macOS Preview - chunhualiao/public-docs GitHub Wiki

To edit a JPG file on macOS — like drawing a circle to highlight something — you can use the built-in Preview app. It’s quick and doesn’t require any extra software.

🖌️ Steps to draw on a JPG (e.g. circle highlight):

• Double-click the .jpg file — it will open in Preview by default.

Click the Markup toolbar button (looks like a little pen tip ✏️ or toolbox).

If you don’t see it:

• choose View > Show Markup Toolbar from the menu.

Great question! In macOS Preview (and other apps using the Markup toolbar), Sketch and Draw may look similar, but they behave a bit differently—especially depending on your device (e.g., trackpad vs. iPad with Apple Pencil).

Here’s a breakdown:

✏️ Sketch Tool (the scribbly line icon)

• Input: Freehand drawing using your mouse or trackpad.

• Smart detection: macOS tries to recognize what you’re drawing.

• If you draw a rough circle, Preview might automatically convert it into a perfect circle.

• You can choose between keeping your original shape or using the suggested one.

• Great for: Quick shapes, messy diagrams, rough highlighting with cleanup help.

🖊️ Draw Tool (the smoother pen icon)

• Input: Raw freehand drawing.

• No shape recognition – what you draw is exactly what you get.

• Only available if you’re using a Force Touch trackpad or Apple Pencil (on iPad via Sidecar or Continuity Markup).

• Supports pressure sensitivity (thicker lines when pressing harder).

• Great for: Artistic, natural handwriting or sketching with precision.

TL;DR

Tool	Smart Shape Detection	Freehand Feel	Pressure Sensitive	Best For
Sketch	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	Diagrams, clean markup
Draw	❌ No	✅ Very	✅ Yes	Natural drawing, handwriting

Let me know which Mac you’re using—I can tailor the answer if you’re on a MacBook Air vs. using an iPad via Sidecar.