1. Spring-loaded tools & keyboard shortcuts

The fastest way to annotate your screen is without switching tools at all.

DrawOnScreen is built around spring-loaded tools and minimal keyboard shortcuts, allowing you to perform almost every action instantly with just a few keys and mouse gestures.

Instead of selecting tools manually, you simply hold a key and swipe.

Draw, erase and annotate instantly

You can access all tools directly, with simple combinations:

• Pen -> click and swipe

• Eraser -> hold Esc and swipe

• Laser pointer -> hold Shift and swipe

• Line -> hold Ctrl and swipe

• Box -> hold Ctrl + Shift and swipe

• Spotlight -> hold Space and swipe

No tool switching required - just hold, swipe, and release.

Add text and zoom naturally

Some actions are even simpler:

• Add text -> double-click anywhere and start typing

• Zoom -> use the mouse scroll

These interactions feel completely natural and require no setup.

Full control with minimal shortcuts

You also have full control over your session:

• Undo -> Ctrl + Z

• Redo -> Ctrl + Shift + Z

• New canvas (clear everything + reset history) -> Ctrl + N

This allows you to experiment freely without worrying about mistakes.

Webcam overlay shortcuts

DrawOnScreen also includes a webcam overlay, which can be positioned instantly using: F1, F2, F3, F4.

This makes it easy to adjust your camera during:

• presentations

• tutorials

• recordings

Fully invisible interface (toolbar toggle)

One of the most powerful features is the ability to completely hide the interface.

You can toggle the toolbar visibility with Ctrl + ,.

In the paid version, this removes the application UI entirely, which means:

• no menus

• no distractions

• just your screen and your annotations

Because everything is controlled via shortcuts, you don't need to see the interface at all.

Why this is so intuitive

Even though the tool is powerful, the interaction model stays simple:

• most actions use just one key + swipe

• no complex shortcuts to memorize

• no constant tool switching

You can learn everything in minutes and use it immediately.

Faster than traditional tools

At first glance, this might seem like a lot of shortcuts.

But it's easier to use than it is to explain, because everything follows the same pattern: hold a key ->perform an action -> release

2. Point and click

While shortcuts offer maximum speed, DrawOnScreen also supports a classic tool selection menu for a more traditional and flexible workflow.

This method allows you to simply click and select the tool you want, just like in any standard drawing or annotation software.

Perfect for mouse-only usage

The menu-based approach is ideal when you prefer - or need - to work using only your mouse.

This approach is ideal for:

• Presenters moving around - if you're not sitting at your desk, using shortcuts may not be practical.

• Recording tutorials - you may want slower, more deliberate interactions for clarity.

Familiar and easy to learn

The menu provides access to all core tools:

• Pen

• Text

• Box

• Line

• Spotlight

• Laser

• Eraser

• History reset

Simply tap the tool you want and start annotating.

More control, less pressure

Unlike shortcuts, the menu doesn't require memorization.

You can:

• take your time

• select the exact tool you need

• switch tools deliberately

This creates a more relaxed workflow, which is useful in:

• teaching environments

• step-by-step explanations

• recorded content

Works seamlessly with other methods

The best part is that the menu is not separate from the rest of the experience.

You can:

• start with the menu

• switch to shortcuts when needed

• use the HUD for quick access

All three methods work together, not against each other.

Why the menu option?

Not every situation allows for fast keyboard shortcuts.

By supporting full mouse-based interaction, DrawOnScreen ensures that:

• you're never limited by your setup

• you can annotate from anywhere

• you can adapt to different environments

Simple, reliable, always available

The classic menu may be the most traditional way to use the tool - but it's also the most dependable.

Click, select, and annotate.

No shortcuts required.

No learning curve

3. The HUD (Heads-up Display)

For the best balance between speed and control, DrawOnScreen includes a powerful HUD (Heads-Up Display) tool wheel.

With a quick mouse action (right-click or mouse wheel click), a radial menu appears directly around your cursor.

Instead of moving your cursor across the screen to find tools, everything you need is instantly available right where you are working.

From the HUD, you can immediately access:

• Pen

• Spotlight

• Box

• Line

• Laser

• Eraser

• History reset

This allows you to switch tools instantly without interrupting your flow or losing focus on your content.

The radial design minimizes cursor movement, making it significantly faster than traditional toolbars.

It's especially useful during:

• Live presentations

• Online teaching

• Tutorial recordings

• Software demos

Because the HUD appears exactly where your cursor is, you can keep your attention on what you're explaining - not on the interface.

This allows for fast access when you need it and invisibility when you don't.

One tool, three workflows

What makes DrawOnScreen truly powerful is not just the tools it offers, but how you can use them.

Instead of forcing you into a single way of working, DrawOnScreen gives you three flexible interaction methods:

• Shortcuts for maximum speed

• Menu for clarity and control

• HUD for fast, focused interaction

You can use each method independently - or combine them depending on the situation.

This flexibility makes DrawOnScreen suitable for both beginners and advanced users, adapting to your workflow instead of forcing you to adapt to the tool.

Designed for real-time screen annotation

DrawOnScreen is built for situations where timing and clarity matter.

Whether you are teaching, presenting, or recording, you need to annotate your screen instantly - without breaking your flow.

• Online teaching and live explanations

• Business presentations and meetings

• Tutorial and course recordings

• Software demos and walkthroughs

In all of these scenarios, switching tools, navigating menus, or hesitating even for a moment can interrupt the experience.

That's why every interaction in DrawOnScreen is designed to be immediate, predictable, and fast.

A better way to draw on your screen

If you are looking for an easy and intuitive way to draw on your screen, DrawOnScreen offers a workflow that feels natural from the very first use.

With the three seamless ways to annotate - shortcuts, menu, and HUD - you always have the right level of control for any situation.

Whether you need speed, precision, or simplicity, the tool adapts to you.

No learning curve.

No interruptions.

Just smooth, real-time screen annotation

Final thoughts

The best tools are not the ones with the most features - they are the ones that feel effortless to use.

DrawOnScreen combines powerful functionality with an intuitive interaction model, allowing you to focus on what really matters: your content.

By supporting multiple workflows and minimizing friction, it transforms screen annotation into a fast, natural, and enjoyable experience.

Once you start using it, you'll notice something simple:it's easier to use than it is to explain