There are many different annotation tools you can use on your Showbie documents. This guide outlines each and how to use them!
Text Tool
The Text Tool allows for typing text directly on the page in Showbie documents for when longer text is needed. You can customize the color, font size, and alignment of text. The text is editable after it’s been saved and Showbie keeps track of who authored the text and when it was created or last modified.
To use the text tool:
Open the desired assignment.
Tap on the 'T' in the toolbar and then tap anywhere on the document to begin typing.
When you are finished adding text, make sure you tap 'Done' to save your work.
Annotations are not saved until 'Done' is selected
Font Options:
To access the font options for the text tool, make sure you have selected the text box you’d like to change the font of, and then tap the text tool 'T' icon again. Then you can select rich text options such as font sizing, format and color!
Deleting a Text Box on the Web vs. iPad
Web:
Right-click on the text box
Click Delete
iPad App:
Select the text box
Tap and hold the text box
Tap Delete
Resize & Move a Textbox:
To resize the textbox: select it, then grab one of the sizing circles and drag your text box to the desired size. Tap outside of the text box when you have sized it accordingly.
To move the textbox: select it, then hold and drag the text box to its proper location. Tap outside of the text box when you are finished.
Pen Tool
Use the pen tool to draw or write free handedly. Once you’ve selected the pen icon, tap it a second time to open the pen options palette.
While the pen tool is selected, use two fingers to zoom and scroll. Tap Done when finished to save your work.
Did you know that you can also draw straight lines? You can straighten a line you've drawn with the pen tool by holding for a few seconds. You can even connect the lines to create shapes!
Highlighter Tool
Tapping on the highlighter icon selects it, but tapping a second time will open the colour palette. Here you can select other highlighter colours and sizes to use. Highlight all of the important parts of your file and tap on Done to save.
You can also make a straight line with the highlighter tool and straighten it by holding for a few seconds. You can even connect the lines to create shapes!
Annotation Layers
Layers help keep annotations organized. You can use the layers tool to show and hide annotations. You’ll be able to filter annotations made by the teacher, student, or annotations made in the shared items!
Open a file that has annotations in it
At the top right corner, tap on the icon that looks like three squares stacked on top of each other (annotation layers)
Toggle on or off each layer to show or hide them
The option to turn layers on/off will only appear if the appropriate layer has annotations on them. For example, the option to toggle the student layer will only appear if the student has annotated on the file.
Pinned Comments
If there’s not a lot of space in your file but you’d still like to add annotations, the pinned comments feature is a great way to make comments in a much neater way than using the pen tool or text box.
Open the PDF or image you’d like to annotate
Tap on the comment bubble (bubble with 3 lines) in the annotation toolbar at the top
Tap anywhere on the file to add a comment (you can move it around afterwards)
Tap Save when you’re done
You can move the comment around by tapping and holding, then dragging it.
Pinned Comment Options
Open the pinned comment by tapping on it
Tap and hold the comment to bring up the Copy, Delete, or Edit options
Voice Notes
Voice notes are a great way to add verbal feedback or instruction to an assignment or document. You can learn all about using voice notes here!
Why Can't I Annotate my Document?
Not all files can be annotated
The Showbie annotation tools are available on the iPad and web for PDFs and images. If you’d like to learn more about the cross-platform features, check out this link! Here’s an example of what a file that can’t be annotated might look like:
The file above is an ePub file from the Getting Started tutorial in the Book Creator app. In the toolbar at the top where the annotation tools are usually located only the file name, grading icon, and the share icon will be available.
My file isn’t a supported file, how can I annotate?
There are plenty of programs available in the App Store that can convert files to PDF (for example). You can also try taking a screenshot of your work, and annotating the image on Showbie.
If your file is from another app, make sure you check the export/share settings for your file to see if it can be shared as a PDF or image. See Apps that Work with Showbie or contact support to request a tutorial if the app you’re working with isn’t already on the list.