Annotate PDF is a feature in Moodle that can be enabled and disabled for Moodle Assignment activities. It allows an instructor to add comments and highlights to a student’s submission digitally. To turn on Annotate PDF, edit the setting for a Moodle assignment activity, scroll down to Feedback types, and check Annotate PDF.
When the Annotate PDF feedback type is checked, the grading area for the assignment changes. When the instructor clicks “Grade,” they can view the student’s submission and make marks and corrections. Below is a breakdown of the Annotate PDF menu.
Below is a description of additional tools in Annotate PDF from left to right pictured above.
Page – The Page tool allows the instructor to select page numbers in the uploaded document.
Search Comments – The Search Comments tool allows the instructor to search all feedback comments written using the annotate PDF tool in the uploaded document.
Expand/Collapse Comments – The Expand/Collapse Comments tool allows the instructor too see all comments in the uploaded document or collapse them with one click.
Below is a description of the tools in Annotate PDF from left to right pictured above.
Rotate Document – The Rotate tool allows the instructor to rotate the uploaded document.
Comment – The Comment tool allows the instructor to comment on the uploaded document and change the comment color.
Drag – The Drag tool allows the instructor to drag the screen up and down while viewing the uploaded document.
Select – The Select tool allows the instructor to select an item/comment/stamp in the uploaded document and move it.
Below is a description of additional tools in Annotate PDF from left to right pictured above.
Pen – The Pen tool allows the instructor to draw freely on the uploaded document.
Line – The Line tool allows the instructor to draw a line on the student’s submission.
Square – The Square tool allows the instructor to draw a square outline over an area in the student’s submission.
Circle – The Circle tool allows the instructor to draw a circle outline over an area in the student’s submission.
Highlight – The Highlight tool allows the instructor to highlight an area in the student’s submission.
Ink Color – The color used for drawings and highlights.
Stamp and Stamp Type – Used to place a smiley face, sad face, red x or green check icon on the student’s submission.
When finished making changes, remember to Save the changes. The student will see their feedback
What Your Students See
Once students are no longer able to submit the assignment, they can view the feedback by clicking on the assignment. They can scroll down to the feedback area and click the “View Annotate PDF” link to view comments in Moodle or download the PDF.
Below is an example of what students see. The word is squared, one word is underlined, while a comment box with text appears to the side.
Last Updated: July 2020