Combine multiple annotations with the Selection tool

With the Selection tool, a page of full individual notes can quickly be joined into one annotation. This can be tremendously helpful if you want to Move, Copy/Paste, Delete, or Resize multiple related notes.



The Selection Tool also allows for two slightly different, but related tasks:

Group: Combines multiple types of annotations into one. (i.e., Text Boxes, Sticky Notes, Shapes, Arrows, Lines, Images, Stamps, and the free draw annotations of Marker and Freeform Highlight.)

Merge: Combines multiple free draw annotations into one. (Marker and Freeform Highlight only.)

TIP: You can now Tap (or click while holding Shift on Mac) to select annotations that are not directly next to each other. Turn on the Selection tool and tap (or click with shift) to select or deselect annotations.

Group

Here, we have a script page that includes multiple types of annotations. There is an Image (the set plan), a Text Box (the label), a green Sticky Note, and Free Draw annotations on the set plan.



To group this collection of annotations, tap the Selection tool on the Annotation Toolbar.

Then, with your finger or Apple Pencil, press + move over the area with the annotations you'd like to group. Or, with the Selection tool on, Tap (or click while holding Shift on Mac) the annotations you wish to select.

TIP: Need help finding the Selection Tool? Press + Hold on the Eraser to show the Selection Tool.



Once the annotations are selected, a pop-up bar will appear. Tap Group.



Now, all of your annotations will be treated as one!

Ungroup

Want to Ungroup? Tap the annotation again, and select Ungroup.

Merge

For the free draw ink tools - Marker and Freeform Highlight - Scriptation also allows you to merge your annotations into one permanently.

Here, we have a script page with a handful of Free Draw Notes.



To group this collection of annotations, tap the Selection tool. Then, with your finger or Apple Pencil, press + move over the area with the annotations you'd like to combine. Or, with the Selection tool on, Tap (or click while holding Shift on Mac) the annotations you wish to select.



Once the annotations are selected, a pop-up bar will appear. Tap Merge.

NOTE: Merging annotations can not be undone.



Now, all of the previously selected Free Draw annotations have been merged, and any style changes made within the Inspectorand the use of Copy/Paste, Save, and Deletewill treat these annotations as one combined object.

NOTE: We know of a bug with Scriptation for Mac, where the Selection tool may take a few tries to recognize multiple annotations on certain devices. Try to deselect, then reselect the Selection tool, and try again originating your click + drag from a different location on the screen.

What's Next?

Using the Style Palette
Inserting Photos and Images into your script
What are Saved Annotations, and how do I use them?

Updated on: 10/07/2024