MarkLayer vs AnnotateWeb

Bottom line: Choose MarkLayer if you want a Chrome Web Store extension with threaded comments, multi-page annotation projects, persistent (90-day) share links, and an open-source codebase. Choose AnnotateWeb if you don't want any browser extension, prefer a bookmarklet, or need an interface translated into Chinese, German, Spanish, Hindi, Japanese, Dutch, or Portuguese.

By Vadym Rusin · Last updated: March 2026

MarkLayer and AnnotateWeb both let you annotate any webpage for free with no sign-up. The difference is delivery and depth: AnnotateWeb runs as a bookmarklet/web app and is translated into 8 languages, while MarkLayer is a Chrome Web Store extension with threaded comments, multi-page projects, real-time live cursors, longer retention, and an open-source codebase you can self-host.

At a glance

About AnnotateWeb

AnnotateWeb is a free, bookmarklet-based web annotation tool with multi-language support, no extension required.

About MarkLayer

MarkLayer is a free, open-source Chrome extension that lets you annotate any live webpage with drawings, comments, arrows, and highlights, then share a single link so anyone can view the annotations without installing anything. There is no account, no paywall, and no trial period.

When to choose MarkLayer

• You want annotations to persist long enough to fit into a real review cycle (90 days, not 2 minutes).
• You need threaded comments and multi-page projects, not just a single annotated screenshot.
• You value being installed from the Chrome Web Store (more trust signals than a bookmarklet).
• You want open source so you can self-host or audit privacy guarantees.
• You need real-time live cursors with named participants, not just shared links.

When to choose AnnotateWeb

• You can't or won't install a Chrome extension and prefer a bookmarklet.
• You need the interface in Chinese, German, Spanish, Hindi, Japanese, Dutch, or Portuguese.
• You only need a quick PNG export of one annotated page. Not a persistent review thread.
• You want the lowest possible footprint with no extension permissions of any kind.

Frequently asked questions

Is MarkLayer a free AnnotateWeb alternative?

Yes. Both are free with no sign-up. MarkLayer adds threaded comments, multi-page projects, 90-day retention (vs 2-minute auto-deletion), and an open-source codebase. AnnotateWeb wins on multi-language support and not requiring a browser extension.

Why does MarkLayer use a Chrome extension instead of a bookmarklet?

A Chrome extension allows real-time collaboration with WebSockets, persistent state, threaded comments, and a richer toolbar. Bookmarklets are constrained by what JavaScript can be injected into a single page. The Chrome Web Store also adds review-based trust that bookmarklets lack.

Does MarkLayer support multiple languages like AnnotateWeb?

Currently MarkLayer is English-only. AnnotateWeb supports 8 languages. If you need a non-English interface today, AnnotateWeb is a better fit. MarkLayer i18n is a roadmap consideration.

How long do MarkLayer share links last vs AnnotateWeb?

MarkLayer share links last 90 days from last access. AnnotateWeb sessions delete after 2 minutes of inactivity. If you need annotations that survive a sleep cycle, MarkLayer is the right tool.

Is MarkLayer open source like AnnotateWeb claims to be?

MarkLayer is open source on GitHub and self-hostable on Cloudflare Workers. AnnotateWeb does not appear to publish source code publicly.

Related comparisons

Try MarkLayer

MarkLayer is free, requires no sign-up, and works on any webpage. Recipients of your share links don't need to install anything.