Before recording
Hide notifications, enlarge important UI, check audio, and rehearse the exact path.
Creator workflow
Show viewers where to look while the action is happening
Use brief, readable marks over the real Windows workflow so a tutorial remains understandable on laptops, phones, and paused frames.
Readable marksHigh contrast and short labels
Fewer retakesPlan the annotation moments first
Useful assetsCapture screenshots and short GIFs
Point viewers to the click that matters
OS Pen (On-Screen Pen) floats above the app you are recording, so you can circle a button or underline a setting in the same take, with no editing pass to add arrows later. Keep each mark short, then clear the screen so the next step stays readable on a phone.
Want the full feature tour first? Read the Windows screen annotation overview.
Design annotation for a small video player
A mark that looks obvious on a large monitor may disappear when a video is watched on a phone. Use one strong colour, a medium stroke, and a short motion. Circle or underline the target, then remove the mark once the viewer has found it. Avoid filling the screen with handwriting.
Prepare a simple shot list before recording: opening result, required settings, each action, verification, and the final state. Note where a pointer, number, or spotlight adds meaning. This reduces unnecessary movement and helps the spoken explanation match the screen.
Production checklist
During recording
Keep marks short, pause after each step, and leave space around menus and captions.
After recording
Check the video at a smaller size and capture a clean thumbnail or supporting screenshot.
Choose the right capture output
Use a screenshot for a reference step, a GIF for a short repeated motion, and video when timing or narration matters. A separate output for each purpose is easier to reuse in documentation than one long recording.
OS Pen provides screenshot tools, short GIF creation, and Creator Recorder (Beta) alongside its annotation layer. Test the recorder on your hardware before relying on it for a long production, and keep the source recording on the same computer until editing is complete.
Frequently asked questions
Can I annotate while recording a Windows tutorial?
Yes. OS Pen can keep its annotation layer available while you demonstrate another application. Test the capture path first because recording behavior can vary by application and graphics setup.
What colour should I use?
Choose one high-contrast colour that remains visible against the interface, and switch only when a second meaning is necessary.
Should I draw continuously?
No. Brief marks are easier to follow. Point, explain, clear, and continue.
Record your next tutorial with annotation built in
Download OS Pen and try Pen, Eraser, and Screenshot free, with no sign-up. GIF and Creator Recorder (Beta) tools are listed on the pricing page.