How to add arrows and numbered steps to a screenshot on a Mac
A good screenshot points at one thing and says what to do. EasyShoot gives every markup tool a single key, so you can box, number and point without reaching for the mouse.
Steps
- Capture the screenPress Option-Shift-Command-4 and drag over an area. A thumbnail appears in the corner of the screen: double-click it to open the capture in the editor. To open the editor right away without the thumbnail, turn on Open editor after capture in Settings › General.
- Box the important partPress R and drag a rectangle around it, leaving a little space so the line doesn't cross text.
- Number the stepsPress N and click beside each thing in order. The numbers count themselves: 1, 2, 3.
- Point and explainPress A to draw an arrow, or T to add a short note.
- SharePress Shift-Command-C to copy and paste it straight into Messages, Slack or Mail.
Every tool, one key
| Tool | Key |
|---|---|
| Arrow | A |
| Line | L |
| Rectangle | R |
| Diamond | D |
| Ellipse | O |
| Text | T |
| Numbered step | N |
| Pen | P |
| Pixelate | B |
| Crop | C |
Style every mark
- Lines and shapes: solid, dashed or dotted strokes, from thin to bold.
- Rectangle, Diamond and Ellipse: a fill and an outline you can hide, rounded corners from sharp to round, a shadow and any angle.
- Arrows: a standard or swept head; drag the middle handle to bend one.
- Numbered steps: no background, their own colour or a light fill.
- Several at once: Command-A, Shift-click or drag a box over empty canvas, then move, restyle or delete them together.
Keep it readable
- Use three or four marks at most: one box, a couple of numbers, one arrow.
- Put numbers beside what they mark, not on top of text.
- Change colour, stroke width and opacity for any mark in the Style tab.
Questions
Can I edit a mark after drawing it?
Yes. Every mark stays editable until you export the image.
Can I use my own font for text?
Yes. Text can use any font installed on your Mac.
Can I save my favourite style?
Yes. Save a background, mark style and export format as a preset, and make it the default.