The photo tool on desktop and on mobile is laggy and not user friendly. Inspectors need to be able to quickly place arrows or circles. The drawing tool has latency problems while using it. Maybe try a different technology for this? It seems like this problem has been solved many times before by other software.
complete
Janaya Fix - Product Management
complete
We're excited to announce significant upgrades to our Image Editing Experience! Following your feedback, we've streamlined the tool to offer faster editing speeds, a more intuitive user interface, and enhanced core functionalities like brightness and contrast adjustments. We've also made it easier to use markup tools such as arrows and circles, helping you annotate images more effectively.
NOTE: This update focuses exclusively on still images, with video annotation features coming soon. Stay tuned!
Janaya Fix - Product Management
Merged in a post:
Quicker photo process
n
nathanielwells
When adding a photo to a report in the field, there is way too many steps to add annotations to the photo. First you must take the photo, then tap the thumbnail, then tap on the photo you just took, then select sticker, then arrow, then size and rotate and move the arrow for instance, then choose color then save. I would like to take photo, immediately have the photo pop up to edit, swipe my finger from where the arrow starts to where it is pointing to, then have a choice of 5 colors at the bottom of the screen that correspond to what the issue is. If you don't want an arrow you can select a different object (or have that be an option in settings which is the default object). So instead of tapping something like 9 times to take and annotate a photo there are maybe 3 or 4 taps. Most photos are taken to capture and highlight a defect so it should be very quick to do.
Janaya Fix - Product Management
Janaya Fix - Product Management
Hi kkrieger - I have great news on this one. We are currently working on an enhancement to our photo management tools for the Report Writer. We did in fact look at the PT V9 editor and we see recognize that all the filters and fanciness of the product we bought, doesn't make up for the lack of easily being able to mark up your photo's. The work we are doing is going to make adding arrows, circles, and text annotations a world better. I will keep you up to date for when this will release but I am hopeful it will be soon!
Janaya Fix - Product Management
now
Thank you for the feedback. This is something that we are actively working on and should have some improvements out shortly.
ISN Product Management
Great to hear your perspective, Tom Deutsch! I have a few more questions for you:
- Can you provide specific examples of when the latency issues occur?
- Could you describe the features you would like to see in the photo tool?
- Are there any other software or tools that you believe handle this functionality well?
T
Tom Deutsch
ISN Product Management
Can you provide specific examples of when the latency issues occur?
The latency occurs when I am trying to draw an arrow or a circle or anything else. The resulting image is unable to keep up with the mouse movement.
Could you describe the features you would like to see in the photo tool?
For one, the images in the "sticker" tool aren't very useful - the arrow is too fat, for instance and can only be shrunk or enlarged. I would like the ability to stretch and shape the arrow and to place a circle that has a transparent center ... so that you can see what you're circling. :)
Are there any other software or tools that you believe handle this functionality well?
The one on your cell phone works pretty well. The apps that work without latency (trying to save while working) work best. This is why I say the technology you are employing may be the problem. The apps (including text fields on report writer) appears to be constantly reacting to save what is being entered.
Janaya Fix - Product Management
Thank you for posting, nathanielwells! I have a few more questions for you:
- Can you provide more details on the types of defects you typically highlight with the annotation tools?
- Are there other annotation tools besides arrows that you frequently use or would like to see improved?
- Would you find it useful to have pre-set annotation templates based on the type of defect you're documenting?
n
nathanielwells
Janaya Fix - Product Management: Many defects would get either an arrow or maybe a rectangle, circle or oval with an arrow pointing to that. If there are areas around a window missing caulk or exposed roofing nails, or flaking paint or chipped tile or evidence of water leaks or concrete cracks, or many other things, I would want to highlight in the photo what the issue is with some sort of object (usually an arrow). The annotation tools that I most commonly use are the ones mentioned above. These ones should not be hidden behind another button in my opinion but should be quickly accessible. There are many features in the editing tool that could be hidden in a menu of some sort, basically everyithing but the arrow, circle, etc and the text could be hidden away.
I would have to see an example of what you are talking about with pre-set annotation templates. Usually I just want to take a picture of a window sill and draw attention to the water damage on the sill. Just a circle or arrow suffices in most cases. I just want to be able to get to that tool as quickly as possible.
Janaya Fix - Product Management
nathanielwells: Thanks so much! I totally agree with you. We are working on overall improvements to the image editor. In the mean time, I would recommend just using the brush for circles or arrows. It is really easy to just use your mouse or your fingers (depending on the device) and draw a simple circle or arrow. That is how I do it at least. I will mark this request as part of our confirmed roadmap so that you can get updates as we make progress.