Canvas allows you to add annotations to PDF files for assignment submissions. Available annotations include highlight, underline, squiggly, strikeout, free text, and drawing.
The images in this lesson are shown for a phone display, but unless otherwise noted, tablet displays mirror the same steps.
Notes:
- If enabled in the browser version of Canvas, you will see celebration animations when you submit an on-time assignment in the Student app.
- If you need to edit your PDF annotations, tap the file link in the assignment description and submit the assignment again.
- PDF annotations are automatically saved.
Open Course
On the Dashboard, tap the name of the course you'd like to view.
Open Assignments
Tap the Assignments link.
Note: You may have to swipe your screen to view the Assignments link.
Open Assignment
Tap the assignment you want to open.
Open Link
Tap the file link in the assignment's Description field.
Edit PDF
Tap the Edit icon.
View Toolbar
Use the toolbar to select your annotation tools.
To add highlight, underline, squiggle, or strikethrough text annotations, tap the Text Formatting icon [1].
To type text or add a comment, tap the Free Text icon [2].
To add color annotations, tap the Pen icon [3].
To highlight text, tap the Highlight icon [4].
To free-draw shape annotations, tap the Drawing icon [5].
To erase changes, tap the Eraser icon [6].
To draw arrows, lines, or shape annotations, tap the Line icon [7].
To add a link as an annotation, tap the Link icon [8].
To undo or redo an annotation, tap the Arrow icons [9].
To close the toolbar, tap the Close icon [10].
To move the toolbar, tap and hold the drag handle [11], and move it to the new location. The toolbar can be relocated to either side of the screen.
Use Text Annotation Tool
To view the text annotation options, tap and hold the Text Formatting icon [1].
The Text Format option allows you to highlight [2], underline [3], squiggle [4], and strikethrough [5] text.
Change Text Annotation Color
To change the text annotation tool color, tap the color icon [1], then tap to select a color [2]. To dismiss the menu and add annotations, swipe down on the menu [3].
Use Free Text Annotation Tool
To view the text annotation options, tap and hold the Free Text icon [1]. You can select to add text [2] or add comments [3].
Select Free Text Formatting
To format your text annotations, tap the color icon [1]. You can preview your formatting options in the Sample field [2]. You can adjust the font size [3] and color [4]. To dismiss the options and add annotations, swipe down on the menu [5].
Use Pen Annotation Tool
You can draw thin lines, bold lines, and shapes. Tap the Pen icon.
Select Pen Formatting
To format your pen annotations, tap the color icon [1]. You can preview your formatting options in the Sample field [2]. You can adjust the pen thickness [3] and color [4]. For more color options, tap the Color menu [5].
To dismiss the options and add annotations, swipe down on the menu [6].
Use Highlight Annotation Tool
You can highlight text. Tap the Highlight icon.
Select Highlight Formatting
To format your highlight annotations, tap the color icon [1]. You can preview your formatting options in the Sample field [2]. You can adjust the highlight thickness [3] and color [4]. For more color options, tap the Color menu [5].
To dismiss the options and add annotations, swipe down on the menu [6].
Use Free-Draw Annotation Tool
You can free-draw lines and shapes. Tap the Free-Draw icon.
Select Free-Draw Formatting
To format your free-draw annotations, tap the color icon [1]. You can preview your formatting options in the Sample field [2]. You can adjust the free-draw thickness [3] and color [4]. For more color options, tap the Color menu [5].
To dismiss the options and add annotations, swipe down on the menu [6].
Use Line Annotation Tool
To view the line annotation options, tap and hold the Line icon [1]. You can draw arrows [2], lines [3], and shapes [4].
Select Line Formatting
To format your line annotations, tap the color icon [1]. You can preview your formatting options in the Sample field [2]. You can adjust the line thickness [3] and color [4]. For more color options, tap the Color menu [5].
To dismiss the options and add annotations, swipe down on the menu [6].
Use Link Annotation Tool
You can add links as annotations. Tap the Link icon [1]. Then tap and drag to select the area where you wish to add your link [2].
Create Links
To link the selected area to another page in the same document, tap the Link to Page option [1]. Enter a page number [2] or tap to select a page [3].
To add a website link to the selected area, tap the Link to Website option [4]. Enter a URL in the Website Address field [5]. Preview your content in the Website Preview window [6].
Close Annotations
When you are finished adding annotations, tap the Close icon [1] or tap the Edit icon [2].
Open Share Menu
Tap the Share icon [1] and then tap the Student button [2].
Add Submission Comments
Type your assignment comments in the Comments field.
Submit Assignment
Tap the Submit link.