Image Annotation & PDF Generation Guide

Striae's annotation and PDF generation system allows forensic firearms examiners to create professional documentation of firearms comparison images. The system provides comprehensive annotation tools and generates high-quality PDF reports suitable for case notes and reporting

Key Features

  • Visual Annotation Tools: Add case/item numbers, class characteristics, index marks, support levels, boxes, and additional notes directly on images. See the Box Annotation Guide for detailed box annotation techniques.

  • Professional PDF Output: Generate casefile-ready, formatted notes with one click.

  • Flexible Annotation System: Turn annotations on/off to suit your documentation needs.

  • Smart Filename Generation: PDFs are automatically named based on case details.

  • Real-time Preview: See annotations appear as you work on your images.

Getting Started

Prerequisites

  • An active case loaded with at least one image.

  • An image selected and displayed in the viewer.

  • Basic annotation notes entered and saved.

Accessing the Annotation System

  1. Load a case from the Case Management panel.

  2. Upload or select an image within that case.

  3. Click Image Notes to enter annotation data.

  4. Use the annotation toolbar on the left of the image viewer to toggle annotation features.

Image Annotation Process

Step 1: Configure Basic Information

  • Click Image Notes sidebar.

  • Enter left and right case numbers and item numbers (e.g., "2025-001", "1A").

  • Choose a font color for visibility.

  • Click Save Notes.

Step 2: Set Class Characteristics

  • Select object type (Bullet, Cartridge Case, or custom).

  • Add descriptive class notes (e.g., "Land Impression").

  • Enable subclass warning if applicable (shows flashing alert).

Step 3: Configure Index System

  • Choose between Color Index (border around image) or Number/Letter Index (label above image).

  • Select index color or enter alphanumeric identifier.

Step 4: Set Support Level

  • Select conclusion type: Identification, Exclusion, or Inconclusive.

  • Identification auto-enables confirmation fields for review signatures and dates.

Step 5: Add Box Annotations (Optional)

  • Click the Box tool in the annotation toolbar to activate box drawing mode.

  • Select desired color from the color picker that appears.

  • Click and drag on the image to draw rectangular boxes highlighting areas of interest.

  • Resize or reposition boxes by clicking and dragging after creation.

  • For detailed instructions on using box annotations, see the Box Annotation Guide.

Step 6: Add Additional Notes (Optional)

  • Enter detailed observations or measurement info.

  • Notes can be included in the final PDF.

Annotation Tools Overview

  • Number - Show/hide case and item numbers

  • Class - Show/hide class characteristic information

  • Index - Show/hide index marks (color or number/letter)

  • ID - Show/hide support level conclusion

  • Box - Show/hide box annotations with custom colors

  • Notes - Show/hide additional notes section

  • Print - Generate PDF with current annotations

Details of Annotation Tools

Case Number Annotations

  • Display case/item numbers in image corners with selected font color and background for readability.

Class Characteristics

  • Show object type and class notes centered below the image.

  • Subclass warnings flash red twice every minute if enabled.

Index Marking System

  • Color Index: Adds a 5-pixel colored border around the image.

  • Number/Letter Index: Displays the identifier above the image.

Support Level Indicator

  • Displays your analytical conclusion below the image in color: green (Identification), red (Exclusion), yellow (Inconclusive).

Box Annotations

  • Draw colored rectangular boxes directly on the image to highlight specific areas of interest.

  • Select from multiple colors using the color selector when box tool is active.

  • Boxes can be resized and repositioned after creation by clicking and dragging.

  • All box annotations are preserved in the PDF output with the same colors and positions.

  • For comprehensive box annotation techniques and advanced features, refer to the Box Annotation Guide.

Additional Notes

  • Show detailed notes in formatted text with proper line breaks.

PDF Generation

Generating Your Report

  • Ensure all annotation data is entered and saved.

  • Show only desired annotations using the toolbar.

  • Click the Print icon to start PDF generation (15-60 seconds typical).

  • PDF downloads automatically with smart, case-based filename.

Behind the Scenes

  • Data collection gathers images, annotations, and metadata.

  • A professional layout is rendered in HTML and converted to PDF.

  • Filename formatting uses case info or timestamps, sanitized for compatibility.

PDF Content Structure

  • Header: Date and case number.

  • Main Image: Full-resolution image with annotations and index marks.

  • Annotation Info: Includes case/item numbers, class notes, support level, and additional notes.

  • Footer: “Notes formatted by Striae©” and last updated timestamp.

Advanced Features

  • Confirmation Field: Auto-enabled for Identification, adds signature/date box for peer review in PDF.

  • Color Index Border: 5-pixel border clearly marking indexed areas, shown on screen and PDF.

  • Subclass Warning: Flashing red alert for subclass marks, twice per minute.

  • Dynamic Display: Toggle annotation layers independently and preview final PDF look in real-time.

Troubleshooting

  • PDF generation failed: Load an image, check internet, retry later or refresh.

  • Cannot generate PDF—no image selected: Select an image before printing.

  • Annotations incorrect: Save notes, verify toolbar toggles, refresh data.

  • PDF download not starting: Enable downloads, disable pop-up blockers, try another browser.

  • Filename issues: Ensure all case info fields are complete and free of special characters.

Performance Optimization

  • Compress images under 10MB; prefer PNG for screenshots, JPEG for photos.

  • Close other tabs during PDF generation for better performance.

  • Use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for best compatibility and enable JavaScript, pop-ups, and automatic downloads.

Best Practices

Annotation Workflow

  • Plan documentation before starting.

  • Complete case info before annotating.

  • Use consistent indexing methods and colors.

  • Save notes frequently.

  • Preview annotations before generating PDF.

Professional Standards

  • Use accurate, standard terminology for class characteristics.

  • Document subclass warnings clearly.

  • Enable confirmation field for Identification conclusions.

  • Provide sufficient detail for peer review in all conclusions.

File Management

  • Use consistent file naming or Striae’s auto-generated names.

  • Organize reports by case and date.

  • Store PDFs securely with access controls and backups.

  • Maintain version control with dated PDFs and notes.

Quick Reference Workflow

  1. Load Case → Select Image → Click Image Notes

  2. Enter Case Info → Set Class Type → Configure Index

  3. Select Support Level → Add Notes → Save Notes

  4. Use Toolbar to enable annotations → Click Print → Download PDF

Need additional help? Don't hesitate to reach out to our support team. We're here to ensure you have secure and seamless access to Striae's features.

Updated on
Striae Case Management
Box Annotation System