If the auto-preview disappears, open the screenshot from your gallery and edit from there.
- Use Paint (Windows) or Preview (macOS) as built-in alternatives if dedicated tools are missing.
- Third-party tools like Greenshot or Skitch offer more annotation options if built-in tools are limited.
Verify the Fix
Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.
- Confirm all annotations are visible and legible at 100% zoom on the final image.
- Verify the save did not overwrite the original if you need both versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I annotate a screenshot on iPhone (iOS) without installing anything?
How do I add an arrow to a screenshot on iPhone (iOS)?
How do I blur or hide sensitive information in a screenshot?
Does annotating a screenshot on iPhone (iOS) overwrite the original?
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