We Tested the Top Markup Tools in 2025

Helpful Summary

• Overview: We discuss the significance of markup tools for improving communication accuracy, collaboration, and creative workflow management and share five top markup tools to consider in 2025.

• Why you can trust us: Thousands of customers have integrated Picflow’s markup tools into their workflows, noting improved efficiency and reduced errors as a direct result of this decision.

• Why this is important: Markup tools facilitate clearer communication by pinpointing areas of interest or concern. They also enhance remote collaboration efforts. This flexibility leads to more inclusive decision-making and better project outcomes.

• Action points: Use Picflow’s annotation features to upgrade your feedback and approval processes immediately. You can also explore our other tools for digital asset management.

• Further research: Check out the Picflow blog for more information and tips on how to maximize the use of our markup tools in your workflows.

Looking for the Best Markup Tools?

If you’ve ever had to leave specific, detail-oriented feedback on a document, image, video, or website, you know how tricky it can be to get your point across. Often, the end result is confused emails asking for clarification and a time-consuming back and forth.

The solution? Markup tools.

These lifesaving tools allow you to easily annotate and highlight areas of a document or image, add comments, and even draw on the screen. And in this Picflow guide, we’re going to show you the best markup tools out there.

But first…

Why Listen to Us?

Picflow is trusted by more than 10,000 photographers, videographers, and creatives from around the world thanks to our powerful and intuitive platform. Our team has spent countless hours researching and testing markup tools to bring you this comprehensive guide.

So, whether you’re a student, freelancer, or business professional, keep reading to find the perfect markup tool for your needs.

What are Markup Tools?

Markup tools are tools that let you add information and annotations to documents, images, videos, and other files.

Here’s an example of Picflow’s markup tool.

Without the added annotations, the comment would be much less clear. They add much-needed context that helps you speed up review, proofing, approval, editing, and more.

Why You Need Markup Tools

Improves Your Communication Accuracy and Precision

Markup tools let you specify areas of concern or interest within a document, image, or video. And by providing annotations and comments directly on the content, you can share feedback more accurately, reducing the chances of errors or misunderstandings.

This level of precision aids the quality of communication, ensuring that any required changes are made correctly and leading to better outcomes.

Enhances Collaboration Between You, Your Teammates, and Clients

With the right markup tool, collaboration becomes more flexible and accessible, no matter where you are or what time it is. 

Team members and clients can view or edit documents remotely and simultaneously, removing the delays and logistical challenges associated with traditional review processes. This accessibility breeds greater inclusivity and participation among stakeholders, attracting diverse perspectives and enabling holistic decision-making.

Streamlines Creative Workflow and Version Control

A markup tool streamlines the document or media review and revision process, simplifying workflow management and version control. So, instead of juggling multiple file versions or struggling to track changes manually, you can rely on markup tools to organize all feedback and revisions in one central location. 

This approach reduces the risk of errors, reduces confusion, and ensures that all stakeholders are working with the most updated information. It also accelerates project completion and improves overall efficiency. 

Plus, you can always go back to a previous version to cross-check specific data, restore select sections, or undo unwanted changes.

Criteria to Consider When Choosing a Markup Tool

Selecting the best markup tool is easy when you know the exact capabilities to check for. Here’s a quick 9-point list to aid your selection process.

• Compatibility and Integration: Make sure the markup tool you choose is compatible with the file formats and platforms you commonly use. It should seamlessly work with your existing tools and processes so it’s easing your workload, not compounding it. 

• Ease of Use and Intuitive User Interface: Select a markup tool that is user-friendly and easy to navigate. A clean interface will make it easier for you and your team or clients to learn and use the tool optimally without extensive support or training.

• Annotation Capabilities: Check out the annotation features offered by the markup tool. Does it allow you to insert text comments, draw shapes, highlight sections, or add multimedia elements? Go for an app that provides the exact annotation options you need to communicate effectively in your field.

• Collaboration Features: Assess the markup solution's collaboration capabilities. Can users review and edit files simultaneously? Does it support real-time syncing and commenting? These collaboration features are key for individuals and teams working on joint projects.

• Security and Privacy: Look out for the security measures taken by the markup solution provider. Check that the company protects your sensitive data and files with encryption, cloud security features, and other security measures. Also, evaluate the tool's privacy policy to understand how it handles your data.

• Customization Options: Choose a markup tool that offers customization features to tailor the app to your specific needs. This may include customizable layouts, image controls, annotation styles, drag-and-drop features, color palettes, and more.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensure that the markup tool is compatible with various operating systems and devices, including desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones. Cross-platform compatibility ensures that you can access and use the tool regardless of your device preferences or location.

• Cost and Pricing Model: Consider the cost of the markup software and its pricing model. Some platforms offer freemium versions with limited features, while others require periodic subscriptions or one-time purchases. Compare the pricing options to your available resources and determine the best fit for your requirements and budget.

• Training and Customer Support: Assess the level of training and customer support the markup tool provides. Look for resources like tutorials, documentation, and reliable customer support options to help you troubleshoot issues and use the tool optimally.

5 Best Annotation and Markup Tools

1. Picflow: Best for image and video markup

2. GoProof: Best for Adobe Creative Cloud users

3. Markup Hero: Best for desktop use

4. Hive: Best for document and website markup

5. GoVisually: Best for design markup

1. Picflow

First on our list is Picflow—obviously. 

Picflow is an online gallery that lets creative professionals and teams share, review, and approve images and videos. We offer a bunch of markup and annotation tools, like the brush and circle tools for drawing attention to an area of an image or the arrow tool for pointing in a specific direction.

Once your review, feedback, and approval processes are complete, you, your team members, or your clients can easily download and share finalized file versions from the app.

Key Features

• Image & Video Annotations: Add text, shapes, arrows, and more to images for clear feedback and collaboration.

• Comments & Threads: Keep the conversation and feedback organized with threaded comments. Check off comments when you’ve actioned them.

• Version History: Easily track changes and revert to previous versions of an image or video.

• File Sharing & Downloading: Share files with team members or clients and easily download finalized versions.

• Lists & Tags: Keep your review and approval workflow organized with tags, color labels, and approval lists.

• Gallery Designer: Create stunning galleries with flexible layouts, full control over fonts and colors, code and social embeds, and more.

• Easy Collaboration: Share your galleries by inviting external collaborators, adding team members to your workspace, or sharing an invite link.

• Access Controls: Decide who has access to what (and what markup tools they ) with customizable permissions and privacy settings.

Pricing

Picflow offers a free plan that supports up to 2 members. 

We also provide two monthly subscriptions, starting with the Plus plan at a fixed fee of $8/month for up to 5 users. Plus, our Pro plan is $16/month for 20 users, and you can explore Picflow Enterprise for a customized, scalable plan and pricing.

Pros and Cons