Annotations

Add notes, highlights, and revision clouds to your PDF plans. Annotations help communicate issues, mark changes, and add context to your takeoffs.

Annotation Types

Plan Count provides three annotation tools:

Type	Shortcut	Purpose
Cloud Box	B	Revision clouds for marking areas
Text Annotation	N	Sticky notes for comments
Highlight	G	Highlighter for emphasis

Cloud Box

Cloud boxes draw a scalloped "revision cloud" rectangle, commonly used to mark areas of change or concern.

Drawing a Cloud Box

1. Press B or select the Cloud Box tool
2. Click and drag to draw the rectangle
3. Release to create the cloud

Adding Text

1. Double-click inside the cloud box
2. Type your text
3. Click outside to save

Formatting Options

Select a cloud box to access formatting:

• Color: Change the cloud outline color
• Text Alignment: Horizontal (left/center/right) and vertical (top/middle/bottom)
• Font Size: Scale text larger or smaller

Text Annotation

Text annotations are rectangular sticky notes for adding comments and labels.

Creating a Text Annotation

1. Press N or select the Text Annotation tool
2. Click and drag to define the annotation area
3. Double-click to enter text
4. Click outside to save

Formatting

• Background Color: Choose from the color palette
• Text Alignment: Position text within the box
• Font Size: Adjust text scale (0.5x to 2x)

Highlight

Highlights are semi-transparent rectangles for emphasizing areas without obscuring content.

Drawing a Highlight

1. Press G or select the Highlight tool
2. Click and drag over the area to highlight
3. Release to create the highlight

Characteristics

• Soft, gradient edges (no hard border)
• Semi-transparent fill
• Multiple colors available

Editing Annotations

Select an Annotation

• Use the Select tool (V)
• Click on any annotation to select it

Move and Resize

• Drag the annotation to move it
• Drag the corners or edges to resize

Edit Text

• Double-click text annotations or cloud boxes
• Type to edit the content
• Click outside to save

Delete

• Select the annotation
• Press Delete or click the trash icon

Export Behavior

Annotations are included in PDF exports:

• Cloud boxes: Drawn with scalloped edges and text
• Text annotations: Rendered as filled rectangles with text
• Highlights: Semi-transparent overlays

Rotated Pages

On rotated PDF pages:

• Text is counter-rotated to remain readable
• Annotations maintain their visual position

Tips

Use Cases

• Cloud boxes: Mark revision areas, flag issues
• Text annotations: Add instructions, quantities, questions
• Highlights: Draw attention to specific areas

Best Practices

• Keep text concise for readability
• Use consistent colors for meaning (red = issue, yellow = note)
• Name annotations clearly for your team

Keyboard Shortcuts

Key	Action
B	Cloud Box tool
N	Text Annotation tool
G	Highlight tool
V	Select tool (for editing)
Delete	Delete selected annotation