Messaging applications are enhanced with drawn images or words that appear on a communication device screen alongside messages. Users can express themselves more creatively as well as visually reference previously sent or received messages, such as by drawing an arrow to them or circling them. Graphic inputs are also operable to alter a sent message so as to convey additional or corrective meaning. By extending the drawing field outside the individual messages, this combination of messages and graphic inputs creates a third communication functionality not present in either messaging or drawing alone.