The Importance of Annotation Tools and How to Use Them

The art of annotation is important to all forms of research, but in the world of financial markets, it is essential. Annotations help you remember key levels, important thought processes, and also quickly convey ideas to followers, friends, and colleagues. It's how you write and share notes directly on the chart.

In this post, we want to highlight the annotation tools available to all TradingView members. Each tool was created to help traders and investors with their research. Remember annotations on TradingView travel anywhere - notes can be read on your mobile device or desktop computer. As long as you save your chart, and have an Internet connection, your chart annotations are accessible around the world.

To get started, head to the Annotation tab located on the left-side toolbar of the chart. Look for the "T" icon where you normally find the Text tool. When you open the Annotations tab you will see the following tools available to you:

Text: Keep notes, share ideas, and write your analysis directly on the chart. Save text notes and take them anywhere.
Anchored Text: This is how you anchor text to a specific point on the chart. It will follow the point as you zoom in or out and move around the chart.
Note: Place a note on the chart and hover over it to see the text. Use the Note tool place text that is only visible when the mouse hovers over it. This is tool is great for writing quick ideas and not clogging up the chart.
Anchored Note: This is how you anchor a note to the chart.
Callout: Create a text box that points to a specific point. The text box can extended or pulled further away from the point by clicking and dragging. You can also adjust the color and font size so that the Callout is easy to see.
Balloon: The text balloon reads like a comic book text bubble. Both the Callout and Balloon are great for placing text that points to specific areas and stands out.
Price Label: The price label is a perfect way to highlight a specific price. The Price Label shows the exact price and can be dragged or dropped anywhere on the chart.
Arrow Marker: The arrow marker is a dynamic arrow used to point out events, reminders or big price moves. Adjust its size and direction by clicking and dragging the mouse. The color of the arrow can also be changed.
Arrow Left: Place an arrow pointing to the left. The arrow is easy to place, just click to drop it on the chart. Its color can be changed and the other arrow directions are list below.
Arrow Right: Place an arrow pointing to the right.
Arrow Up: Place an arrow pointing up.
Arrow Down: Place an arrow pointing down.
Flag Mark: The flag mark is a convenient way to add flags to your chart. This tool can be used to point out important levels or targets. The color of the flag can be changed as well.

We hope this post helps you get started with each annotation tool. While many of you are already familiar with the popular annotation tools Text and Arrow Marker, there are several more to try. Go ahead and test them out. We're excited to hear your thoughts and, more importantly, we hope it improves your process.

If you have any questions, please write them in the comment section below. Additionally, if you have ideas for other annotation tools, please also share that in the comments as well. We just may build it for you!

Thanks for reading. 💙