// GUIDE · UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
How to annotate your screen in Google Meet on a Mac
Google Meet has built-in annotation, but only on certain Google Workspace plans. If your plan doesn't include it, or you want zoom, spotlight and keystrokes too, share your entire screen and draw with an app like Overlaid.
Meet added annotation in 2024. It works for a window, a tab or your whole screen, and the presenter can appoint co-annotators.
It's not on every account. Free personal accounts are the usual gap.
METHOD 01
Meet's built-in annotation
Included with eligible Google Workspace plans
Pen, text, shapes and disappearing ink, with optional co-annotators.
- 1Join a meeting and click Present now.
- 2Choose a window, a tab or your entire screen.
- 3When Meet shows the annotate notice, click Annotate at the bottom right.
- 4Pick a tool. Choose Stop annotating when you're done.
GOOD
- +Works for tab, window and screen shares
- +Disappearing ink is on by default
- +Presenter can add co-annotators from the participants list
NOT SO GOOD
- −Only on certain Workspace plans
- −Stays inside Meet's presenting flow
METHOD 02THAT'S US
Overlaid
$11.99 once, 7-day free trial
Draws over your screen, so it works on any Meet plan and outside the shared tab.
- 1In Meet, click Present now and choose Your entire screen.
- 2Press ⌃⌥D to draw, ⌃⌥C for click ripples and a halo, ⌃⌥K for keystrokes.
- 3Set ink to fade, so you can keep talking without cleaning up.
GOOD
- +Works on free and paid accounts
- +Zoom and cursor effects that Meet doesn't have
- +Same tool in Zoom, Teams and every other call
NOT SO GOOD
- −Only visible if you share your entire screen
// WORTH KNOWING
THREE TIPS.
A tab share leaves your marks out
Meet shares only that tab, so anything drawn by another app won't reach viewers. Choose Your entire screen.
Try the built-in one first
If your plan has it, Meet's annotation is the simplest option, especially with a co-annotator.
Check macOS permissions
Your browser needs Screen Recording permission to share your screen. Overlaid needs none for drawing.
// FAQ
QUICK QUESTIONS.
Yes, on certain Google Workspace plans. You click Annotate while presenting.
Yes. The presenter can add co-annotators from the participants list or a video tile.
Yes, if you share your entire screen. A tab or window share won't include them.
// COMPARE
// GUIDES
// YOUR NEXT CALL
Draw on your screen in the next five minutes.
7 days free with every feature. Then a one-time purchase. No account, no subscription.