Adding Annotations

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, choose the shape and its size, and choose the line type preset of the connectors in the Properties bar. Press ESC to discontinue adding annotations.

You can also modify the outline and fill of the flowchart shapes and connectors using the Pen and Fill inks in the Toolbox.

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. In the Layout area, click on the object you want the annotation to point to.
3. Move the cursor to place the annotation and click to release the tool.
4. Double-click the annotation text to edit it.

To Add an Annotation with Multiple Sources:

1. Select the Multiple Sources annotation tool.
2. In the Layout area, click where you want to place the annotation.
3. Move the cursor to the first object you want the annotation to point to, then click.
4. Move the cursor to another object you want the annotation to point to, then click.
5. When you have finished pointing to objects, press Esc or double-click to release the tool.
6. Double-click the annotation text to edit it.

To Add Multiple Annotations to a Single Source:

1. Select the Multiple Notes annotation tool.
2. In the Layout area, click on the object you want the annotations to point to.
3. Move the cursor to place the first annotation, then click.
4. Move the cursor to place another annotation, then click.
5. When you have finished adding annotations, press Esc or double-click to release the tool.
6. Double-click the annotation text to edit it.

To Create a Simple Flowchart:

1. Select the Flowchart annotation tool.
2. In the Properties bar, click the Shape icon to open the Shape popup palette, then select a flowchart shape to start the flowchart.
3. In the Layout area, click to place the first flowchart shape.
4. In the Properties bar, click the Shape icon to select the next flowchart shape to add to the flowchart.
5. In the Layout area, click to place the second flowchart shape.
6. When you have finished adding flowchart shapes, press Esc or double-click to release the tool.
7. Double-click the annotation text to edit it.

For more complex flowcharts, use the Flowchart palette. See Creating Flowcharts.

To Change the Shape of an Annotation Object:

1. Select the annotation object.
2. In the Properties bar, click the Type icon to open the Shape popup palette.
3. Select another object shape. The object shape changes immediately.

To Change All Alike Annotation Object Shapes:

1. Select the annotation object.
2. In the Properties bar, press the Select Same Shape button.
3. All matching annotation object shapes are now selected. Select a new shape from the Shape drop-down menu. All selected shapes are changed.

To Edit the Text in an Annotation:

Do one of the following:

• If you have not placed the annotation, enter the text in the Text field in the Properties bar.
• If you have already placed your annotations, select the Text tool and click on the text in the object to enter Text Edit mode.

You can identify whether you are in Text Edit mode by the Status bar or the following icon in the Properties bar: 

See also:

• Creating Flowcharts