2025’s best visual feedback platforms for faster design reviews

Are you tired of juggling PDFs, emails, and outdated artwork files? Our roundup of the 10 best visual feedback tools for packaging in 2025 will show you how to centralize comments, compare revisions side-by-side, and maintain a clear audit trail. We’ll dive into each tool’s standout features—plus highlight Cway Viewer’s powerful review interface—so you can speed up approvals and ensure everyone’s on the same page.

Why Visual Feedback Tools Matter in 2025

In today’s fast-paced design and packaging landscape, collaborating on artwork without the right platform can lead to:

• Version chaos: multiple files floating around, no single source of truth

• Fragmented feedback: comments scattered across PDF marks, emails, or chat threads

• Wasted time: back-and-forth approvals, missed changes, endless email chains

Visual feedback tools solve these pain points by letting teams annotate directly on designs, track changes in real time, and keep every stakeholder on the same page. Below, we’ve rounded up the top 10 visual feedback tools of 2025—including our own Cway Viewer, built specifically for packaging professionals.

When evaluating visual feedback tools, make sure they tick these boxes:

1. Precise Annotation Capabilities

   • Freehand drawing, arrows, shapes and text so reviewers can pinpoint exactly what they mean.

   • Ability to zoom into high-res assets (packaging art, UI screenshots, high-dpi images) without losing clarity.

2. Robust Version Control

   • Side-by-side comparisons of old vs. new proofs.

   • Immutable audit trail: timestamped comments, approvals and file uploads.

   • Easy rollback to any previous iteration.

3. Smooth, Automated Workflows

   • Customizable review rounds with auto-nudges to late reviewers.

   • Role-based permissions so you control who sees or approves what.

   • Configurable deadlines, reminders and escalation rules.

4. Real-Time Collaboration

   • Instant updates: reviewers see new comments, replies and status changes without refreshing.

   • “No-login” or guest-link options for external partners or clients.

   • In-app chat or threaded discussion to keep all feedback in context.

5. Integrations & Extensibility

   • Connectors to your PM tools (Asana, Jira, ClickUp), storage (Drive, Dropbox), and creative suites (Adobe CC, Figma).

   • API or webhooks if you need a custom integration or to feed status back into your own dashboards.

6. Search & Metadata

   • Auto-tagging (AI-driven or manual) so you can filter proofs by SKU, campaign, color, reviewer or date.

   • Metadata capture on upload (file type, resolution, source) and on-page (browser/OS for web proofs).

7. Reporting & Analytics

   • Built-in dashboards or exports showing review cycle times, open vs. closed comments, and individual reviewer performance.

   • Custom report scheduling or data-export options for deeper analysis.

8. Security & Compliance

   • End-to-end encryption, SSO/SSO, and role-based access controls for sensitive artwork.

   • Audit logs that satisfy regulatory or brand-compliance requirements.

9. Performance & Scalability

   • Fast load times even on large files (high-res PDFs or layered source files).

   • Predictable behavior and uptime when your team or client base grows.

10. Ease of Use & Onboarding

• Intuitive interface so non-technical reviewers can leave feedback without a learning curve.

• Templates or presets for your most common proofing workflows.

Choosing a tool that combines these features will keep your reviews speedy, your files organized, and your stakeholders happy.

1. Cway® – Packaging-Focused Visual Feedback

Cway® is a leading artwork approval platform designed specifically for packaging teams. By uniting asset management, review workflows, and version control in one centralized hub, Cway® ensures that every stakeholder—from designers and brand managers to production partners—works on the latest files with full transparency and accountability.

Cway® Viewer – Feedback & Approval

Cway® Viewer is the core review tool within the Cway® ecosystem that lets you:

• Upload any packaging file (AI, PSD, PDF) without needing Illustrator or InDesign

• Annotate precisely with arrows, shapes, and text directly on the artwork

• Compare versions side-by-side to spot every tweak and color adjustment

• Maintain an immutable audit trail of comments, approvals, and file uploads

• Automate review workflows so tasks move seamlessly from one reviewer to the next

Key Benefits

• Single source of truth: No more email threads or outdated files floating around—everyone sees the same, current design.

• Faster approvals: Automated notifications and clear status indicators reduce review cycles by up to 50%.

• Scalable for large teams: Role-based permissions and detailed histories keep complex stakeholder groups aligned.

• Audit-ready documentation: Timestamped logs and version histories simplify compliance and hand-offs to production.

Rating & User Feedback

• Rating: ★★★★★ 4.8/5 (Capterra)

• What real users say:

  “Cway® Viewer transformed our packaging approvals – no more lost files or miscommunication.”
  “The version compare feature is a game-changer for catching tiny color shifts.”
  “Having everything documented in one place saved us hours of chasing feedback.”

2. Marker.io – Browser-Based Screenshot & Annotation

Marker.io is a lightweight, in-browser feedback widget that lets teams and clients capture annotated screenshots directly from any website, staging environment, or web app. It automatically records technical metadata—like browser, OS, and page URL—so developers get context-rich bug reports without extra steps.

Best Features:

• One-click screenshots with metadata (URL, browser) 

• Two-way Jira/GitHub sync pushes comments straight into tickets 

• Unlimited projects on paid plans

• Lightweight UI that non-technical reviewers love
  

Rating & User Feedback

• Rating: ★★★★★ G2: 4.8/5

• What real users say:

“The ease of capturing screenshots and marking them up with annotations… Github integration is fantastic.”
“Super easy and intuitive—no onboarding needed.”

3. Pastel – Live-Site Feedback & Simplified Review

Pastel is a cloud-based visual feedback tool that lets web designers, developers, and agencies collect comments directly on live websites, PDFs, and image files. Reviewers simply click a shared link—no login required—to pin feedback onto specific elements.

Best Features:

• Link-based commenting: Share a URL and instantly gather feedback from anyone, anywhere.

• No-login reviewers: Eliminates friction for clients and stakeholders.

• Status tracking & notifications: See which comments are new, in progress, or resolved.

• Metadata capture: Automatically logs browser, screen size, and page URL for each annotation.

• Integrations: Connects with Slack, Trello, and other tools to surface feedback where your team already works.

• Mobile-responsive UI: Review and comment on the go from any device.

Key Benefits:

• Faster turnaround: Instant link sharing and no-login feedback accelerate review cycles.

• Clearer communication: Annotations are pinned to exact page elements, reducing ambiguity.

• Reduced tool-switching: Centralizes web, PDF, and image proofing in one interface.

• Higher engagement: Simple UX encourages participation from non-technical reviewers.

Rating & User Feedback

• Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 (Capterra) 

• What real users say:

  “Excellent tool for annotating websites and giving feedback on the go.” 
  “Everything is so clear, simple and efficient.” 

4. ClickUp – Visual Project Management

ClickUp is a comprehensive work platform that combines project management, collaboration, and visual proofing into a single, customizable workspace. Beyond task tracking and document sharing, ClickUp’s Proofing feature lets teams annotate images, videos, and PDFs directly within tasks—eliminating tool-switching and keeping feedback tied to work items.C

Best Features:

• Proofing: Annotate assets inline (images, PDFs, videos) and turn comments into actionable tasks

• Whiteboards: Infinite-canvas for brainstorming, wireframing, and real-time visual collaboration

• Clips: Record short screen-and-voice videos to demonstrate changes or report issues

• Custom Views & Automations: Kanban, Gantt, List, and Calendar views with rules-based automations to speed up workflows

• Integrations: Deep connections with Figma, Adobe, GitHub, Slack, and over 1,000 other apps

Key Benefits:

• Centralized feedback & tasks: Keep design reviews, bug reports, and project plans in one platform

• Increased alignment: Visual proofing tied to tasks ensures designers, developers, and stakeholders work from the same context

• Reduced review cycles: Clips and inline annotations cut down on back-and-forth explanations

• Scalable customization: Tailor ClickUp’s hierarchy, views, and automations to fit teams of any size

Rating & User Feedback

• Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6/5 (Capterra) 

• What real users say:

  “One of the best things I like about it is that it is so easy to use.”
  “ClickUp saved the day! Helps a team ensure they are all on the same page.”

5. Miro – Collaborative Whiteboarding & Visual Collaboration

Miro is a cloud-based digital whiteboard platform designed for teams to brainstorm, map workflows, and collaborate visually in real time. Whether you’re sketching wireframes, planning sprints, or running retrospectives, Miro provides an infinite canvas and rich toolkit to bring ideas to life.

Best Features:

• Infinite Canvas & Templates: Start from scratch or choose from 300+ templates (mind maps, flowcharts, empathy maps) to speed up workshops.

• Real-Time Collaboration: Live cursors, inline chat, and voting widgets keep distributed teams aligned and engaged.

• Integrated Apps & Embeds: Seamlessly embed Figma frames, Google Docs, Jira issues, and more—no context-switching required.

• Facilitation Tools: Timer, voting, and attention-management features make virtual workshops and meetings highly interactive.

• Mobile & Desktop Apps: Work on-the-go with fully featured iOS, Android, and desktop clients.

Key Benefits:

• Accelerated Ideation: Visual frameworks and sticky-note workflows help teams generate and organize ideas faster.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Designers, developers, marketers, and executives share one workspace—reducing misunderstandings and speeding decisions.

• Scalable Workshops: From 1:1 brainstorming to 100-person offsites, Miro’s facilitation toolkit keeps sessions structured and outcome-focused.

• Centralized Documentation: Boards double as living docs—capture decisions, feedback, and action items all in one place.

Rating & User Feedback

• Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.7/5 (Capterra) 

• What real users say:

  “Miro has greatly simplified our ability to efficiently prepare for and address issues with current initiatives.”
  “I like the integration with Microsoft Teams as an additional way to collaborate.”

6. ReviewStudio – Centralized Creative Proofing & Approval

ReviewStudio is an online proofing solution that centralizes feedback on images, video, PDF, and HTML content. It’s built to simplify creative review workflows by letting stakeholders annotate assets in real time, compare revisions side-by-side, and track progress through personalized dashboards.

Best Features:

• Side-by-Side Version Compare: Quickly spot differences between two asset versions without manual file renaming

• Tagging & Real-Time Comments: Pin feedback to specific frames or elements with instant notifications to assigned team members 

• Individual Dashboards: Each reviewer sees only their pending tasks and resolved comments, reducing noise

• Multi-Media Support: Annotate video timelines, PDFs, images, and web content all within the same interface 

• Mobile-Responsive UX: Leave and review comments on the go from any device 

Rating & User Feedback

• Rating: ★★★★★ 4.8/5 (Capterra) 

• What real users say:

  “ReviewStudio is easy to use and easy to onboard new clients and staff, and has all the tools you really need in an online video review platform.” 
  “ReviewStudio solves misunderstandings between its users—there’s nothing I dislike about it.” 

7. PageProof – Encrypted Online Proofing

PageProof is a online proofing platform that natively connects with all your creative and project-management tools. Designed for agencies and marketing teams, it centralizes reviews of PDFs, images, and video in one secure hub.

Best Features:

• ISO 27001 Encryption: Enterprise-grade security for all proofs 

• Unlimited Proofing: No per-user or per-project caps—scale freely as your team grows

• Native Integrations: Adobe, Canva, monday.com, Asana, Trello, Slack, MS Teams, and more 

• Automated Reminders & Templates: Keep reviewers on track with scheduled notifications and reusable review workflows

• Watermarking & IP Restrictions: Control access and protect your creative assets

Key Benefits:

• Accelerated Reviews: Streamline approvals—PageProof customers report up to 40% faster review cycles

• Seamless Collaboration: All feedback, version history, and approvals live in one place for total transparency

• Enterprise Compliance: Meets strict security and audit requirements for regulated industries

Rating & User Feedback

• Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.8/5 (Capterra) 

• What real users say:

  “I’m quick to put a project in PageProof so everyone is able to access it. You’re able to make changes, share ideas, and transfer content to one another all in one place.”
  “PageProof allows us to work together as a team, even while working remotely. We are able to collaborate and see the whole picture every time we upload a new version.”

8. Ziflow – Online Proofing & Compliance

Ziflow is an enterprise-grade online proofing platform that empowers agencies and brands to deliver exceptional creative work by streamlining feedback on any asset—images, video, PDFs, or HTML—from concept to completion Software Advice.

Best Features:

• Color Separation Preview: Measure CMYK and Pantone density live to ensure print accuracy 

• Side-by-Side Version Compare: Spot every change instantly without manual file juggling

• Custom Workflows & Playlists: Tailor approval gates, notifications, and proof sequences to your process 

• Single Sign-On (SSO): SAML-based secure access via your organization’s identity provider 

• 100+ Integrations: Connect with Figma, Adobe, Slack, Jira, Box, Dropbox, and more ziflow.com

Rating & User Feedback

• Rating: ★★★★★ 4.8/5 (Capterra) 

• What real users say:

  “Using Ziflow has improved the organization and speed of proofing. Clients see the value and appreciate it, as do we—clearer comments!”

9. BugHerd – Web-Page Feedback & Bug Tracking

BugHerd is a visual bug-tracking tool that embeds a simple feedback widget on your website. Reviewers click to drop pins, annotate issues, and automatically capture technical details—transforming informal bug lists into trackable Kanban tasks Capterra.

Best Features:

• Pin-and-annotate interface: Click anywhere on your live site to leave feedback, with arrows, highlights, and comments.

• Automatic metadata: Records browser, OS, screen size, and URL so developers get full context.

• Kanban board: Every issue becomes a card you can prioritize, assign, and move through custom workflow stages.

• Integrations: One-click sync with Jira, Trello, Asana, ClickUp, and more.

• Session replays: (Pro plans) Short video captures of user interactions leading up to the bug.

Key Benefits:

• Faster bug resolution: Developers receive complete, contextual tickets—slashing back-and-forth by up to 60%.

• Effortless client feedback: No-login, link-based review makes it easy for non-technical stakeholders to participate.

• Centralized communication: All comments and status changes live alongside your project management workflow.

• Scalable & intuitive: Quick to set up on any site with a snippet of code; minimal training required.

Rating & User Feedback

• Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.7/5 (Capterra) 

• What real users say:

  “The ability to quickly capture a screenshot of the issue, add annotations to the image and then send it to your developer along with any comments you wish to make is fantastic.”

10. GoVisually – Creative Proofing for Designs & Videos

GoVisually is an online proofing platform built for marketing and creative teams to gather frame-accurate feedback on images, PDFs, and video—all in one centralized hub. Its seamless Adobe CC plugin lets you upload and review files without ever leaving Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign

Best Features:

• Adobe CC plugin for in-app uploads 

• Frame-accurate video notes for timed feedback 

• Real-time updates push new comments instantly 

• Unlimited reviewer seats: Scale feedback across internal and external stakeholders without extra cost

Rating & User Feedback

• Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6/5 (Capterra)

• What real users say:
  

  “Great online proofing & feedback solution for creative & marketing teams.”

Wrap-up

Choosing the right visual feedback tools can transform your packaging review process—cutting review cycles, eliminating version confusion, and keeping every stakeholder aligned. From instant browser annotations with Marker.io to enterprise-grade approvals in Ziflow or PageProof, there’s a solution for every workflow. But for packaging teams who need a single, purpose-built platform, Cway® offers unparalleled annotation precision, automated approval hand-offs, and a complete audit trail—all without any additional design software.

To dive deeper into refining your approval workflows, explore how to manage internal and external design feedback effectively, so you can keep technical and strategic comments neatly organized. For precision at the element level, learn about layer-specific annotations and see how pinpoint feedback speeds up packaging reviews. And to understand why a centralized online proofing platform is a game-changer for packaging teams, check out our guide on harnessing real-time collaboration and version control.