// GUIDE · UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
How to draw on your screen in a Slack huddle on a Mac
In a Slack huddle, anyone can click the pencil on a shared screen to draw on it, in the desktop app on Mac and Windows. Slack says you can't draw when sharing a single window. For zoom, spotlight and keystrokes, add Overlaid.
Slack is one of the few call tools where everyone can draw by default, which suits quick pairing sessions.
It has no zoom and no cursor effects, so a drawing app fills a different gap here than in other call tools.
METHOD 01
Slack's own drawing
Included in the desktop app
Click the pencil icon on a shared screen to draw on it. Drawing is supported in the desktop app on Mac and Windows.
- 1Start a huddle and share your screen.
- 2Click the shared screen to expand it, then click the pencil icon.
- 3Use the group drawing icon to turn off drawing for others if you want to.
GOOD
- +Anyone in the huddle can draw by default
- +No extra app
NOT SO GOOD
- −Slack says you can't draw when sharing a specific window
- −No zoom, spotlight or keystroke display
METHOD 02THAT'S US
Overlaid
$11.99 once, 7-day free trial
Adds zoom, a cursor spotlight, keystrokes and fading ink on top of a screen share.
- 1Share your entire screen in the huddle.
- 2Press ⌃⌥D to draw, ⌃⌥K for keystrokes, ⌃⌥C for the halo and ripples.
- 3Pinch to zoom in on small text and keep drawing.
GOOD
- +Zoom and keystrokes Slack doesn't have
- +Same tool across Slack, Meet, Zoom and Teams
NOT SO GOOD
- −Only you can draw
- −Whole-screen share only
// WORTH KNOWING
THREE TIPS.
Share the screen if you want drawing
Slack says drawing isn't available when you share a specific window.
Use Slack's drawing for quick collaboration
If a teammate needs to point back at your screen, Slack's pencil is already there.
Use Overlaid for demos
Zoom and keystrokes help when you're walking someone through code or a settings screen.
// FAQ
QUICK QUESTIONS.
Yes, in the desktop app on Mac and Windows. Click the pencil icon on the shared screen.
Slack says no. Share your screen instead.
Yes, when you share your entire screen.
// 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.