Cloud Tool

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Cloud Tool


 

Editor-Icon Cloud Tool

 


 

Click Cloud Tool to add interactive cloud annotations to documents:

 

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Figure 1. Tools Tab Submenu. Cloud Tool

 

When the Cloud Tool is selected, the pointer is with a crosshairs icon. Click to designate the starting point of the annotation. Drag the crosshairs to the location at which the first line is to be made. Click again to define the first line of the annotation. Repeat the process until the desired shape is complete and then double-click to define the final point:

 

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Figure 2. Cloud Tool Example

 

The upper cloud annotation has just been placed, which means editing options are enabled:

 

Click and drag the outer control points to resize cloud annotations.

Click and drag the inner control points to reposition them.

Click and drag cloud annotations to reposition them. The circle at the center can also be used for this purpose.

Click and drag the green control point at the top to rotate cloud annotations. Hold down Shift to rotate at increments of fifteen degrees.

Use the arrow keys to reposition cloud annotations. Hold down Shift to move at an increased increment.

Use the editing aids detailed here to assist in the precise placement of cloud annotations.

Right-click cloud annotations for further options. See here for an explanation of these options.

When the Cloud Tool is selected, the following options are enabled in the Properties Toolbar:

Fill Color determines the fill color of cloud annotations.

Stroke Color determines the color of cloud annotation borders.

Border Style determines the style of cloud annotation borders.

Border Width determines the width of cloud annotation borders.

Opacity determines the level of transparency in cloud annotations.

Blend Mode determines how cloud annotations blend with underlying content. These options are explained here.

Keep Selected determines whether or not the Cloud Tool remains selected after a cloud annotation has been created. If this option is enabled then the tool will remain selected and can be used to create several cloud annotations consecutively. If this option is not enabled then PDF-XChange Editor will revert to the designated default tool immediately after creating a cloud annotation.

Exclusive Mode simplifies the process of using the Cloud Tool. When Exclusive Mode is enabled, the pointer ignores all interactive elements of documents other than base content. This makes it possible to create cloud annotations on areas that overlap with other content without the risk of accidentally selecting undesired items. When Exclusive Mode is disabled, the pointer recognizes and interacts with all underlying elements in the usual manner.

Click Properties to view/edit the Cloud Tool Properties pane. See here for information on tool and comment properties.

Note that several default styles are available for cloud annotations, as detailed in (figure 1). Click to select alternative annotation styles. The Comment Styles Palette can be used to save customized cloud annotation styles for subsequent use. Right-click the Cloud icon in the Comment Toolbar to view existing styles and/or access the Comment Styles Palette.

The Commenting section of the Preferences dialog box can be used to view/edit preferences for comments.