# Create annotations

Annotations let you highlight and comment on specific parts of a document, file, or meeting agenda. Annotations are **private** — only you can see them — and they are automatically linked to the corresponding note for that context.

## Annotate a file

You can annotate any file that can be previewed in Hippoly — including PDFs, Word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. The preview is rendered as a PDF, so the annotation experience is the same regardless of the original file format.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Open the file preview by clicking on the file.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select the text or area you want to annotate by clicking and dragging on the page.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
The highlighted area is saved as an annotation. You can optionally add a comment to describe your thought or question.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

The annotation appears as a highlight on the preview and is also added to your private note for the file.

## Annotate a Hippoly Doc

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Open the document in the Hippoly Docs editor.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select the text you want to annotate.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the `Annotate` button that appears. The selected text is marked with a highlight.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

The annotation is added to your private note for the document, where you can find all your annotations in one place.

## Annotate a meeting agenda item

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Open the meeting and go to the agenda.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the annotate action on the agenda item you want to comment on.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Add your comment or note. The annotation is linked to the specific agenda item and also appears in your private meeting note.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## View your annotations

Annotations are displayed in two places:

* **On the source** — as highlights on PDF pages, marked text in documents, or indicators on agenda items.
* **In your note** — as quoted blocks showing the source and your comment. Clicking an annotation in your note takes you back to the source location.

{% hint style="info" %}
Annotations are **completely private**. No other user can see your annotations, regardless of their role in the workspace.
{% endhint %}


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