To draw where live viewers can see it, put the marks into the broadcast output—not just on your own monitor. In OBS, use a drawing plugin or a browser-source overlay; for a Zoom or Microsoft Teams screen share, use the meeting app’s annotation controls. A mouse is enough for occasional arrows and highlights. A pen tablet or second device is optional.
Choose where the drawing needs to appear
Before installing anything, identify the output you need to annotate. A mark visible on your desktop is not automatically part of an OBS stream: viewers see only what OBS sends. Meeting-app annotations, meanwhile, are intended for content shared in that meeting and are governed by the app’s permissions.
| Method | Where viewers see marks | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| OBS dock or drawing source | In the OBS scene or stream output | Drawing directly while producing an OBS broadcast |
| Remote telestrator with OBS browser source | As an overlay in the OBS scene | Drawing from a separate phone, tablet, or computer |
| Desktop annotation utility | Over screen content; confirm how the utility interacts with the capture method | Annotating desktop material across supported presentation or recording workflows |
| Zoom or Teams annotation | On the meeting’s shared content | Collaborative annotation within that meeting |
Draw over an OBS stream
For an OBS broadcast, select a tool that explicitly places marks in the OBS output. The OBS community resource pages describe several different workflows; check each live page for current installation instructions, compatibility, and maintenance before relying on it for a broadcast.
Use the Draw dock for stream-output annotations
The OBS Forums page for Draw describes a dock for drawing on stream output. Its listing identifies Windows, macOS, and Linux support and a minimum OBS version of 28.0.0. The page’s update history says version 0.3.0 requires OBS 31.1 or later and adds OBS 32 support. Those are version-specific listing details, not a guarantee that every release works with every setup; check the current page before installing.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- PLEASE NOTE：XPPen Artist13.3 Pro drawing tablet Need to connect with computer,you need to use it with your computer or laptop, the 3 in 1 cable is included
- Drawing Tablet with Screen: Tilt Function- XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro supports up to 60 degrees of tilt function, so now you don't need to adjust the brush direction in the software again and again. Simply tilt to add shading to your creation and enjoy smoother and more natural transitions between lines and strokes
- Graphics Tablets: High Color Gamut- The 13.3 inch fully-laminated FHD Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 88% NTSC (Adobe RGB≧91%，sRGB≧123%) with a 178-degree viewing angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and dazzling details in a wider view. Your creative world is now as powerful as it is colorful
- Drawing Pad: One is enough- The sleek Red Dial on the display is expertly designed with creators in mind, its strategic placement allows for natural drawing postures. With just one wheel, you can effortlessly zoom in and out, adjust brush sizes, and flip the canvas—all tailored to suit the habits of everyday artists. The 8 customizable shortcut keys allow you to personalize your setup, streamlining your workflow and enhancing creative efficiency
- Universal Compatibility & Software Support：supports Windows 7 (or later), Mac OS X 10.10 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), and Linux systems. Fully compatible with major creative software including Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, and Blender 3D. Register your device to access additional programs like ArtRage 5 and openCanvas for expanded creative possibilities.
This route is worth considering when you want a drawing interface associated with OBS rather than relying on a mark that appears only on your local desktop. Confirm in a recording that the marks are actually present in the output viewers will receive.
Use a scene drawing canvas for deliberate marks
Instant Highlight Source Draw is described as supporting freehand pen and shapes, configurable line attributes, an eraser, and undo/redo. Its resource page describes drawing on the OBS preview with a mouse, tablet, or touch input, as well as adding a full-scene drawing canvas. This makes it a possible fit for tutorials or documentary commentary where you need to sketch, revise, or clear marks deliberately.
A pen tablet is optional: the resource lists mouse and touch input too. Consider pen hardware only if it makes your own drawing more comfortable or precise.
Rank #2
- Please note: Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) Pen Display is not a standalone product, this device must be connected to a computer/laptop to work.
- All-new Canvas Glass 2.0: HUION Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) drawing tablet for pc features a fully laminated 13.3-inch screen and brand new anti-sparkle canvas glass 2.0 for reduced glare and improved accuracy. It is perfect for designers, artists, and illustrators to unleash their creativity.
- Advanced PenTech 4.0 Technology: The 16384 levels of pressure sensitivity and 2g IAF ensure a fluid and natural drawing experience, while the 3 customized pen side buttons improve your workflow.
- Improved Color Accuracy: With enhanced color accuracy to Avg. ΔE<1.5, 16.7 million display colors, 99% sRGB coverage, and Rec.709 standard color gamuts, HUION Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) digital art tablet delivers stunning visuals.
- Rigorous Color Calibration: HUION Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) drawing monitor includes a factory calibration report for added assurance of color consistency.
Draw from a separate phone, tablet, or computer
WebRTC-Telestrator describes a host browser that selects a display and a remote browser on a phone, tablet, or PC. The remote device views that display and sends marks back; OBS adds them through a browser-source overlay. The practical chain is:
- On the OBS host, open the telestrator’s host browser and select the display to annotate.
- On the second device, open the remote browser connection described by the resource and view the selected display.
- Draw on the remote device, then add the resulting browser source to the OBS scene so the marks appear in the broadcast output.
- Check alignment and visibility in a private recording or unlisted rehearsal before going live.
This approach separates the drawing surface from the OBS production computer. The resource page describes the workflow; network behavior and setup details depend on the actual environment, so rehearse the connection you plan to use.
Consider a desktop annotation utility carefully
The OBS Forums page for SHARA describes a Windows utility with a radial menu and tools including a pen, marker, shapes, eraser, laser, magnifier, spotlight, and live zoom. It states compatibility with OBS, Zoom, Teams, and screen recording or sharing tools. Because a desktop overlay and an OBS scene/source are different integration methods, verify that your chosen capture method includes the utility’s marks in the final stream. The page mentions a free trial and points to Microsoft Store availability; check the page for current pricing and terms.
Rank #3
- Universal Compatibility: It's compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac 10.10 or later, Linux. Compatible with Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, Painter, MediBang, Clip Studio, and more. It's ideal for digital drawing, animation, sketching, photo editing, 3D sculpting, and more (XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet must be connected to a computer to work).
- 11.6 HD IPS display: Artist12 drawing tablet is the XP-PEN’s latest smallest 1920x1080 HD display paired with 72% NTSC(100%SRGB) Color Gamut, presenting vivid images, vibrant colors and extreme detail for a stunning display of your artwork. It's pre-installed anti-reflective screen protector already. The slim touch bar can be programmed to zoom in and out, scroll up and down. Its 6 shortcut keys are customizable, XP-PEN driver allows the shortcut keys to be attuned to other different software
- Battery-free stylus with a digital eraser at the end: XP-PEN advanced P06 passive pen was made for a traditional pencil-like feel! Featuring a unique hexagonal design, non-slip & tack-free flexible glue grip, partial transparent pen tip, and an eraser at the end! Delivering technical sense, high efficiency, with a fashionable and comfortable grip, and there are 8 replacement pen nibs included with the multi-function pen holder
- XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet with screen is ideal for online education and remote work. Set the Artist12 drawing screen as an extended display when working from home, visually present your handwritten notes on the screen directly. Teachers and students can write and edit complicated functional equations with ease. It's compatible with XSplit, Zoom, Twitch, Microsoft Teams, ezTalks Webinar, Idroo, Scribbiar, wiziQ, and more
- XP-PEN provides a one-year warranty and lifetime technical support for all our drawing pen tablets/displays. Register your XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet on xp-pen web to apply for an ArtRage 5, openCanvas, or Explain Everything. Your laptop/desktop needs to have HDMI and USB-A ports available for the connection, or you need an extra converter(such as Thunderbolt to HDMI, depends on what ports that your laptop/desktop has) for the connection
Annotate a Zoom or Teams screen share
Meeting annotation controls apply to shared meeting content; they are not a general-purpose overlay for every streaming destination. If your goal is to broadcast through OBS, use an OBS-integrated route or confirm that the meeting window and its annotations are captured as intended.
Zoom
Zoom’s annotation guide documents tools such as a pen, highlighter, arrows, shapes, text, color and line-width controls, erasing, undo/redo, and spotlight. Available controls can vary by device and feature set. The host can enable or disable annotation for other participants, so check that permission if attendees cannot draw.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →On iOS, Zoom’s instructions say a shared portion of the screen can be annotated, but a whole-screen share cannot. If annotation is unavailable, verify both the sharing mode and device-specific instructions.
Rank #4
- Ultra-Portable with Revolutionary X-Dial Wheels: Weighing only 1.58 lb with an 11.9" portable screen, XP Pen drawing tablet features dual X-Dial wheels that instantly adjust brush size and canvas zoom, saving 40% operation time. The 33% narrower bezels provide more drawing area, while 8 customizable keys prevent misoperations. Perfect for digital artists sketching in cafes or students carrying this tablet with pen between classes
- Eye-Care Paper-Feel Display: AG etched glass provides paper-like texture, reducing 85% glare and resisting fingerprints. Full lamination technology ensures the pen tip closely follows the cursor with nearly zero parallax. Ideal for architects detailing blueprints or illustrators working long hours - your eyes stay comfortable even after 8-hour sessions with this professional graphic tablet
- Magnetic X4 Pen with 16K Precision: The X4 chip drawing pen features 16,384 pressure levels and 60-degree tilt support, with 2g initial pressure perfect for feather-detail illustrations on your drawing tablet. 50% faster response speed and 200% steadier nibs prevent wobble during precise inking. Includes 10 replacement nibs and magnetic attachment to prevent loss. Enjoy professional drawing experience with smooth, natural strokes that respond to your every movement
- Pro Color Accuracy with Factory Calibration: This drawing tablet with screen delivers 1920x1080 Full HD resolution with 99% sRGB and ΔE<1.5 color accuracy displaying 16.7 million colors. Factory pre-calibrated with OSD menu adjustment ensures perfect color matching for professional photography retouching or brand design projects where color precision is critical
- Certified Universal Compatibility: This art tablet guarantees flawless performance across all major platforms: Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, Android 10.0 or later, ChromeOS 88 or later, Linux, and Windows ARM. It is rigorously tested with top software including Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Krita, ensuring a stable and hassle-free experience for freelancers and students collaborating across different ecosystems
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft’s Teams annotation guide says annotation is powered by Whiteboard. While content is shared, the presenter turns it on from the presenter toolbar and can allow everyone to annotate or restrict annotation to the presenter. Teams also documents saving an annotation snapshot to a Whiteboard file.
Set up and test the workflow before going live
- Confirm the destination. Decide whether marks belong in OBS’s program output, a meeting share, or a desktop layer.
- Check requirements. For an OBS resource, verify the operating system, current OBS minimum version, release notes, and install instructions on its live page.
- Choose the input. Start with a mouse or touch if that suits the task. Use a tablet for pen input or a second device if you want a separate drawing surface.
- Check controls. Find how to undo, erase, hide, or clear marks. For collaborative meetings, confirm who is allowed to annotate.
- Record a rehearsal. Make a private recording or unlisted test and inspect the actual output. Confirm that marks appear in the right place, remain legible, and can be removed when no longer needed.
Troubleshooting: when viewers cannot see the marks
- The drawing appears on your desktop but not in the stream: the utility may be a local display overlay rather than part of the captured OBS output. Use a tool that draws on stream output, a scene drawing layer, or a browser-source overlay, then check a recording.
- The remote device can draw but OBS shows no marks: check that the browser-source overlay is included and visible in the active scene, and that the host and remote browser are connected to the selected display.
- A participant cannot annotate in Zoom or Teams: check host or presenter permissions. In Zoom on iOS, also check whether you are sharing a portion rather than the whole screen.
- The plugin will not load: compare the installed OBS version and operating system with the current resource-page requirements, including any release-specific minimums.
- Marks are hard to control during a presentation: rehearse the eraser, undo, hide, or clear workflow; for precise pen input, try a tablet, but it is not a requirement for the cited OBS drawing resource.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is for keeping uploaded videos live on YouTube, not drawing live from a camera or adding annotations to a live OBS scene. If you have a prerecorded program with annotations already included, you can upload it, add your YouTube stream key, and go live; StreamNeo loops the video from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month.
See StreamNeo or its plans. Start the free first day.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Best Value
- Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: 1.5x* faster than ever. Initial response rate decreases to 90ms*. Accuracy increases by 20% to bring out every art project precisely what you want. Virtually no lag or broken lines. X3 pro smart chip stylus delivers much more precise and smooth lines than ever before - exceling athyper-nuanced creation and beyond
- Easy Control, One Scroll for All: Easy & efficiency Red Dial Quick Key simplifies the interface for beginners, like aspiring graphic designers and junior illustrators, allowing them to master essential controls such as brush size, navigation and zoom In/Out. This design ensures a natural hand position, reducing wrist strain during prolonged use. Additionally, with 8 customizable keys, users can easily assign frequently used functions, streamlining their workflow and minimizing interruptions
- User-friendly Setup: Understanding that many artists and designers, especially beginners, may not be tech-savvy,the new 13-inch drawing tablet features clear setup instructions for hassle-free installation. With an updated driver and intuitive interface, users can easily configure the drawing screen, and pens with a single installation. Quick access to settings allows adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color temperature (Windows only), enabling even newcomers to start creating right away
- Stunning Color Accuracy: Featuring 125% sRGB, 107% Adobe RGB, 95%display P3 color gamut, this tablet ensures every stroke has exceptional color fidelity. With 16.7 million colors at 8-bit depth, you can enjoy smooth gradients and rich transitions. The 250 cd/m² brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio provide clearer, more vivid images, allowing artists to see their creations accurately. Ideal for both professionals and hobbyists
- Exceptional Visual Experience: Our 13.3-inch drawing tablet features a full-laminated screen with AG Film, reduces parallax and glare for a paper-like feel. With Full HD resolution and an IPS panel, enjoy vibrant colors and sharp details from a wide 178° viewing angle, ideal for drawing, animation, photography, fashion, architecture design, and much more
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a drawing tablet to annotate an OBS stream?
No. The cited OBS drawing resource lists mouse, tablet, and touch input; a tablet is only needed if you prefer pen input.
Can I use meeting annotations as an overlay for any livestream?
No. Zoom and Teams annotation controls are for shared meeting content. For another broadcast destination, use an overlay included in that output.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
