Executable Annotations introduce new options for customizing and interacting with annotations. This feature allows users to adjust the appearance and default behavior of annotations to better align with their specific workflows and project requirements.
What’s New
Change Default Annotation Icon
Users can modify the appearance of annotations by selecting from a set of preset icons or from the uploaded custom icons. Below are the steps on how to change annotation icons.
After creating or editing an annotation, click the “+” icon to access the annotation icons.
Choose one of the preset icons. The icon window will update to display your selected icon.
Optional: Select a color for your annotation. The preset icon will automatically adopt the color you choose.
Click the Update button to save all changes.
Dismiss the annotation pop-out by clicking the close button.
Default annotation icon updated.
Note: When the color of an annotation is changed, the color of the preset icon updates automatically as well. This behavior does not apply to the custom annotation icons. Custom icons uploaded by users will retain their original colors.
Pro tip: Click this link for a more interactive demo.
Upload Custom Icons
Users may also upload their own icons for use in annotations. This option supports consistency with project standards or internal team conventions. Custom icons retain their original colors and design, allowing for fully personalized annotation visuals. Here is how users can upload custom annotation icons:
In the Annotation pop-out menu, open the "+" icon to access the annotation icon option.
Click the "+" icon and browse the image/icon you want to upload.
Select the icon you uploaded from the Uploaded Icons section.
Click Update to apply all changes.
The annotation icon is now updated based on the uploaded image.
Set Default Actions
Users can specify what happens when an annotation is opened with a left-click.
Display Image – An annotation can be configured to automatically display a linked image for additional visual context. Follow the steps below to set an image as the default action.
To set default actions for annotations, ensure that the annotation template includes an image field.
Click the Actions tab to configure the default interaction behavior for the annotation.
Select the Image field to make it the default annotation display action.
Click Update to apply all changes.
Close the annotation pop-out, then reopen it to verify that the default action now opens the image.
A panel will open displaying the image set as the default action for the annotation.
Click on Open Annotation Details to see the default annotation pop-out.
To set a different action, repeat the same steps from the beginning. If you want the default action to display the annotation details, select Open annotation pop-out and click Update.
Pro tip: Click this link for a more interactive demo.
External Linked Content – It can also be configured to open an external webpage containing related documentation, reports, or data. Follow the steps below to set a link as the default action.
To set default actions for annotations, ensure that the annotation template includes a link field.
Click the Actions tab to configure the default interaction behavior for the annotation.
Select the Link field to make it the default annotation display action.
Click Update to apply all changes.
Close the annotation pop-out, then reopen it to verify that the default action now opens the link/webpage.
A mini browser will open displaying the webpage as the default action for the annotation.
Click on Open Annotation Details to see the default annotation pop-out. To set a different action, repeat the same steps from the beginning. If you want the default action to display the annotation details, select Open annotation pop-out and click Update.
Pro tip: Click this link for a more interactive demo.
Display Attachments – Users can configure the default action to display attachments linked to an annotation. When this option is selected, opening the annotation will immediately show all associated attachments in a panel, allowing users to review uploaded files without navigating through the annotation details. Here’s how to set attachments as default action.
To set default actions for annotations, ensure that the annotation template includes an attachment field.
Click the Actions tab to configure the default interaction behavior for the annotation.
Select the Attachment field to make it the default annotation display action.
Click Update to apply all changes.
Close the annotation pop-out, then reopen it to verify that the default action now opens the attachment.
A panel will open displaying the attachment as the default action for the annotation.
Click on Open Annotation Details to see the default annotation pop-out. To set a different action, repeat the same steps from the beginning. If you want the default action to display the annotation details, select Open annotation pop-out and click Update.
Pro tip: Click this link for a more interactive demo.
Adding Icons in Annotation Templates
When creating or editing an annotation template, users can set a default annotation icon for the template. Additionally, different icons can be assigned to each value in a dropdown field. Once a color is assigned to a specific value, the default icons will automatically adopt the assigned color. This provides greater flexibility in visually distinguishing annotation types and maintaining consistency across templates.
The following steps explain how to add icons to an existing annotation template.
To add icons for each dropdown field, go to Annotation Templates. Click the “+” button to assign a preset icon or upload a custom icon to represent each value.
Choose a preset icon from the list (or you can upload your own).
Set the icon for each values of the dropdown field.
Icons for each value are now set. Preset icons will automatically adopt the colors assigned to their corresponding values.
Define the default color and icon source.
Click Save Changes to apply your annotation template modifications.
Create or edit annotations using the Annotation Template we've edited earlier.
Annotation icons now visible on the 3D Scene.
Why It Matters
Executable Annotations provide greater control over how annotations are displayed and interacted with. This helps ensure that annotations serve both informational and functional purposes within the project context.
Sample Use Cases
Inspections – During visual inspections, annotations can be used to flag specific defects or findings, such as cracks, corrosion, or material degradation. Each annotation can display a distinct icon representing the issue category. Linked images can provide close-up views of the defect, while URLs can lead to detailed inspection reports or maintenance records for traceability.
Engineering and Design – In design review workflows, engineers can assign different icons to represent structural, electrical, or mechanical elements within a model. Annotations can link directly to related design drawings, specifications, or calculation sheets stored externally. This helps streamline design coordination and ensures that supporting documentation is easily accessible from within the visual environment.
Asset Management and Operations – For operations and maintenance teams, annotations can mark assets requiring attention, such as components due for servicing or inspection. Linking annotations to external task management tools or maintenance systems allows users to access work orders, manuals, or historical data with a single click, improving response times and record accuracy.
iOT Sensors - Live CCTV Monitoring – Annotations can be used to highlight and contextualize live CCTV footage. For example, an annotation can be linked to a live camera feed to provide real-time visual verification of a site condition or ongoing activity. This allows teams to quickly assess situations and make informed decisions without navigating away from the 3D Scene.
General Collaboration – Across project types, annotations can be used to direct team members to relevant information, images, or documents. Customized icons help maintain visual organization, while executable links make it easier for teams to collaborate on reviews or discussions without leaving the project interface.