When viewing a model in CoLab, you can add markups to the model using CoLab's markup tools. You can save your markups as feedback and assign the feedback to another CoLab user. You can also communicate about the feedback in real-time, with all history tracked under the feedback. For more details on managing feedback, check out our "Introduction to feedback" article.
How to use the 3D markup tools
Markup tools are found in the feedback toolbar at the top of the 3D viewer. As you hover over each option on the toolbar, the name of the viewer appears.
The first section of the toolbar contains options for creating feedback. As markup is attached to feedback, a feedback item must be created before markup options become available.
General feedback
You can create feedback that applies to the file in general, meaning it is not specific to a certain aspect of the model.
Pin tool
You can create feedback that applies to a specific part or aspect of the model by dropping a pin on the model.
Feedback type
This allows you to set the default type that will apply to the feedback you create.
Markup tools
Here’s an overview of each 3D markup tool.
Note: Once a markup tool is selected, the model will lock so that you can add the markup to the current model view.
Box select
You can select single markup by clicking on an object or click and drag on the canvas to select multiple objects. Once an object or multiple objects are selected you can click and drag those objects around the canvas. If a single object is selected, you can click on the anchors located on the corner of the object.
Pen
Allows you to make pen-like markups on or around the model. Click on the 'Pen' button to expand the toolbar with stroke colour and stroke width options.
3D highlight
This tool allows you to highlight parts of the model. When this tool is selected, a colour selector will appear.
Clicking on a part of the model, while the 3D highlight tool is active, will change the part's colour to the chosen highlight colour.
Highlight
Allows you to make highlights on or around the model. Click on the 'Highlight' button to expand the toolbar with the stroke colour button to change the colour of the stroke. Double clicking this tool will lock it, making it easily reusable.
Markup Shapes
Allow you to select a desired shape that is used to highlight an area and leave feedback on it. Click on the ‘Markup Shapes’ button to expand the toolbar with options to change the fill colour, shape colour and stroke width. Double clicking this tool will lock it, making it easily reusable.
Line
Allows you to draw lines and arrows on or around the model. Click on the 'Line' button and use the stroke color and stroke width buttons to modify the shape. Double clicking this tool will lock it, making it easily reusable.
GD&T
Allows you to add GD&T markup on or around the model. After selecting the 'GD&T' tool:
Select the desired fill colour, stroke colour, stroke width, and font size in the expanded toolbar.
Click anywhere on the model to pin the GD&T annotation. This will provide you with a symbols menu.
You can also select whether or not to show an arrow pointing to the exact location on the model.
Callout
This tool creates an arrow, associated text box and feedback window. Click on the 'Callout' tool to expand the toolbar with options to change the shape fill, line colour, text colour, shape line width and font size. Text entered in the text box will be auto-populated in the feedback title.
Text
Allows you to place text boxes on or around the model. Click on the 'Text' button and use the expanded toolbar options to change the text colour or size. Text entered in the text box will be auto-populated in the feedback title.
More options
The meatball menu at the end of the toolbar provides access to some feedback settings.
Undo/Redo: These buttons allow you to undo or redo the last markup you added.
Delete: Allows you to delete any activities from this toolbar.
⚠️ Deleted activities cannot be recovered.
Tool Lock: Toggling this on means you do not have to double-click a markup tool to lock it.
Hide card when panel open: If this is turned on, feedback cards on the model will be hidden when you open the feedback panel, on the right hand side of the viewer.