An annotation is a special user-defined column which can be added to listings for the purpose of recording observations. It functions as an additional field to the data, although it is saved separately. A reviewer could use the Annotation feature to add a subjective assessment; for example, reviewing subjects for risk level of remaining in the trial. A listing can have up to 3 annotation columns and annotations can be added to any listing – Subjects, Queries, Issues, and any domain data or listing data created from the Mapper module. 

Each annotation column takes one value per record. Because there can be up to 3 annotation columns per listing, multiple reviewers could each add their own annotation in their own column. 

Note: If a user overwrites the entry in an annotation column, only the most recent entry is saved.

Once an annotation column is added, the column and its data are visible to all Data Central users, and any Data Central user can add data to the column.  

Add an Annotation Column

1. Click on the Configure icon in a listing. The domain Settings window opens.
2. In the domain Settings window, click on the Annotations tab.
   
   
3. Click the Add Annotation icon (the plus sign) at the top right. A new row is added. A maximum of 3 annotation columns can be added.
4. Field Name: Enter the annotation column name in the Field Name field.
5. Tooltip: Enter a tooltip that will display when a user hovers over the column name.
6. Field Type: Select the field type from the drop-down, Text, Yes/No, Date, Number, Pick List - Custom, or Pick List - SQL. The field type cannot be changed after data is entered into an annotation column.
   1. If Pick List - Custom or Pick List - SQL are selected, click the Pencil icon.
      1. If Pick List - Custom was selected, enter the first Option Name.
      2. Click the Plus Sign to add another row and continue adding Option Names. The entered Option Names will appear in the drop-down menu for the user to select from.
         
      3. Click Okay to close the Edit Custom Annotation Options window.
   2. If Pick List - SQL was selected, enter the SQL statement that will populate the picklist with a dynamic set of values. 
      1. Use the Add Token link to add the schema to the SQL statement from a list of Data Stores and Staging Areas.
         Example of a SQL statement that will provide the user a drop-down menu to select from a list of Medical History terms.
      2. Click Save to close the Edit SQL Condition window.
7. Click Save (bottom right corner).

Edit an Annotation Column

1. In the domain Settings window, click on the Annotations tab.
2. In the row of the annotation column, update the Field Name and / or tooltip. Field Type cannot be changed once the annotation column has data.
3. Click Save.

Delete an Annotation Column

1. In the domain Settings window, click on the Annotations tab.
2. Click the Delete icon in the row you wish to delete.
   1. If there are no data already entered in the annotated column, a confirmation message displays.
   2. If a user is deleting a column in view that is currently populated with data, a Delete Annotation window opens with a question whether you want to delete the annotation column with data. Click Yes to delete the column, or cancel to leave the column in the listing.  A confirmation message displays.
   3. If a user is deleting a column not currently in view, and the column is populated with data, a message displays stating that column cannot be deleted. Click the x in the top right to close the message.
3. Click Save (bottom right corner).