What are the Annotation Tools in zipBoard?

zipBoard's review bar gives you annotation tools (comment, rectangle, pencil, highlighter, arrow, eraser, stamps, screenshot and video recording) plus viewing tools (pan, zoom, fit-to-width, hide/show, slideshow, device mode) so you can leave in-context feedback on websites, videos, images, courses, and PDF documents.

At zipBoard, we put a lot of emphasis on asynchronous collaboration, and that does not have to happen only in spreadsheets and team messages. Leave notes directly on your websites, videos, images, courses, and PDF documents, so that all communication is in context and everyone stays in sync.

This feature is available to all users for many different content types. You will need to download a one-time browser plugin to use the annotation features. Soon, for some content types, you will not need the browser plugin.

Here's a short video explaining the various annotation tools:

How do I start adding annotations?

To start adding annotations, first add content to your project. After clicking Review on the content, you will see the annotation and commenting tools on the left. Pick any of the tools to start drawing, or simply add comments.

By default, the annotation tools are displayed on the left side of your screen. The review bar is draggable, so you can place it anywhere on your content and review without obstruction.

What's the whole set of tools available on the review board?

The tools help you either annotate your screens or view your screens better. Think of options in SnagIt or Paint, only simpler.

• Annotation tools include: comment, rectangle, pencil, arrow, erase.
• Viewing tools include: pan, zoom-in, zoom-out, fit-to-width, hide/show.

To zoom in or out, you can also use Ctrl + mouse scroll.

Each tool is described in detail below.

How do I use the Rectangle tool?

The Rectangle tool lets you comment on an area of the screen. Some users call it the area tool.

1. Select the rectangle icon on the review bar.
2. Click where you want the rectangle to start, then hold and drag your cursor to draw the rectangle.
3. Release once you've enclosed the area. A comment box appears.
4. Add your comment and click the green button to save it.

How do I use the Pencil tool?

Select the pencil icon (the third icon) to draw freely on your content. The Pencil has two modes:

Pencil mode

Click and drag your cursor to draw. You can use it to circle, underline, or highlight elements within the content. After you've drawn, a comment box appears; click Add to save the annotation. You can also select the pencil thickness from the toolbar.

Highlight mode (with pencil)

Use highlight mode to highlight an image or text. You can also select the thickness of the highlighter.

How do I use the Highlighter tool?

The Highlighter is a dedicated tool for highlighting text, found just below the pencil tool. Select it, then click and drag over any text on the screen. Release your cursor and a comment box appears. Click submit and the text is highlighted.

How do I use the Arrow tool?

Use the Arrow tool to point your feedback at a specific element, so collaborators never miss it.

1. Click the arrow tool.
2. Drag your cursor to the object you want the arrow to point to.
3. Release your cursor. A comment box appears.
4. Add your comment and click the small green button on the right to save it.

How do I use the Eraser tool?

The Eraser removes annotations without removing the comment associated with them. Select the eraser icon below the rectangle and click the annotation you want to remove.

To remove the comment along with its annotation, click the trash icon at the top right of the individual comment.

Note: If you have drawn an annotation but haven't added the comment yet, pressing Esc removes it.

How do I use Stamp options?

Stamps offer a clear and concise way to leave feedback on designs, documents, or any other file shared on zipBoard. You can use pre-made stamps like "approved," "needs revision," or "question," or create custom stamps with specific comments or instructions.

You can select from three choices:

1. Signature
2. Check Mark
3. Timestamp

How do I take a screenshot or record a video?

Use the screenshot tool to capture the visible area of the screen you are on. A green border shows the captured area. From there, you can add annotations and comments to it. When you exit the screenshot, you can access your annotations via the slideshow option.

zipBoard also lets you record videos directly within the platform. That article walks through recording and managing your recordings.

You can also capture feedback on any screen or tab without going to zipBoard, using the extension.

How do I use Slideshow?

Slideshow gives you a high-level view of all your screenshots, screen recordings, and comments. You can also add annotations and comments in the slideshow view.

How do I hide or unhide annotations?

If comments are blocking your view of the content, click Hide to close all the popups. Your feedback is still there. Click Unhide to make all comments visible again.

How do I review in Device mode?

Device mode lets you review your content as it appears on different device types, which is useful for responsive sites.

1. Click the Device mode option. A dropdown appears at the top of your screen.
2. Open the dropdown and select a device. The screen is emulated at that device's size.
3. Use Browse to scroll through the screen. Switch from Browse to Review and take a screenshot or video to add annotations.
4. To exit device mode, click the cross next to the dropdown.

How do I set the content status?

You can set the content status from the review bar as:

1. Open
2. Approved
3. Rejected
4. In-progress

Can I add an annotation without a comment?

Yes. Use the toggle disable comments option to add only an annotation, without a comment.

What do the comment count and reply count show?

The comment counter on the right side of the screen displays the total number of comments added.

It does not include replies. If you reply to a comment, the comment counter does not change; instead, each comment has its own counter for the number of replies. The default value is 1, which is the comment itself.

If you have any questions, reach out to us at support@zipboard.co.