How to add numbered steps to a screenshot

Why numbered callouts work

When you're explaining a process — "click here, then here, then confirm" — arrows alone leave the reader guessing about order. Numbered pins add sequence to your visual instructions, so a busy colleague or customer can follow the screenshot top-to-bottom without re-reading your message.

It's the same pattern used in printed manuals and modern help centres: one image, ordered points, zero ambiguity.

Step by step in ScreenMark

1. 1Paste your screenshot into the editor with Ctrl + V.
2. 2Select the Numbered Pin tool from the toolbar (a Pro feature). Each click drops the next numbered marker, rotating automatically so it never hides what's underneath.
3. 3Place pins in the order the steps should happen. Drag any pin afterwards to fine-tune its position.
4. 4Export & Copy to put the finished image on your clipboard.

Bonus: turn your pins into a written guide

If your screenshot needs written instructions too, ScreenMark's Guide button builds a step-by-step document from your pins automatically — describe each step once, then copy it out as plain text or Markdown for your docs, ticket, or email.

Tips for readable numbered screenshots

• Keep it to 5–7 steps per screenshot — more than that and readers lose their place.
• Place pins near the actual control (button, field, menu), not in a corner with an arrow pointing vaguely.
• Pair pins with short text labels when the action isn't obvious from the image.
• Use a contrasting pin colour so numbers don't vanish against a busy background.