To draw on a photo on an iPhone 13 or any recent iPhone, open the photo in the Photos app, tap Edit, then tap the Markup button (a pen tip icon) at the top right. Pick a pen, marker or pencil from the toolbar, choose a color, and draw with your finger. Tap Done twice to save. You can also add text, shapes, arrows and your signature from the + button in the same toolbar.
Below are the steps, how to use each drawing tool, how to undo drawings later, and how to draw on a photo without changing the original.
How to draw on a photo in the Photos app
- Open Photos and tap the photo you want to draw on.
- Tap Edit at the bottom (on some versions, the sliders icon).
- Tap the Markup button (a pen tip in a circle) at the top right.
- Tap a drawing tool at the bottom of the screen. Tap it again to change the line thickness and opacity.
- Tap the color circle to choose a color.
- Draw on the photo with your finger.
- Tap Done to leave Markup, then Done again to save.
The Markup tools explained
| Tool | What it’s for |
|---|---|
| Pen | Solid lines for writing and outlining |
| Highlighter | Semi-transparent strokes to draw attention to an area |
| Pencil | Textured, sketch-like lines |
| Eraser | Removes strokes. Tap it to switch between erasing whole strokes and erasing pixels. |
| Lasso | Selects a drawing so you can move it |
| Ruler | Draws straight lines along its edge. Rotate it with two fingers. |
| + menu | Text, signature, magnifier, shapes, arrows and stickers |
Draw perfect shapes and arrows
Draw a rough circle, square, star or arrow and hold your finger still at the end. Markup turns it into a clean shape. You can also tap + and choose a shape, then drag its blue and green dots to resize or reshape it.
Add text to a photo
- In Markup, tap + and then Add Text.
- Tap the text box, tap Edit, and type.
- Tap the Aa button to change the font, size and alignment, and the color circle to change the color.
- Drag the text box where you want it.
Undo or remove a drawing
- While drawing: Tap the Undo arrow at the top, or shake your iPhone and tap Undo.
- After saving: Open the photo, tap Edit, and tap Revert > Revert to Original. This removes the drawing and any other edits.
Because Photos edits are non-destructive, your original photo is always kept until you choose to revert.
Keep the original and save a drawn-on copy
- Open the photo, tap the three dots or Share button, and choose Duplicate.
- Draw on the copy.
Or, to draw on a photo you’re sending: in Messages, tap the photo before sending, tap Markup, draw, and tap Save. The drawing goes only to that message.
Other ways to draw on photos
- Screenshots: Tap the thumbnail after taking a screenshot to open Markup immediately.
- Files app: Open an image or PDF in Files and tap the Markup button.
- Notes: Insert a photo in a note and draw on it with Markup.
- Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok: These apps have their own drawing tools in the story or post editor.
Related: draw on a web page in Safari on iPhone.
Related: add text to photos on iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I find Markup in Photos?
Tap Edit first. The Markup button appears at the top of the editing screen. Live Photos and some videos don’t support Markup, so try a still photo.
Can I draw on a video on iPhone?
Not with Markup. Use iMovie, Clips or a third-party video editor to add drawings or text to videos.
Does drawing on a photo reduce its quality?
No. The drawing is added on top of the image, and the original stays available with Revert to Original.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.