How can I "draw" on a PREVIEW image without all the automated override corrections?

Question

How can I "draw" on a PREVIEW image without all the automated override corrections?

I am a professional illustrator and I know how to draw a circle and underline things. But I really dislike the fact that the markup tool on PREVIEW "snaps" my drawings to an oval, or a razor-straight line.

I am a skilled illustrator (even with a mouse), and it bothers me that the app is "snapping" my drawing image to something that I didn't draw!

I know there is a way to "draw" on the PREVIEW image, but it's making me crazy!

I have used this link:

https://support.apple.com/guide/preview/annotate-an-image-prvw1501/mac

There is a sketch option, and a draw option, and it doesn't let you truly "draw" on the image using my mouse and the curser.

I can draw one thing (like a circle) but the next time I try to do something, it goes back to the default setting, and "snaps" to a shape, of fills a circle with color, or tilts the image. I can manage to do some things, but it takes so many steps, like repeatedly using the drop-down menu under the "draw" icon.

I want to write out words, or draw arrows, but I want to do it without that annoying "snap" override! I have beautiful handwriting (even with a mouse!). I don't want to type a few simple words, that involves extra steps.

My fallback is to open photoshop to make very simple notes and annotations...But this is overkill for my modest needs.

What am I missing?

Is there an app I can buy to solve this?

Huge thanks,

Mike

I am using a magic mouse and not a trackpad.

iMac 21.5″

Posted on Nov 27, 2022 12:21 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Nov 27, 2022 12:58 PM in response to Mike Clelland

1) You may be better suited to using professional graphics software instead of the lightweight easy to use markup tooling in Preview and Notes. Pasting into Illustrator / Photoshop / Affinity / etc. then mark it up and copy the image and paste into whatever App you wish. The lightweight easy markup tools are for novices who have difficulty drawing. It's intended to be quick and easy not precise nor highly detailed.

2) Maybe you didn't notice, but when sketching a shape, it will snap to the shape but take a look at the toolbar sketch button when it occurs. A dropdown appears with the auto-shape but also your original shape. You can click your original to undo the snapped auto-shape. Having to constantly undo the sketch is frustrating. Next to the Sketch drawing icon is a Draw icon and the Draw tool does not snap an auto-shape. But there are many other limitations as I don't see options for grouping, etc. Limits on brushes and fills, etc.

Reply

Answer 2

Nov 27, 2022 1:51 PM in response to James Brickley

Yes, I will often open Photoshop, and drag the image there, but this involves a bunch of steps, and it means waiting for the app to open.

I actually CAN mark-up an image using preview, but it requires a lot of repeated steps.

People with NON-mac phones send me images (from their phones) and they've marked up an image with ease, I can see their handwriting (done with w fingertip on the screen) and that is what I want to do with my mouse on my desktop iMac.

Reply

How can I "draw" on a PREVIEW image without all the automated override corrections?

Similar questions