# Annotations Add annotations to your design to label features, add notes, or provide context. Annotations are 3D markers with rich text content that help document your design decisions. ## What Are Annotations? Annotations are visual markers placed in the 3D scene that can contain: - Labels for specific features - Design notes and decisions - Installation instructions - Client communications - Team collaboration notes Annotations are useful for: - Documenting design decisions - Marking areas of concern - Adding installation notes - Communicating with team members - Creating presentation materials ## Entering Annotation Mode Press `N` or click the **Annotate** button to enter annotation mode. > **Note:** Camera rotation is disabled while in annotation mode for precise placement. ## Annotation Types Powerlily supports three visual marker styles. Press `Shift` while in annotation mode to cycle through: ### Sphere Spherical marker - good for general notes and labels ### Square Square/cube marker - good for structured notes and specific features ### Triangle Triangular/pyramid marker - good for warnings or important notes ## Creating Annotations Follow these steps: 1. Press `N` to enter annotation mode 2. Press `Shift` to choose annotation type (optional) 3. Click on the scene where you want the annotation 4. The annotation editor opens automatically 5. Enter title and choose marker color 6. Add formatted content 7. Click **Save** to create the annotation ## Annotation Editor The annotation editor provides rich text formatting: ### Title Short label for the annotation (appears next to marker) ### Color Choose marker color: - Affects visibility and attention - Use consistent colors for annotation categories - Red for warnings, green for approvals, blue for notes, etc. ### Content Rich text editor with formatting tools: - **Bold** text - *Italic* text - <u>Underline</u> text - ~~Strikethrough~~ text - Text color - Hyperlinks - Clear formatting ## Managing Annotations ### Select an Annotation Click on any annotation marker to select it. The annotation content appears in a popup or panel. ### Edit an Annotation Two ways to edit: 1. Double-click the annotation marker 2. Select the annotation and click the edit button The editor opens with existing content that you can modify. ### Delete an Annotation Two ways to delete: 1. Select the annotation and press `Delete` 2. Select the annotation and use the delete button ## Exiting Annotation Mode Press `Escape` to exit annotation mode. Camera rotation is restored. ## Use Cases ### Design Notes Document why you made specific design decisions: - "Avoided this area due to heavy tree shading" - "Client requested no panels on front-facing roof" - "Need site visit to confirm chimney height" ### Installation Instructions Add notes for installation teams: - "Use extra flashing around this chimney" - "Conduit run should follow this path" - "Ground mount posts location marked" ### Client Communication Mark features to discuss with clients: - "Optional: Add 2 more panels here if budget allows" - "Tree trimming recommended for better production" - "HVAC unit may need relocation" ### Team Collaboration Share information with team members: - "Waiting on permit approval for this array" - "Check electrical panel capacity before finalizing" - "Alternative layout option" ## Keyboard Shortcuts | Shortcut | Action | |----------|--------| | `N` | Toggle annotation mode | | `Shift` | Cycle annotation types | | `Delete` | Delete selected annotation | | `Escape` | Exit annotation mode | --- **Next:** Add special objects with [[Extras]] or review [[Terminology]].