Annotation tools allows the user to easily switch between different features of interest on an image by placing annotations directly onto the preview window. When an annotation is placed, the digital zoom level and panned screen position is saved with it. This allows the user to digitally zoom and pan to a feature of interest, place an annotation, then easily return to the exact zoom and pan of when the annotation was placed.



Creating an Annotation


To open the Annotation Tools popup window, click on the Annotation Tools button on the upper toolbar:



The Annotation Tools popup window will show up:



Now digitally zoom and pan to the feature that you wish to annotate. You may need to change the zoom level off “Fill” in order to digitally zoom with the scroll-wheel. The annotation’s size, shape, and color can be changed in the Annotation Tools window before or after the placement of the annotation. Place an annotation by clicking on the “Annotate” button, then clicking on the location where you wish to place the annotation on the preview window. Change the label of the annotation by clicking on the annotation’s label, then modifying it to the desired text.



Selecting Annotations


Select an annotation by clicking on either the annotation itself on the preview window or clicking on the listed annotation in the Annotation Tools window. When an annotation is selected, the preview window will zoom and pan to the state it was in when the annotation was placed. A selected annotation will have a blue highlight, and will be open to modifications to its size, shape, color, and text. To quickly switch between different features of interest, it is recommended to use the annotations list in the Annotation Tools window. Deselect annotations by clicking anywhere else on the preview window or pressing the “Esc” button on the keyboard.


Annotation Tools Window


The Annotation Tools window is split into the Marker customization controls, and the annotation controls. Minimize the Marker customization controls by clicking on the expander arrow next to the “Marker” header.



You can change the size of the selected annotation using the size slider or textbox. You can change the shape of the selected annotation using the shape dropdown menu. You can change the color of the selected annotation using the color palette or using the eyedropper tool. You can minimize the color palette by clicking on the colored button at the top of the palette. Clicking on the “Annotate” button will allow you to begin placing an annotation. Cancel annotation placement by clicking on the “Annotate” button again. Clicking on entries in the annotations list will select that annotation. You can change hide/show specific annotations by clicking on the eye-shaped visibility button to the left of the entry. You can hide/show all annotations by clicking on the “Hide All” or ”Show All” button.



Clicking on the “Reset View” button will reset the preview window’s zoom level back to “Fill”. Closing the Annotation Tools button will hide all annotations until it is re-opened. You can delete annotations by either selecting the annotation and pressing the “Delete” button on the keyboard, or right clicking the annotation entry in the annotations list and clicking “Remove”.



You can reorder the annotations in the annotations list by clicking and dragging.