Annotation

What is an Annotation?

An annotation is a text note or label that you can add to your electrical plan. It’s a non-electrical component - it doesn’t carry power, doesn’t connect to circuits, and doesn’t affect simulation. Annotations are purely for documentation, clarification, and communication. Use them to add important notes, specifications, instructions, warnings, or any text information directly on your diagram where it’s most relevant.

Why Use Annotations?

Documentation

• Technical specifications: Note amperage, voltage, wire gauge, or other technical details
• Component identification: Label specific electrical components clearly
• Installation instructions: Record special installation requirements or procedures
• Code references: Note applicable electrical code sections

Communication

• Client notes: Information for clients or stakeholders
• Team coordination: Instructions for other team members
• Contractor guidance: Specific directions for electricians
• Review comments: Feedback during design review process

Planning and Design

• Design decisions: Document why choices were made
• Alternative options: Note other configurations considered
• Future modifications: Mark areas for potential future expansion
• Budget information: Cost notes or pricing information

Warnings and Reminders

• Safety warnings: Highlight critical safety considerations
• Important notes: Call attention to special requirements
• Compliance reminders: Note code compliance requirements
• Quality checkpoints: Mark inspection or verification points

Adding an Annotation to Your Canvas

Step 1: Open the Component Library

1. Click the Components button in the sidebar
2. Open the Annotations or Notes category
3. Find the Annotation component

Step 2: Place on Canvas

1. Click and hold the Annotation icon
2. Drag it onto your canvas
3. Release to place it at the desired location
4. The annotation will appear with default text “Annotation” and a pointer arrow

💡 Tip: Place annotations near the components or areas they refer to. The arrow helps point to the specific element you’re documenting.

Moving and Positioning Annotations

Moving an Annotation

1. Click and hold on the annotation text
2. Drag it to a new location on your canvas
3. Release to place it
4. The annotation is independent - it doesn’t affect or move with other components

Strategic Placement

• Near referenced component: Place close to what you’re annotating
• Clear space: Don’t overlap with wires or components
• Logical flow: Position where viewers will naturally look
• Grouped annotations: Keep related notes together
• Arrow direction: Position so the arrow points clearly to the subject

Understanding Annotation Properties

Opening the Properties Panel

1. Click on the annotation to select it
2. The properties panel appears on the right side of the screen
3. Or double-click the annotation to open properties

Editing the Text

The Text property is the content of your annotation.

To edit the text:

1. In the properties panel, find the Text field
2. Click in the field to place your cursor
3. Type your annotation content
4. Use Enter/Return for line breaks to create multi-line annotations
5. Changes appear immediately on your canvas

Text Content Ideas:

• Component labels: “Main Distribution Panel”
• Specifications: “20A Circuit, 12 AWG Wire”
• Instructions: “Install GFCI protection before connecting”
• Warnings: “⚠️ High voltage - Exercise caution”
• References: “Per NEC Article 210.8”
• Notes: “Future: Add outlet for refrigerator”

Selecting the Color

The Color property changes the text and arrow color for visual organization.

To change the color:

1. In the properties panel, find the Color selector
2. Click to open the color picker
3. Choose a color (or enter a hex code)
4. Common choices include black, red, blue, green, orange, purple

Color Coding System:

• Black (#000000) - General annotations, standard information
• Red (#FF0000) - Warnings, critical notes, safety information
• Blue (#0000FF) - Technical specifications, informational notes
• Green (#00FF00) - Completed items, approvals, confirmations
• Orange (#FFA500) - Pending items, reminders, to-do notes
• Purple (#800080) - Special instructions, unique considerations
• Gray (#808080) - Supplementary information, less important notes

💡 Best Practice: Use consistent colors throughout your plan. For example, always use red for safety warnings and blue for technical specs.

Setting the Text Size

The Text Size property controls how large the text appears.

Available sizes:

• Small (sm) - Subtle notes, secondary information, fine details
• Medium (base) - Standard annotations, most common use (default)
• Large (lg) - Important notes, section headers, key information
• Extra Large (xl) - Titles, major section headers, critical announcements

To change the text size:

1. In the properties panel, find the Text Size dropdown
2. Select the appropriate size for your annotation’s importance
3. The text will resize immediately

Size Guidelines:

• Small: Component part numbers, wire gauges, minor details
• Medium: Standard notes, most annotations
• Large: Section titles, important warnings, key specifications
• Extra Large: Plan title, major section headers, critical safety warnings

Visual Design of Annotations

The Pointer Arrow

Every annotation includes a pointing arrow:

• Indicates what the annotation refers to
• Matches the text color
• Points from the annotation toward the subject
• Helps create clear visual associations

Using the arrow effectively:

1. Position annotation so arrow points to relevant component
2. Keep arrow path clear (don’t cross through other components)
3. Use arrow to create visual link between text and subject
4. Multiple annotations can point to the same component

Text Container

The annotation text appears in a container:

• White or light background for readability
• Border color matches text color when selected
• Automatically sizes to fit text content
• Supports multi-line text with line breaks

Common Annotation Uses

Labeling Components

Identify electrical components clearly:

"Main Electrical Panel"
"Kitchen Outlet Circuit"
"Master Bedroom Lighting"
"GFCI Protected - Bathroom"

Technical Specifications

Record important technical details:

"20A Circuit Breaker
12 AWG Copper Wire
Single Phase, 120V"

"Heater: 1500W
Requires dedicated 20A circuit"

"GFCI: 30mA trip current
Test monthly"

Installation Instructions

Provide guidance for electricians:

"Install junction box at accessible
ceiling location. All splices must
be contained in box."

"Maintain 6ft clearance from
water sources (per code)."

"Use weather-resistant outlet
with WR cover."

Code References

Note applicable electrical codes:

"NEC 210.8(A)(1) requires GFCI
protection for bathroom outlets"

"Per NEC 210.52(A), outlet
required within 6 feet"

"IEC 60364-4-41 grounding
requirements apply"

Safety Warnings

Highlight critical safety information:

"⚠️ WARNING
High voltage circuit
Licensed electrician required"

"⚠️ CAUTION
GFCI protection required
Wet location"

"⚠️ NOTICE
Test differential switch monthly"

Future Modifications

Plan for potential changes:

"FUTURE: Add outlet for
refrigerator - 20A dedicated circuit"

"Consider: Outdoor outlet for
holiday lighting (GFCI protected)"

"Expansion: Additional bedroom
may require new circuit"

Status and Tracking

Project management information:

"✓ Completed - Inspected on [date]"
"☐ Pending: Awaiting permit approval"
"⚠️ Issue: Breaker size needs verification"
"Review: Check wire routing with contractor"

Best Practices

Content Guidelines

1. Be Concise:

   • Use short, clear phrases
   • Avoid unnecessary words
   • Get to the point quickly
   • Break long text into bullet points

2. Be Specific:

   • Include relevant numbers and measurements
   • Reference specific code sections
   • Name particular components or rooms
   • Provide actionable information

3. Be Professional:

   • Use proper terminology
   • Check spelling and grammar
   • Maintain consistent tone
   • Use appropriate abbreviations

4. Be Clear:

   • One topic per annotation
   • Logical organization
   • Easy to read and understand
   • No ambiguous language

Visual Organization

1. Consistent Formatting:

   • Same text size for similar types of notes
   • Consistent color coding system
   • Standard placement patterns
   • Uniform style throughout

2. Appropriate Sizing:

   • Match size to importance
   • Don’t make everything extra large
   • Use small size for fine details
   • Reserve large sizes for critical info

3. Strategic Placement:

   • Near relevant components
   • Don’t obstruct wiring or other elements
   • Grouped by topic or area
   • Logical reading flow

4. Color Coding:

   • Consistent color meanings
   • Not too many colors (3-5 max)
   • Good contrast for readability
   • Color-blind friendly choices

Avoiding Clutter

1. Don’t Overuse:

   • Only annotate what needs explanation
   • Combine related notes
   • Remove redundant annotations
   • Less is more

2. Keep It Organized:

   • Group related annotations
   • Use clear spatial arrangement
   • Maintain visual hierarchy
   • Leave white space

3. Update Regularly:

   • Remove obsolete notes
   • Update changed information
   • Archive completed items
   • Keep current

Advanced Annotation Techniques

Multi-Line Annotations

Use line breaks for complex information:

"Kitchen Counter Outlets
- 4 outlets total
- 20A circuit required
- GFCI protection mandatory
- 12 AWG copper wire"

Press Enter in the text field to create line breaks.

Structured Information

Organize data systematically:

"Circuit: A-12
Breaker: 20A
Wire: 12 AWG
Load: 1500W
Usage: Workshop outlets"

Reference Numbers

Create numbered annotation system:

"[1] Main Panel - 200A Service"
"[2] Sub-Panel - 100A Feed"
"[3] Junction Box - All circuits converge here"

Then reference these numbers in your documentation.

Legend and Key

Create annotation legend:

"Color Key:
🔴 Red = Safety warnings
🔵 Blue = Technical specs
🟢 Green = Completed items
🟠 Orange = Pending tasks"

Symbols and Emojis

Use symbols for quick recognition:

• ⚠️ Warning
• ✓ Completed
• ☐ Pending
• ⚡ High voltage
• 🔧 Requires maintenance
• 📝 Note
• ❌ Do not
• ⭐ Important

Integration with Electrical Plan

Complementing Components

Annotations work alongside electrical components:

• Electrical Panel: “200A Main Service Panel - Brand: Schneider”
• Circuit Breaker: “20A AFCI Required for Bedroom Circuits”
• Differential Switch: “30mA Trip Current - Test Monthly”
• Outlet: “Tamper-Resistant GFCI Outlet Required”
• Light: “LED Compatible Dimmer Required”
• Heater: “1500W Baseboard - Dedicated Circuit”

Supporting Documentation

Annotations enhance your plan:

• Explain non-obvious design decisions
• Provide context for complex wiring
• Reference external documentation
• Guide implementation
• Support review and approval process

Compliance Documentation

Help demonstrate code compliance:

• Note which codes apply
• Explain how requirements are met
• Document exceptions or variations
• Reference inspector requirements
• Support permit applications

Maintenance and Updates

Regular Review

Keep annotations current:

1. Accuracy check: Verify information is still correct
2. Relevance: Remove outdated or irrelevant notes
3. Completeness: Add missing information as discovered
4. Consistency: Maintain uniform style and format

Version Control

Track changes:

"Updated [date]: Changed to 20A circuit
Previous note: Was 15A circuit - insufficient"

"Added [date]: GFCI protection now required
per updated local code"

Archiving

Handle completed items:

• Mark completed: ”✓ DONE - Installed [date]”
• Move to separate layer/view: “Historical Notes”
• Remove if no longer relevant
• Keep in documentation but fade color

Troubleshooting

Annotation Not Visible

Check:

• Is annotation behind other components?
• Is text color too light to see?
• Is annotation off-canvas?
• Is there a layer/visibility setting?

Solution:

• Bring to front
• Change to contrasting color
• Reposition on canvas
• Check visibility settings

Annotation Text Cut Off

Check:

• Is text container too small?
• Is annotation at canvas edge?

Solution:

• Annotation should auto-size
• Move away from edges
• Break into multiple lines
• Reduce text size if needed

Too Many Annotations

Problem: Plan is cluttered with text

Solution:

• Consolidate related notes
• Remove redundant information
• Use separate documentation for details
• Keep only essential annotations on plan
• Consider using annotation layers/categories

Inconsistent Styling

Problem: Annotations have different styles

Solution:

• Standardize color usage
• Consistent text sizes
• Uniform formatting
• Create style guide
• Review and update all annotations

Real-World Usage

For Contractors

Provide clear guidance:

"IMPORTANT FOR ELECTRICIAN:
All bathroom outlets require
GFCI protection per NEC 210.8.
Test after installation."

For Clients

Explain in plain language:

"This circuit powers all the
kitchen counter outlets. It's
a 20A circuit for high-power
appliances like toasters and
coffee makers."

For Inspectors

Demonstrate compliance:

"Code Compliance Note:
NEC 210.52(A) - Outlet spacing
requirement met: No point along
wall more than 6ft from outlet."

For Future Reference

Document for later:

"Original Installation: [date]
Contractor: [name]
Permit #: [number]
Circuit tested and approved"

Related Topics

• All Component Documentation - Learn about electrical components
• Wiring Basics - General wiring techniques
• Simulation Mode - Testing your design
• Plan Organization - Organizing your electrical plan

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💡 Quick Tip: Annotations are your voice on the plan! Use them liberally to explain anything that isn’t obvious from the components and wires alone. A well-annotated plan is much easier to understand, implement, and maintain. Think of them as sticky notes for your electrical design!