Annotation Panel

The Annotation panel provides management of rotated or contoured text. The annotations are associated with a graphic shape. The annotation may be an off screen memo or comment, they do not need to be shown.

Text Management

This link explains how to enter the text. Drag and Drop support is documented. Editing and use of the system wide paste board is also explained.

Orientation

The text may be rotated to any angle. Contoured text is generated by drawing a curve or path with the desired contour and then selecting to have the annotation text follow this contour. Follow this link for an explanation of this technique.

Display

Annotation text can be a visual part of the drawing, or an off screen notation. The annotation may be drawn along a curving path, or shown with a rotation related to the path. Follow this link for elaboration on these techniques.

A path or other graphic with an annotation will show an additional interactive adjustment handle when selected. This additional handle is used to adjust the position of the text along the graphic’s path. Click this handle and slide it along the path to position the text as desired. The corresponding numeric parameter is called Position which is found on the Annotation Panel (left side, lower section).

If the position is near the start or the end (0% or 100% for Position parameter) the Annotation handle will likely be positioned right over a control handle for the graphic. The Annnotation handle is "prefered" and becomes the adjusting handle when clicked and moved. Hold down CMD key to change this behavior and select the actual graphic handle for adjustment.