Creating annotations on images

13. October 2026

Table of Contents

Creating an annotation Describing the annotation Sharing an annotation link Adding comments to an annotation Deleting an annotation Annotation tools

Annotations allow you to highlight areas of an image, provide feedback, and collaborate with other users. You can draw shapes, add markers and arrows, attach descriptions, and discuss annotations through comments.

Creating an annotation

Open the image you want to annotate.
Select Toggle annotations mode.
Select the annotation tool you want to use. See Annotation tools below.
Select a color from the color palette. You can change the color of an existing annotation by selecting the annotation and then choosing a new color from the color palette.
Place or draw the annotation on the image. To annotate a small detail, zoom in before adding the annotation.
The annotation dialog opens. See below for more information about describing, sharing, adding comments, and deleting the annotation.
Each annotation you create is assigned a number. Select the number to view, edit, or comment on the annotation. If an annotation number obscures an important part of the image, drag the numbered circle to a different location.

Describing the annotation

Select Edit description to add information about the annotated area. You can also add comments, allowing other users to discuss the annotation and reply to existing comments.

Click on the link icon at the top of the annotation dialog. This will copy the annotation link to the clipboard. You can share the link with other Fotoware users by email or instant message.

Adding comments to an annotation

After creating an annotation, select its assigned number to open the annotation dialog. From here, you can view details, add comments, and participate in discussions with other users.

Users with permission to manage annotations can edit and delete comments added by other users. For more information, see Configuring annotations for use.

Deleting an annotation

To delete an annotation, click on the Delete link in the annotation dialog.

Annotation tools

Several tools are available to help you highlight specific areas of an image: rectangles, ellipses, polygons, pins, and arrows. To pinpoint small details in the picture, zoom in first, then add an annotation. The following annotation tools are available:

Create rectangle: Draw a rectangle around an area you want to highlight.
Create ellipse: Draw a circular or oval annotation around an area of interest.
Create polygon: Create a custom-shaped annotation around an area you want to highlight. You can create additional joints by clicking on a straight line and then shaping the polygon to wrap around the area you're highlighting.
Create pin: Place a marker at a specific location in the image.
Create arrow: Point to a specific object, area, or detail.
Color: Select a color for an annotation.