---
path: docs/annotations/drawing-annotations
title: "Drawing Annotations"
desc: "Draw markers, lines, polygons, and text directly on your map."
date: "Apr 2, 2026"
---

# Drawing Annotations

Annotations are hand-drawn features you add directly to the map canvas for context, markup, and storytelling.

## Annotation Tools

Access annotation tools from the toolbar or via keyboard shortcuts:

- **Marker** (`M`) — Drop a pin at any location.
- **Line** (`L`) — Draw a path by clicking waypoints. Press Enter to finish.
- **Polygon** (`P`) — Draw an enclosed area. Press Enter to close the shape.
- **Circle** (`C`) — Click the center, then drag to set the radius.
- **Rectangle** — Click and drag to draw a rectangle.
- **Text** (`T`) — Click to place a text label, then type.
- **Freehand** — Draw freeform lines with your cursor or finger.

## Editing Annotations

Click any annotation to select it. Drag vertices to reshape, drag the center to move, or use the rotation handle to spin it. The properties panel on the right lets you change colors, line widths, opacity, and text formatting.

## Annotation Properties

Each annotation can have:

- A **name** displayed as a label
- A **description** shown in the popup
- Custom **colors** for fill and stroke
- **Opacity** and **line width** controls
- An optional **image** or **link** in the popup

## Converting to Layers

If your annotations contain structured data you want to query or export, you can convert them to a proper editable layer. See [Converting Annotations to Layers](/docs/annotations/converting-annotations-to-layers).

## Next Steps

- [Styling & Grouping](/docs/annotations/styling-and-grouping) — Organize and style annotations.
- [Layers](/docs/layers/editing-layers) — Work with data layers.