Annotating Documents in DocReviewPad

DocReviewPad keeps two kinds of tools on one palette: Annotation tools for trial-ready work, and Markup for personal and internal notes.

The Annotation Tools Palette

The palette includes Highlight, Pen, Redact, Note, Markup, Lock, Undo, and Clear. Tool settings such as color, width, and style open in a popup over the palette, so the document stays in view.

By default, annotation tools turn off after one use. You can keep the selected tool active until you choose another one.

How to Keep Annotation Tools Active

1. On the Case Selection screen, tap Settings.

2. In User Preferences, turn on Lock Annotation Tools.

Annotation Tools (Trial-Ready)

Use these tools on documents you’ll share with colleagues, experts, or opposing counsel.

Highlight Tool (Yellow, Lime, Cyan, Magenta)

Emphasize critical testimony, medical findings, or insurance language.
Example: In a personal injury case, you might highlight important treatment dates.

Pen Tool (Red, Blue, Green, Black)

Underline or circle key phrases directly on the document.
Example: Draw attention to a surgeon’s operative note indicating a deviation from standard care.

Redactions (Black, White)

Permanently remove sensitive content. Redactions are irreversible once exported.
Example: Redact patient identifiers and social security numbers.

Notes

Typed sticky notes that mark an important area of a document and can be exported and shared with co-counsel or clients.

Documents with notes show a speech bubble icon in the Document List, so you can spot them at a glance.
Example: Summarize why a particular paragraph in a contract is unenforceable.

Markups (Personal Notes)

Markups are ideal for drafting internal arguments, hypotheses, or highlighting inconsistencies in witness statements.

Use an Apple Pencil, a stylus, or your finger to draw freely, but use the eraser before you switch pages!

For more information on using Markup Tool, please review Using the Markup Tool in DocReviewPad in our Help Center.

Removing Annotations

Use these controls, found at the bottom of the annotation palette, to manage your tools and markup.

Undo: Remove the last annotation. If you're using a keyboard, press Command–Z to undo annotations one at a time.

Clear: Remove all annotations from the current page at once. You will be able to select which type of annotations you want to clear.

Positioning the Palette

Choose where the palette sits so it works with how you review. Floating Palette places the palette over the document. Top Anchored and Side Anchored dock it to an edge and resize the document so nothing is covered. Turn on Remember Placement to keep your choice.

How to Change Palette Placement

Pick the placement that fits your screen.

1. Tap Annotations above the preview panel.

2. Choose Floating Palette, Top Anchored, or Side Anchored.

3. To keep this placement, turn on Remember Placement.

How to Move the Palette

You can drag the palette anywhere along the screen edges.

1. Drag the palette toward any edge of the screen.
2. Release it. The palette docks to the nearest free edge automatically and stays clear of the Ghost Bates panel.

Hiding Unselected Tools

Turn on Hide Unselected Tools to keep the palette compact and show only the tool you’re using.

How to Hide Unselected Tools

You can turn this on from a case file or from Settings.

• In a case file, tap Annotations above the preview panel, then turn on Hide Unselected Tools.
• Or, on the Case Selection screen, tap Settings, then turn on Hide Unselected Tools in User Preferences.