Vector Markup
Last Updated on March 20, 2025 | 7 min read
What is Vector Markup
Vector Markup allows users to draw annotations on graphics and PDF documents. This method of marking up documents involves creating vector-based shapes and text that can be scaled without loss of quality. Users can annotate, highlight, and emphasize specific parts of a document directly, making it a powerful tool for detailed reviews and collaborative edits.
Applying Vector Markup
Applying vector markup to PDF and graphics is straightforward, accessible from both the Graphics Toolbar and PDF Toolbar (Tab Toolbars).
Activate the Tool: Click the Draw icon, which loads the Draw tools into the Right Feature Panel. This enables users to draw shapes and text blocks directly onto graphics and PDFs, with the ability to save these for future reference.
If this icon is not present, the feature is unavailable for the current document.
Draw Tool
Upon activation, the Draw tool in the Right Slider Feature Panel includes two tabs to help manage the vector markup:
Tools Tab
- Displays available shapes and their properties in collapsible vertically stacked blocks.
- Contains eight selectable shapes for drawing.
- Properties for the selected shape are displayed, allowing customization. The Name field allows users to input a custom name for each shape for easy identification.
List Tab – Managing Drawings
The List Tab displays all created drawings in a stacked block list. Users can view, edit, and manage their drawings from this section.
List Item Structure
Each drawing entry includes:
- Library & Publication Name – Displays the associated library and publication.
- Creation Date – Shows when the drawing was created.
- Shape Name – Identifies the shape type (e.g., Rectangle, Circle).
- Visibility Icon – Toggles the shape’s visibility between
Show and
Hide.
- Edit Icon – Expands the block for editing.
Editing a Drawing’s Meta Data
- Click the
Edit icon to expand the drawing block.
- Modify the following fields:
- Title – Enter or update the drawing’s title.
- Description – Add or modify details about the drawing.
- Use the following actions:
Deleting a Drawing
- The Delete
icon is only visible when the entry is expanded.
- Click
Delete to permanently remove the drawing.
Working with Shapes
Shapes, Lines and Text Blocks
Users can draw different shapes, lines and text blocks, each anchored to page coordinates on PDFs or graphics
Shapes: Rectangle,
Circle,
Ellipse, and
Polygon, with properties such as Name, Line Visibility (show/hide), Line Width, Line Color, and Fill Visibility (solid, transparent, or no fill).
- Polygon Adjustment: Add sides by clicking and dragging the points on the canvas. Double-click the final point to complete the shape.
Lines: Line and
Polyline and
Path, include properties like Name, Line Width, Line Color, and line visibility. Close polylines by connecting the start and endpoint creating a polygon using the Close Line toggle switch..
Text block: Text block with properties Name, Text Content, and Font Size and Text Color options. Multiline text blocks are supported.
Attribute | Rectangle | Circle | Ellipse | Polygon |
---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Line Width | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Line Color | Y | Y | Y | Y |
No Line | Y | Y | Y | Y |
No Fill | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Radius | N | Y | N | N |
Close Line | N | N | N | N |
Text Content | N | N | N | N |
Font Size | N | N | N | N |
Text Color | N | N | N | N |
Attribute | Line | Polyline | Path | Text |
---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Line Width | Y | Y | Y | N |
Line Color | Y | Y | Y | N |
No Line | N | Y | Y | N |
No Fill | N | Y | N | N |
Radius | N | N | N | N |
Close Line | N | Y | N | N |
Text Content | N | N | N | Y |
Font Size | N | N | N | Y |
Text Color | N | N | N | Y |
Shape Properties
Each shape in Vector Markup has properties that users can change. This section describes the properties for each shape.
Rectangle
- Name – The user can enter a custom name for the shape.
- Line Width – The user can change the thickness of the shape outline.
- Line Color – The user can select a color for the shape outline.
- No Line – If selected, the shape has no outline.
- No Fill – If selected, the shape has no interior color.
Circle
- Name – The user can enter a custom name for the shape.
- Radius – The user can define the distance from the center to the edge of the circle.
- Line Width – The user can change the thickness of the shape outline.
- Line Color – The user can select a color for the shape outline.
- No Line – If selected, the shape has no outline.
- No Fill – If selected, the shape has no interior color.
Ellipse
- Name – The user can enter a custom name for the shape.
- Line Width – The user can change the thickness of the shape outline.
- Line Color – The user can select a color for the shape outline.
- No Line – If selected, the shape has no outline.
- No Fill – If selected, the shape has no interior color.
Polygon
- Name – The user can enter a custom name for the shape.
- Line Width – The user can change the thickness of the shape outline.
- Line Color – The user can select a color for the shape outline.
- No Line – If selected, the shape has no outline.
- No Fill – If selected, the shape has no interior color.
Line
- Name – The user can enter a custom name for the shape.
- Line Width – The user can change the thickness of the line.
- Line Color – The user can select a color for the line.
Polyline
- Name – The user can enter a custom name for the shape.
- Close Line – If enabled, the polyline automatically connects the start and end points.
- Line Width – The user can change the thickness of the shape outline.
- Line Color – The user can select a color for the shape outline.
- No Line – If selected, the shape has no outline.
- No Fill – If selected, the shape has no interior color.
Path
- Name – The user can enter a custom name for the shape.
- Line Width – The user can change the thickness of the shape outline.
- Line Color – The user can select a color for the shape outline.
- No Line – If selected, the shape has no outline.
Text
- Name – The user can enter a custom name for the shape.
- Text Content – The user can enter text inside the shape.
- Font Size – The user can select the text size.
- Text Color – The user can select a color for the text.
Viewing Shapes and Draw Tools
When a document is open and the Draw icon is green, this indicates the presence of vector markup. By default, vector markup is hidden; click the Draw icon to display these annotations and to access the Draw tools in the Right Slider Feature Panel.
Selecting Shapes
Shapes can be selected directly from within the canvas or by clicking the shape’s name at the bottom of the shape block in the List Tab within the Draw Tools.
Modifying Shapes
Select any shape to adjust its properties using the Properties block. All shapes can be moved or resized within the canvas by dragging them or adjusting their properties directly.
Working with Colors – Color Picker
Users can customize a shape’s line and fill colors using the color picker. The tool offers:
Preset colors or a custom HEX code input for precise color selection.
Adjustment sliders for:
- Hue (top slider) – Modifies the color spectrum.
- Opacity (bottom slider) – Controls transparency.
Action buttons:
SELECT – Applies the chosen color.
CANCEL – Disregards changes.
This comprehensive vector markup toolset allows for the creation and personalization of multiple types of markup. Vector annotations are retained when data libraries are updated, provided the document itself remains unchanged, ensuring continuity in your documentation review processes.