Overlay PenThe biggest difference: web overlay or NDI
Video Pencil sends its drawing as an NDI video feed. NDI is the broadcast standard for video over a network, and if your setup already uses it (vMix, a hardware switcher, mimoLive) that is a real strength.
Overlay Pen sends a link instead. You paste it into Ecamm Live as a Widget Overlay or into OBS Studio as a Browser Source, and the ink appears with real transparency: no green screen, no NDI runtime, no extra drivers. It works with OBS on Mac, Windows and Linux. The Ecamm guide and the OBS guide show the whole setup.
Where Video Pencil is ahead
- Instant replay. Action Replay pauses and rewinds a live camera so you can draw on the moment that just happened. Overlay Pen draws on live video and on videos from the camera roll, but cannot rewind a live feed.
- Sports tools. The Soccer Toolkit adds player tracking and pass arrows. Overlay Pen has shapes and arrows, not tracking.
- Your picture on the iPad. Video Pencil can show the live camera or screen behind your drawing on the iPad. With Overlay Pen you watch your monitor while you draw; the iPad shows a 16:9 frame that matches the shot.
- NDI and more platforms. NDI in and out, plus Mac and Apple Vision Pro versions.
- A longer history. Video Pencil has been around for years and has a large set of extras such as live titles.
Where Overlay Pen is ahead
- Setup in minutes. One link, no NDI tools, no chroma key on the wireless route.
- Sharp at any size. The ink is rendered for the exact pixel size of the overlay, up to 4K, and redrawn when you zoom.
- Never outside the shot. A 16:9 capture area on the iPad matches what viewers see, and the marker itself never reaches the broadcast.
- One simple price. Everything is included in Pro: $12.99 per year with a free week, or $29.99 once. No add-ons.
- Private by design. No account, no tracking, no cloud.
Which one should you pick?
For meetings, webinars, teaching and most live streams, Overlay Pen does the job with less to set up and a lower price. Try the free version: everything works, with a small watermark. If you coach a team and need replay and tracking, or your studio runs on NDI, Video Pencil is the stronger tool. See also all Video Pencil alternatives.
Questions
Do I need NDI to use Overlay Pen?
No. Overlay Pen gives you a web address that you add as a Widget Overlay in Ecamm Live or a Browser Source in OBS Studio. iPad and computer only need to be on the same Wi‑Fi.
Which is cheaper?
Overlay Pen Pro costs $12.99 per year with a 7-day free trial, or $29.99 once, and includes everything. In the US App Store, Video Pencil's Pro Essentials costs US$39.99, and features such as Action Replay are sold as add-ons. Compare the features you actually need.
Can both draw on recorded video?
Yes. In Overlay Pen you open a video from the camera roll, and the ink stays while it plays and clears when you scrub to a new moment.
Which is better for sports analysis?
For live replay and player tracking, Video Pencil. For drawing on clips and live video in a simple setup, Overlay Pen. See sports video analysis.