Creating a Graphical Annotation

There are a number of options for annotating your images with graphical overlays.  You can define points, lines, rectangles, rounded rectangles, ellipses, and polygons.

To define a graphical annotation:

Click on the Annotate group in the Select tab’s ribbon.

The Annotate toolbar is displayed.

In the toolbar, click on the annotation tool you want to use, and draw the annotation in the image.  Click here for a description of all available tools.  Some commonly used tools are described below.

Point

Position the crosshair cursor in the image where you want to place the point marker.  Click the mouse to place the point.

Line, Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Circle or Ellipse

Position the crosshair cursor anywhere in the image.  Click and drag the mouse from the insertion point to the desired destination. 

Note: The rectangle and rounded rectangle tools, and the circle and ellipse tools, share the same tool space on the Annotate toolbar.  Click on the down arrow to the right of whichever tool is currently shown to show/select the other.  For example, if the rectangle tool is currently shown, click on the down arrow to the right of that tool to show the rounded rectangle tool.

Polygon or Polyline

These tools allow you draw poly-vertices lines and polygons, or freehand lines and shapes.

To draw freeform lines and shapes

Use this technique to create lines and shapes that have smooth edges.  Hold the left mouse down while you draw with the cursor to create the desired freeform shape.  Double-click to complete the shape.

To draw polyvertices lines and polygons

Use this technique to create lines and shapes that are made up of straight line segments.  Click the left mouse button at each vertex (including the beginning point) of the polygon.  Double-click to complete the polygon.