: How to add hidden notes to developers within designs mockups? At a high level, I will be managing a web design team that will be working with onsite developers on a large ASP.NET project developing

@Gretchen549

We used to pass notes in PSD, PDF or Word, but it was rather cumbersome, so we ended up building our own online job spec system. This is what our markup system generates as project documentation, for passing markup notes between designers and developers - www.oss-usa.com/TSAS_sample/
We define front end user experience and CMS functionality, so that everyone is clear on requirements; everything above mark up is basically an online form that contains all relevant information about the project. Markup areas are done by uploading a screenshot or JPEG from PSD and dragging a rectangle around it.

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@Debbie163

You don't specify what's the file format of the proof/mockup.

PDF

But one good way to add notes is to use a PDF and add "comments" with Adobe Acrobat Pro. You can point out exactly on the page where the change needs to be done and add a sticky note with instructions. It doesn't clutter the layout because you can choose to show the comments/review on a separate panel or within the page.

What is useful is you can print the comments/review on separate sheets if you need to have a printed copy.

There's also a little checkbox for each comment and you can keep track of what was done or not, and even add questions; it keeps the name of the user for each comment.

You can also draw shapes, lines, circles, etc.





Some info about it:
msedits.co.uk/comments-and-other-pdf-mark-up/
Images

DropBox also has a comment system online but it can be confusing to work on many versions. It's not super precise.



Finally, there's also HightailSpaces that can be convenient for this. It works a bit like the commentson a PDF but you can use JPG or image files as well, and keep track of the revisions and versions.



Here's a question with details about HightailSpaces:

I have to get a large number of photos approved for my project. Is there an online tool or platform that can help me with this?



You can also look online for designer tool to approve proofs, there's a few available.

I guess it would be easier for designers to have a screenshot of the website/UI if you need to add notes, and use one of the option above or similar.

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