How to Draw on the Desktop on Windows 10 & 11

Ever wish you could sketch ideas, mark up your screen, or annotate right on your Windows desktop? Whether you want to highlight something during a meeting or just doodle for fun, it’s possible—and easier than you might think. Here’s how to draw on the desktop in Windows 10 and 11.

1. Use Microsoft Whiteboard

Microsoft Whiteboard is a free app from Microsoft designed for sketching, brainstorming, and collaboration. It’s built for touchscreens and styluses, but works great with a mouse too.

How to use it:

1. Download and install: Search for “Microsoft Whiteboard” in the Microsoft Store and install it.
2. Open Whiteboard: Launch the app from your Start Menu.
3. Start drawing: Use your mouse, touchscreen, or stylus to draw, write, and annotate.
4. Share or save: You can save your sketches or share a live whiteboard with others.

Tip: While this doesn’t let you draw directly on the desktop or other apps, it gives you a big blank canvas whenever you need it.

2. Annotate Your Screen With Snip & Sketch (or Snipping Tool)

Windows includes built-in screenshot tools that let you capture your screen and draw right on it.

How to use it:

1. Open Snip & Sketch (Windows 10) or Snipping Tool (Windows 11):
   • Press Windows + Shift + S to open the snip toolbar.
   • Select the type of snip (rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen).
2. Annotate: Once the screenshot is taken, it opens in the editor. Use the pen, pencil, and highlighter tools to mark up your screenshot.
3. Save or copy: Save your annotated image or copy it to the clipboard.

Great for quick notes, highlights, and sharing annotated screenshots.

3. Draw Directly on the Desktop With Third-Party Tools

If you want to draw right on your desktop or over other applications, you’ll need third-party software. Here are two popular, lightweight options:

A. Epic Pen

• What it is: A simple, free tool that lets you draw over anything on your screen—desktop, apps, videos, you name it.
• How to use:
  1. Download Epic Pen and install it.
  2. Launch Epic Pen. You’ll see a floating toolbar.
  3. Choose your pen, highlighter, color, and thickness.
  4. Start drawing directly on your desktop or any window.
  5. Use the eraser or clear buttons to remove marks.

B. gInk

• What it is: Another free, open-source tool for drawing over your desktop.
• How to use:
  1. Download gInk and extract the files.
  2. Run gInk. A small pen icon appears in your system tray.
  3. Click the icon, select your tool, and start drawing on the screen.
  4. Press the icon again to hide drawings or clear the screen.

4. For Touchscreen and Pen Users

If you’re using a device like a Surface, the built-in Windows Ink Workspace (Windows 10) or Pen menu (Windows 11) lets you access Whiteboard and screen sketch features quickly. Just tap the pen icon in your taskbar.

Final Tips

• Most third-party tools let you toggle drawing mode on and off, so you can annotate live during presentations or record tutorials.
• Remember, drawings won’t stay after a reboot unless you save a screenshot. Use these tools for quick annotations, not permanent notes.

Summary:
For simple annotations, use Snip & Sketch or the Snipping Tool. For real-time desktop doodling, try Epic Pen or gInk. For brainstorming and collaboration, Microsoft Whiteboard is your go-to. Drawing on your Windows desktop is quick, easy, and free with the right tools—so go ahead and get creative!

Have questions or want more tutorials? Drop a comment below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!