Product guide

EpicPencil: a free Epic Pen alternative

Need to point out something on screen while explaining it? EpicPencil lets you draw over your apps with a pencil, highlighter, eraser and text tool. It is free to use on Windows, Apple Silicon Macs and Linux.

Choose my downloadTry the demo →
EpicPencil floating toolbar on Windows with text, an arrow and a circle drawn over an image.
EpicPencil on Windows. Screenshot published on Microsoft Store.

What to compare

Start with your operating system and the tools you need during a lesson or presentation. EpicPencil and Epic Pen are separate, independent products. This guide is written by the EpicPencil project.

The essentials at a glance
ConsiderationEpicPencilEpic Pen
Free accessTools are free to use; financial support is optional.Offers a free Basic edition and a paid Pro edition.
Annotating over appsPencil, highlighter, eraser and text in an overlay.Its website describes drawing and annotation over other applications.
Before installingWindows 10/11 x64, macOS 11+ on Apple Silicon, or Linux x64.Check its official website for current requirements and edition features.

Epic Pen source: official website and plans, checked September 30, 2026. Check the current terms there before deciding.

Try a real task

  1. Open a slide, document or the application you want to explain.
  2. Launch EpicPencil and select the pencil on the floating toolbar. Circle a figure or draw an arrow by hand.
  3. Switch to the highlighter to emphasize a sentence without covering it completely.
  4. Use Ctrl + Shift + D to switch between drawing and interacting with the underlying app. Use Ctrl + Shift + C to clear annotations.

You can customize these default shortcuts or use the toolbar. The browser demo lets you try drawing, but does not replace the desktop app or annotate outside that page.

EpicPencil compatibility and limitations

  • Windows: the download links to Microsoft Store for Windows 10/11 x64.
  • Mac: the available build requires Apple Silicon and macOS 11 or later. Global shortcuts require Accessibility permission.
  • Linux: DEB and RPM packages are available for x64. Global shortcuts have limitations on Wayland; use the toolbar to control the app.

EpicPencil is a manual drawing tool. It does not generate images with AI. Before presenting, also check that your meeting or recording software captures the overlay you want to show.

Choose your setup guide

Install and make your first annotation with the Windows guide, or read the Linux and Wayland guide. The download section also includes the Mac installer.

Evaluate the tool with your own workflow: stroke readability, switching back to clicks and behavior across your monitors. This comparison does not assume that one application is best for every use.

Guides to get started