The easy way to draw on a PDF in Windows 11?

Xournal++ can draw on a PDF in Windows 11. It's a free tool for handwriting notes and annotating PDFs — open a PDF as a background layer, then use the pen, highlighter, or shape tools to draw on top. It works with Wacom tablets, mouse, or touchpad.

How to draw on PDF — quick steps:

1. Open — Launch Xournal++ and open your PDF via File > Open.

2. Pick a tool — Select the pen, highlighter, or shape tool.

3. Draw — Write or sketch directly on the page.

4. Save — Keep the .xopp file for editable annotations, or export as a new PDF to flatten your drawings.

Keep in mind: the .xopp file keeps annotations editable, so the original PDF must stay in place. To share a final version, export as a new PDF with everything flattened.

That's all there is to how to draw on PDF with Xournal++ on Windows 11 — open, draw, export.