Add a Sketch or Annotation Field

FastField lets users draw on top of an image you supply, so they can mark damage, circle a location on a site map, or sketch a layout. This article covers how to set that up in the Form Builder.

How annotation works

The Embedded Photo field shows a fixed image on the form. Users can't change the image, but when you turn on annotation, they can draw on top of it.

The image you upload becomes the drawing surface. What you choose shapes what users can record:

Graph paper suits measurements and rough layouts
A site map or floor plan lets users mark a specific location
An equipment diagram lets users point at the part that failed

The user's drawing is saved with the submission, so the marked-up image stays with the data and appears in reports.

Add an annotation field

In the Form Builder, select Add Fields in the side bar.
Under Multimedia, select Embedded Photo. You can also drag it onto the canvas where you want it.

*The Add Fields tab with Embedded Photo selected under Multimedia*

In Field Settings, on the General tab, select Upload Photo and choose your image.
Turn on Allow Annotation.
In Quality, choose how the saved image is compressed. Choose PNG for line drawings and diagrams, where crisp edges matter.
Optionally, set Max Height (px) and Max Width (px) to limit how large the image appears on the form.
Select Save Draft, then Publish.

*Embedded Photo field settings with the image, Re-Upload, Quality set to PNG, Allow Annotation turned on, and Max Height and Max Width*

After you upload an image, use Re-Upload to replace it, View to open it, or Delete to remove it.

What users see in the app

The image appears on the form in the FastField mobile app. Users tap the image to open the drawing surface, sketch on it, and save. Their marks are stored with the submission.

*The form preview showing the embedded image that users tap to draw on*

Tip
Users don't always realize an image can be tapped. Add a Static Text field before it with a short instruction, such as Tap the diagram to mark the damaged panel.

Turn on annotation with the Assistant

You can also ask the Assistant to add an Embedded Photo field or turn on annotation.

Select Assistant in the side bar.
Describe what you want, for example Turn on Allow Annotation for the Site Map field or Add an Embedded Photo field called Damage Diagram that allows annotation.
Send the message.

The Assistant can't upload the image. Select Upload Photo in Field Settings to add it.