Adding Annotations

Canvas X Draw makes it easy to collaborate on a document with other members of your team. Once you have created your document, you can share it with your colleagues and they can add annotations or mark up the document as they review it. Having the annotations in the file itself makes it easy to see exactly where changes need to be made.

You can use the annotations tools to add labels, callouts, or comments to your diagrams or illustrations, or to create simple flowcharts. The annotation tools can be found in the Toolbox with the Markup tools.

When you draw in the Layout area with these tools, Canvas X Draw creates an object shape and connector lines. You can change the shape of the object, size, or the type of connector line in the Properties bar. You can also edit the label (before you place the annotation), and modify the font and style of the text.

From the Text drop-down menu, you can select Number, Alphabet (L) (upper case letters), Alphabet (s) (lower case letters), or Custom. In the field below, enter the number or letter to begin a sequence of annotations, such as 1 or A. Annotations will continue in sequence with 2 or B, and so on. If you have selected Custom, enter a custom label in the field. You can choose the color for the text of the annotations from the Color drop-down menu in the Properties bar. Press ESC to discontinue adding annotations.

You can also modify the outline and fill of the shapes and connectors using the Pen and Fill inks in the Toolbox after you create them.

Before you add annotations to your illustration, consider whether you want to print the annotations. If you do not want to print them, you might consider creating a new layer for the annotations, which you could hide when you print the illustration.

To Add a Basic Annotation:

1. Select the Basic annotation tool.
2. Set the annotation options in the Properties bar.
3. Select a line preset from the Line Type drop-list or click the Define Line Type to create a new custom line type.
4. In the Layout area, click on the object you want the annotation to point to.
5. Move the cursor to place the annotation and click to release the tool.
6. Double-click the annotation text to edit it.

In a similar way, you can use the Multiple Sources, Multiple Notes, and Flowchart annotation tools to add more complex annotations. See the Canvas X Draw Help for additional instructions.