How is this different from Skitch or Annotely?

Skitch was discontinued by Evernote in 2016; its users have been hunting for a replacement ever since. Most replacements (Annotely, Markup.io, Droplr, CloudApp) either require signup, add watermarks, upload your images to a server, or paywall features like numbered pins and magnifier callouts. Our Image Annotator matches the core Skitch feature set — arrows, pixel blur, text, numbered pins — adds a few things Skitch never had (magnifier callouts, true redaction, keyboard shortcuts on every tool), runs 100% in your browser, and copies straight to clipboard. No signup, no upload, no watermark.

What's the difference between Blur and Redact?

Blur applies a pixel blur that visually obscures the region but leaves reconstructable data in the output — someone with forensic tools can sometimes reverse strong blurs, especially for known character sets like digits. Redact draws an opaque rectangle that permanently replaces the pixels underneath. For sensitive information — API keys, passwords, credit card numbers, medical info — use Redact, not Blur. The visual result is less elegant, but it's the only way to guarantee the information is gone from the exported file.

Does it work offline?

Yes, after the page loads once. The tool is a single HTML page with all logic in JavaScript, and it never contacts a server for annotation operations — everything runs in your browser. Once loaded, you can disconnect from the internet and keep annotating.

Can I paste a screenshot directly?

Yes. With the tool open, press Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on Mac) to paste any image that's on your clipboard — a screenshot you just took with Win+Shift+S, Cmd+Shift+4, or any screenshot app. The tool reads the image directly from the clipboard and loads it onto the canvas. No file dialog, no saving to disk first.

What are the keyboard shortcuts?

V for Select, A for Arrow, B for Box, T for Text, P for numbered Pin, H for Highlighter, M for Magnifier callout, L for Blur, R for Redact. Ctrl/Cmd+Z undoes, Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+Z (or Ctrl+Y) redoes. Ctrl/Cmd+C copies the annotated image to clipboard. Delete or Backspace removes the selected object. Esc switches back to Select.

Are my images uploaded to a server?

No. Every image is loaded into a browser canvas and processed entirely client-side. There is no upload, no server-side processing, and no record of your images is kept anywhere. This matters especially for screenshots of sensitive information — internal dashboards, customer data, legal documents, credentials.

How to Annotate Images for Screenshots (2026)

🖼

Try Image Annotator

Free, no signup →