Using Continuity Sketch and Markup with Safari

This article provides a complete guide on how to use Apple's Continuity Sketch and Continuity Markup features when handling files and documents through the Safari web browser. While Safari does not have a built-in drawing canvas, macOS bridges the gap between the browser and your iPhone or iPad through Finder and Quick Look integrations. You will learn the system requirements, how to annotate files downloaded from the web, how to mark up documents directly within a Safari file-upload window, and how to create new sketches to upload to websites immediately.

Prerequisites for Continuity Features

Before using Continuity Sketch and Continuity Markup with Safari, your Mac and iPhone or iPad must meet the following setups:

  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Both devices must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
  • Apple Account: Both devices must be signed in to the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication.
  • Operating System: Your Mac must be running macOS Mojave or later, and your iPhone or iPad must be running iOS 13 / iPadOS 13 or later.
  • Proximity: The devices must be near each other.

How Continuity Markup Works with Safari Downloads

When you view a PDF or image natively inside a Safari tab, you cannot trigger Continuity Markup directly within the browser window. You must first download the file to your Mac.

  1. Download the file: When viewing a PDF or image in Safari, download it to your Mac (for PDFs, move your cursor to the bottom of the page and click the Download icon; for images, right-click and select Save Image to "Downloads").
  2. Locate the file: Click the Downloads button in the top-right corner of the Safari window and click the magnifying glass icon next to the file to reveal it in Finder.
  3. Open Quick Look: With the file highlighted in Finder, press the Spacebar on your keyboard to open a Quick Look preview.
  4. Trigger Continuity Markup: At the top of the Quick Look window, click the Markup icon (a marker tip inside a circle). Next, click the Annotate icon (a rectangle with a pencil or an iPad/iPhone symbol) in the top right of the window.
  5. Mark up the document: The document will immediately open on your iPhone or iPad. Use your Apple Pencil or finger to sign, draw, or add text.
  6. Save changes: Tap Done on your iOS device. The changes will appear live on your Mac, and you can simply close the Quick Look window to save the file.

Using Continuity Markup Inside Safari Upload Dialogs

One of the most efficient ways to use Continuity Markup with Safari is when you are already in the middle of uploading a document (like a form that needs a signature) to a website. You do not need to leave Safari to edit the file first.

  1. Start the upload: On the webpage in Safari, click the Upload or Choose File button. A macOS Finder dialog box will appear over Safari.
  2. Preview the file: Navigate to the PDF or image you want to upload. Click it once to select it, then press the Spacebar to open Quick Look right inside the upload dialog.
  3. Annotate on your device: Click the Markup icon at the top of the Quick Look window, then click the Annotate on iPad/iPhone icon.
  4. Complete the edit: Mark up or sign the document on your iPad or iPhone and tap Done.
  5. Finish uploading: Press the Spacebar on your Mac to close the Quick Look preview. The file is now updated with your annotations. Click Upload or Open in the bottom right of the dialog box to send the edited file to the website.

Using Continuity Sketch for Website File Uploads

Continuity Sketch allows you to draw a new image from scratch on your iPad or iPhone and instantly insert it onto your Mac. If you are using a web app, email client, or form in Safari and need to upload a quick drawing or diagram, you can generate the file on the fly.

  1. Open the file uploader: Click the Upload or Choose File button on the webpage in Safari to open the Finder selection window.
  2. Trigger Continuity Sketch: Navigate to the folder where you want the sketch to be saved (such as your Desktop or Documents). Right-click (or Control-click) in any empty white space within that folder view.
  3. Select your device: From the context menu, hover over Import from iPhone or iPad, and select Add Sketch under the name of your device.
  4. Draw your sketch: A blank canvas will automatically open on your iPhone or iPad. Draw your sketch using your finger or Apple Pencil.
  5. Insert and upload: Tap Done on your iPhone or iPad. The sketch will instantly appear as a new PNG image file inside the Safari upload window on your Mac. Select the new file and click Upload or Open.

Converting Safari Webpages to PDFs for Markup

If you want to use Continuity Markup to take notes directly on a webpage, article, or web receipt, you must convert the webpage into a PDF first.

  1. Export the webpage: With the webpage open in Safari, click File in the Mac menu bar at the top of the screen and select Export as PDF.
  2. Save the file: Choose a destination like your Desktop and click Save.
  3. Annotate: Go to your Desktop, select the newly created PDF, press the Spacebar to open Quick Look, and click the Annotate button to send the webpage PDF to your iPad or iPhone for marking up.