Enhancing PDF Collaboration: How to Draw on a PDF in zipBoard

Jump: How to Draw on a PDF in zipBoard

Seamless PDF Annotation with zipBoard

zipBoard transforms PDF markup with a centralized, collaborative workspace where users can draw, annotate, and review documents effortlessly. Whether you’re working on blueprints, eLearning content, or design approvals, zipBoard provides an intuitive PDF annotator for effective document collaboration.

Want to see zipBoard’s drawing tools in action?

How zipBoard’s PDF Markup Tool Streamlines Your Workflow?

Unlike traditional PDF markup tools, zipBoard:

• Enables real-time collaboration—Multiple users can annotate PDFs simultaneously, reducing approval cycles.
• Eliminates version confusion with an integrated version control system.
• Simplifies approvals and feedback loops across various industries.
• Works across industries - AEC, L&D, UX/UI, and technical documentation teams use zipBoard to speed up feedback.
• Supports guest reviewers - Clients and external stakeholders can comment without creating an account
• Integrates seamlessly - Works with Document management systems, task management systems using native integrations and custom APIs.

Why Teams Love zipBoard’s PDF Markup Tools

• Real-Time Collaboration
  • Multiple users can draw & annotate simultaneously—no back-and-forth emails.
• Advanced Drawing & Markup Tools
  • Precision markups with pen, polygon, arc, cloud, arrow & measurement tools.
• Approval & Review Workflows
  • Digitally sign PDFs and use status stamps (Approved, Needs Revision, etc.).
• No Software Installation Needed
  • Access entirely in your browser—no downloads required.

How to Draw on a PDF in zipBoard

Step 1: Upload Your PDF

• Sign up for a free trial and create a project.
• Click "Add Content" and select your PDF to begin markup.

Alternative Method: Connect your Document Storage system to import files directly.

Step 2: Open the PDF in the Annotation Viewer

• Click on the uploaded file to launch the markup tool, where you can access drawing and annotation features.

Step 3: Use the Drawing and Annotation Tools

zipBoard’s PDF markup tool offers a comprehensive set of annotation tools tailored for different use cases—whether you’re reviewing blueprints, eLearning content, or compliance documents.

Freehand Drawing & Shapes

• Pen Tool – Draw sketches or handwritten notes.
• Polygon, Polyline & Arc Tools – Ideal for architectural & engineering markups.
• Cloud Tool – Highlight changes in blueprints and design approvals (used extensively in AEC & construction).

Text & Annotation Tools

• Text Tool – Add clear comments directly on the document.
• Sticky Notes – Provide contextual feedback without cluttering the document.
• Hyperlinks – Link to external resources or reference documents.

Precision Markup Tools for Architects, Engineers & Designers

• Arrow, Line & Measurement Tools – Add precise markups & dimensions.
• Highlight & Strikeout – Mark important sections or request deletions.
• Color Customization – Change text, stroke thickness, opacity, and colors for better organization.

Approval & Review Features

• Signatures – Digitally sign PDFs for quick approvals.
• Stamps & Status Indicators – Use predefined or custom approval stamps (Approved, Pending, Needs Revision, etc.)

Step 4: Collaborate with Your Team

• @Mention teammates to notify them about specific changes. Assign tasks, set deadlines, and track document approvals.

• Add external reviewers or clients—no signup required.

• Organize feedback efficiently using Kanban or Table view.

Step 5: Track Changes & Manage Versions

• View all annotations in a structured comment panel.

• Keep track of document iterations with built-in document version control. Document version control lets you access past iterations in case changes need to be reversed.
• Export marked-up PDFs—Download or print PDFs with or without annotations, depending on your needs.

• Generate automated reports—Compile feedback and annotations into structured reports for easy review.

How Different Industries Benefit from Drawing on PDFs using zipBoard

Contractors & engineers often struggle with scattered feedback on blueprints. How zipBoard Helps:

✅ Annotate blueprints for contractor approvals and design changes in real-time.

✅ Keep all comments & markups centralized—no more messy email chains.

SME’s need a quick way to provide feedback on digital courses & content. How zipBoard Helps:

✅ Annotate digital courses for easy expert feedback.

✅ Use predefined stamps like "Reviewed" or "Needs Revision" for efficiency.

UX/UI designers struggle with scattered feedback across multiple PDFs. How zipBoard Helps:

✅ Centralized PDF review for wireframes & design approvals.

✅ Mention team members directly inside the document.

Technical Documentation – Mark up manuals, schematics, and reports while ensuring compliance.

How zipBoard Stacks Up Against Other PDF Tools

Unlike Adobe, zipBoard lets you add unlimited reviewers with no hassle. Bluebeam requires software downloads, while zipBoard is entirely web-based for instant access. Dropbox stores files but lacks real-time markup and version control, which zipBoard seamlessly integrates for smooth collaboration.

What Happens After PDF Collaboration?

After your team has reviewed the PDF in zipBoard:

• Export the PDF—Download it with or without annotations.
• Generate Reports—Compile all feedback into structured reports.
• Track Changes—Access previous versions with built-in document version control.
• Sync with Project Tools—Push approvals to Slack, Jira, or MS Teams for seamless workflow.

Ready to Simplify PDF Collaboration?

✔ Instantly collect & track feedback—without messy email threads!

✔ Invite unlimited guest reviewers—no sign-up required.

✔ Real-time collaboration & markup—no software downloads.

🔹 Start a Free Trial Now → No credit card required!

🔹 Book a Live Demo → Get a customized walkthrough.

🔹 Read More on Our Blog → Explore our latest PDF collaboration feature