Spend less time explaining and show it right away. A Windows & macOS annotation app that lets you draw over PPTs, PDFs, websites, or any screen.
$3.99 per month or $24.99 lifetime with one payment.
The free version has no time limits, watermarks, or usage limits.
Thickness, basic colors and the color picker, undo and redo, and click-through are free in Basic.
Turn the entire screen into a whiteboard or blackboard with one click and focus on the lesson.
Control the app underneath while your annotations stay visible. Return anytime with the global Ctrl+Alt+T shortcut.
Your strokes gently disappear after the time you set. Annotation keeps flowing without ever reaching for the eraser.
Click-through only while you hold a key: advance one slide during annotation, then return instantly.
Save a screen+annotation composite screenshot to a preset folder without prompts. Your class records build up automatically.
Rectangles, ellipses, text creation and re-editing, opacity control, and rainbow mode are available in Pro.
Highlight briefly, then let annotations fade so you spend less time clearing the screen.
Click the app underneath only while holding a key, then return to annotation as soon as you let go.
Save combined screen-and-annotation records to a preset folder without choosing a location each time.
TeachPen Basic is free with no sign-up required, and Pro is available as either a monthly subscription or a lifetime license.
| TeachPen | Subscription annotation tools | General free tools | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | $3.99/month or $24.99 once | Billed every year (subscription only) | Free |
| Account sign-up | Not required | Sign-up required even to try | Not required |
| Classroom use of the free version | ✓ Allowed | Pro required, depending on the product | ✓ |
| Fade Ink · Ghost Mode | ✓ Pro | ✓ Pro (only while subscribed) | - |
| Classroom annotation toolbar | ✓ | ✓ | Hotkey-centric · limited |
| Interface languages | 19 languages | English-centric | English-centric |
| If you stop paying? | Monthly stays active through the paid period; lifetime remains yours | Pro access ends when the paid period ends | - |
This comparison reflects common product types as of July 2026; individual products may have different policies.
Start with free basic annotation, then choose Pro when you need teaching tools.
Monthly subscriptions and lifetime licenses include the same features and differ only in payment method and usage period.
Start with free basic annotation, then choose Pro when you need teaching tools.
| Features | Basic | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Pen · Highlighter · Eraser · Line · Arrow | ✓ | ✓ |
| Thickness · Basic colors · Color picker · Undo/redo · Click-through | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rectangle · Ellipse · Text creation and re-editing · Opacity · Rainbow | - | ✓ |
| Whiteboard / blackboard | - | ✓ |
| Cursor highlight · Saved custom colors | - | ✓ |
| PNG Save | Choose a location every time | Composite · auto-save · copy to clipboard |
| Fade Ink (annotations disappear automatically) | - | ✓ |
| Ghost Mode (hold a key for click-through) | - | ✓ |
| Spotlight (focus light around the cursor) | - | ✓ |
| Custom Shortcuts | Default Shortcuts | Fully customizable |
| Object move (Ctrl+drag) · Text re-editing | - | ✓ |
| Per-tool Thickness Presets | - | ✓ (planned) |
Institutions can use volume licensing through annual per-seat quotes.
Annual per-seat quotes tailored to the number of seats required.
We support the documents required for institutional purchases. Request them by email. Contact us
Install with no signup, then upgrade to Pro only when you need it.
Free DownloadUse it right after installation. No signup, no email verification.
