How to Annotate PDFs

To understand the basics of how to create, share and collaboratively annotate, it’s recommended to first check out

. Once you have the basics down, you can start annotating PDFs that are available via a URL or ones that are stored on your hard drive.

Annotating a URL-based PDF

To open a URL-based PDF in the annotation reader, you need to click on the Memex icon in the extension menu. Then, press the button "Open Memex PDF reader." This will open the PDF in the annotation reader, and you can start adding your annotations.

Annotating a local PDF

To open a local PDF, all you need to do is drag and drop the PDF into the dashboard to open it in the reader mode or in a new tab and follow the process above. The PDF will open in Reader mode, and you can start annotating it right away.

Annotating Screenshots/Rectangles

You can also annotate PDF illustrations and graphics.

Collaboratively Annotating PDFs

Did you know that you can also collaboratively annotate PDFs, even if they are stored on your local hard drive? It doesn't matter if you move the PDF around or send it via email. If the other person opens it with Memex, it will be identified as the same one and the highlights will appear.

One way to make this a smooth experience for you and your collaborator is to have a shared Google Drive/Dropbox folder that locally replicates the PDFs. This way, everyone just has to open them on their device and start annotating right away.