Skip to main content

Guide: How To Add Image Annotations

This guide walks you through the key functionalities and how to use a wide array of markup features directly inside ProLine’s system.

Written by Laura Acosta

Accessing the Annotator

  1. Navigate to a Project, Contact File or Company file

  2. Select a Photo to Annotate

    In the file section, choose the photo you want to annotate and click on it.

  3. Enter Edit Mode

    Click the “Edit” button that appears. This opens the image in the annotation editor.

Annotation Tools Overview

Important Note: All tools will be auto-set to the color red and the width will be set to XS. Each tool can be adjusted based on your need/preference when using said tool.

  1. Pen Tool

    • Usage: Freehand drawing on the image.

    • Customization:

      • Color: Use the preset color or choose your own with the color selector.

      • Width: Can be changed from the original to be larger.

      • Opacity: Adjust from transparent to full color.

    • Edit/Delete: Select the trashcan shape and press to delete.

  2. Shapes: Square & Circle

    • Usage: Mark rectangular or circular areas of interest. Great to use when you need to bring attention to a specific area.

    • Customization:

      • Color: Choose from presets or input a hex code.

      • Width: Can be changed from the original to be larger.

      • Opacity: Adjust from transparent to full color.

      • Rotation: Rotate shapes for precision placement.

    • Edit/Delete: Select the trashcan shape and press to delete.

  3. Highlight Tool

    • Usage: Emphasize areas with color overlays.

    • Customization:

      • Stroke: The edge of the highlight box and this can be a separate color from the fill of the highlight.

      • Fill: The inside of the highlight box, this can be a separate color from the edge color choice.

      • Opacity: Transparent by default but adjustable if needed.

  4. Arrows

    • Usage: Indicate direction or draw attention to a specific point on the image.

    • Features:

      • Drag to adjust.

      • Change width: XS, S, M, L, and XL options are available

      • Change color: Choose color by the gradient option or enter the hex number

  5. Lines

    • Usage: Mark boundaries or distances.

    • Features:

      • Drag to adjust.

      • Change width: XS, S, M, L, and XL options are available

      • Change color: Choose color by the gradient option or enter the hex number

  6. Polygons

    • Usage: Define custom shapes by setting endpoints.

      • Note: Endpoints are not fixed once placed, tap into the polygon again and when you see the 4-arrows icon it will allow you to edit as needed.

    • Customization:

      • Stroke and fill colors.

      • Opacity adjustment.

    • Edit/Delete: Shapes can be removed or recolored anytime.

  7. Ruler

    • Usage: Measure and annotate lengths (e.g., “60 feet”).

      • Note: This does not measure for you, just adds endcaps to lines for you to add your measurement notes for that specific length.

    • Features:

      • Drag to fit the required dimension.

    • Customization:

      • Stroke and fill colors.

      • Opacity adjustment.

  8. Curves

    • Usage: Create bent lines to match curved features.

    • Features:

      • Dynamic bending.

      • Helpful for arched surfaces or pathways.

  9. Text

    • Usage: Add labels or notes directly on the image.

    • Comes with no background coloring, text only.

    • Features: Drag, drop, and reposition as needed.

  10. Comments

    • Usage: Add explanatory boxes with stroke and fill customization.

      • Ideal For: Detailed context or instructions.

    • Customization:

      • Can lengthen the comment tail to point to a specific spot in the image while the text is to a farther point to not block parts of the image.

      • Stroke, fill and text colors

      • Text sizing

      • Opacity adjustments

  11. Frames

    • Usage: Highlight sections with a title/text on top.

      • Draw attention to specific areas with descriptive headers.

    • Customization:

      • Stroke, fill and text colors

      • Text and width sizing

      • Opacity adjustments

  12. Icons

    • Usage: Add numbered or symbolic markers (ex: 1 & 2 for damage points).

    • Customization:

      • Use default icons or upload custom ones via company files.

      • Useful for referencing within quotes or documents that are shared with customers.

  13. Image Overlay

    • Usage: Drop an image onto the photo.

      • Branding or layering additional visual information, think company logo.

      • Can have a closer up image of a specific damage spot to be dropped on top of the larger photo.

    • Sources:

      • Project files

      • Company files

      • One-off uploads

  14. Cropping

    • Feature: Freeform cropping of the image.

    • Important: Cropping makes all existing annotations permanent and non-editable.

      • Recommendation: Crop before adding annotations if needed.

  15. Rotate

    • Feature: The ability to rotate the image as needed

    • Two options for rotating:

      • Singular Arrow: 45 degree or a diagonal tilt to the image

      • Double Arrow: 90 degree flip to the image.

  16. Reset

    • This allows you to remove all edits from the image and go back to the original and continue editing.

  17. Close

    • Exit out of the image annotator without saving any changes that you made, keeping the image as it last was within the job.

  18. Save

    • Save image with all edits that currently exist.

Best Practices

  • Customize thoughtfully: Use colors, opacity, and shape sizes strategically to enhance—not clutter—your image.

  • Organize icons: Store frequently used custom icons in a dedicated folder within company files for quick access.

  • Crop carefully: Always crop your image before adding annotations to preserve editing flexibility.

What’s Next

This new image annotator is just the beginning. ProLine will continue rolling out enhancements including more icon options and additional tools. Stay tuned for updates!

Did this answer your question?