Contractors keep interpreting our terse callouts differently and it creates site delays. Across recent projects, what …
Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
Click the Comment button in the toolbar to display the commenting tools.
Select the annotation tool you want to use, such as Note, Highlight, Text Box, or Draw.
Click on the PDF page where you want to add your comment or annotation.
Type your comment or draw your annotation as needed.
Click away from the annotation or press Escape to save your comment or annotation.
You can use multiple annotation types in one session, such as highlighting text and adding sticky notes for detailed feedback.
This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.
Callouts are better because they clearly point to a specific area or object in your document. This makes your question very clear to the person reading it. Typing text directly might not show exactly what you are asking about, which can cause confusion. Callouts ensure your feedback is precise and easy to understand for contractors.
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sticky Note | Adds a small icon that opens a text box for general comments, not pointing to a specific spot. |
| Callout | Adds a text box with a line that points directly to a specific part of the document for precise feedback. |
Not always by default. Comments are a separate layer. If you send the PDF without flattening or sanitizing it, the contractor will see them. However, if you use the 'Protect > Sanitize' option before sending, the comments will be removed, and they will not be visible. Always check your document before sharing to ensure only intended information is visible.