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How to Use the Photo Annotator on the App

Adding annotations to a photo is easy. With the latest annotator upgrade, we'll go over how to use it in the app. Keywords: annotator, new annotator, add shapes, rotate photos, increase brightness, annotate photos

Support Team avatar
Written by Support Team
Updated over 2 weeks ago

In this article, we will guide you through the process of using the photo annotator on your mobile app. Together, we will explore the various icons and their functions, as well as how to add shapes, adjust brightness and rotation, add text boxes, and delete annotations.

Before we jump in, check out this full walk-through video on the photo annotator in the mobile app:

The new annotator is currently in a phased rollout and not available to all inspectors yet. It will be widely available soon!


Available Options and What They Mean

Ambear (DM) - Spectora - Slack 2025-11-20 at 8.27.37 AM
  • Clear: completely resets the photo to the original removing all changes

  • Undo: undo the most recent annotation

  • Redo: bring back the most recently removed annotation

  • Color: change or create a new color

  • Draw: click to select a shape and then add the shape

  • Text: add text

  • Rotate: rotate the photo, keep in mind this will remove any current annotations

  • Adjust: adjust the brightness of the photo

  • Caption: add from existing location tags or add a new caption

When an annotation is selected:

  • Double Square Icon: duplicate / copy the selected annotation

  • Trash Can Icon: deleted / remove the selected annotation

  • Color Dot: change selected annotations color


How to Add a Shape to a Photo

In this section, we will guide you through the simple steps of adding a circle, square, arrow, or line to enhance your photo.

  1. Open the inspection on the app.

  2. Click "Start" on the report.

  3. Open the section.

  4. Open the item.

  5. Select the comment.

  6. Add your photo using any of the photo options.

  7. After you have added your photo, select the photo within the comment editor.

  8. Choose which color you want the shape to be.

  9. Click "Draw" then select which shape you want to use.

  10. Click on the photo, and then drag and drop your shape.

  11. Adjust as needed.

  12. Once you are finished, click the blue "Save" button in the bottom right.


How to Adjust the Brightness or Rotate a Photo

In this section, we will guide you through the process of adjusting an image's brightness and rotating it to your desired orientation.

  1. Open the inspection on the app.

  2. Click "Start" on the report.

  3. Open the section.

  4. Open the item.

  5. Select the comment.

  6. Add your photo using any of the photo options.

  7. After you have added your photo, select the photo within the comment editor.

  8. Click "Adjust"

  9. Drag the slider bar to adjust the brightness.

  10. Click "Rotate".

  11. Rotate left or right.

  12. Once you are finished, click the blue "Save" button in the bottom right.


How to Add Text to an Image

Let's explore how we can enhance your photos by adding some text! In this section, we'll guide you step-by-step through the process of incorporating text into your images.

  1. Open the inspection on the app.

  2. Click "Start" on the report.

  3. Open the section.

  4. Open the item.

  5. Select the comment.

  6. Add your photo using any of the photo options.

  7. Click on the image you want to edit.

  8. Hit the "Text" button from the bottom menu.

  9. Enter your text.

  10. Click "Done"

  11. Click on the text to move, resize, or edit the color.

  12. Once you are finished, click the blue "Save" button in the bottom right.


How to Delete a Previous Annotation

Is there a previous shape or annotation that you need to remove? No problem, this section is here to guide you through the process of undoing those previous edits.

  1. Locate the comment that has the annotated photo.

  2. Click the photo in the comment editor.

  3. Tap on the shape.

  4. Click the trashcan icon.


How to Rotate a Shape in the Annotator

If you need to rotate a shape added to your photo, whether it was previously added or newly added, this section will show you how.

  1. Click into the photo with the shape (or add the shape with the "Draw" option).

  2. Click on the shape to select it. The shape has to be selected in order to rotate it.

  3. Click on the circle outside of the shape then hold and move to rotate the shape.

  4. Once you are finished, click the blue "Save" button in the bottom right.

✨ Where you want to click and hold to rotate the shape:

Rotating Shapes in the Annotator 2025-11-07 at 9.41.39 AM


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I have the annotation options show up after I take the photo?

    • Yes! You can turn on auto-annotate within your app settings. This article will walk you through how to turn this option on.

  • Can I save my annotated images?

    • Of course! You can save these images to your device by enabling the setting "Save Annotated Images". You can find more details on how to do this in this article.

  • Do the annotations move when the photo is rotated?

    • No. The annotations will be removed if the photo is rotated.

  • Can I duplicate my annotations?

    • Yes! Select the annotation then click the double square icon to duplicate or copy the annotation.

  • My app used to take me right to the annotation screen, but it's not doing it anymore. How do I fix this?

    • You may just need to turn 'auto-annotate' back on in your app settings!

      • Tap the 3 lines in the top left corner of your app

      • Tap 'Settings'

      • Locate 'Auto-Annotate'

      • Select when you would like the auto-annotate to work (deficiencies only or on all comment photos)



If you have any questions or feedback, write into our chat bubble or email support@spectora.com!

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