Image Tool

Insert images and photos into your PDF drawings for reference and documentation.

Introduction

The Image Tool allows you to insert images directly into a PDF for clearer visual communication in Deta Studio. It is useful for adding reference images, renderings, diagrams, or other visual materials without modifying the original document content.

In addition, the workspace includes an endless canvas, allowing images to be placed outside the PDF page area as a side reference when needed.

Step 1: Open the Image Tool

Locate the Image Tool, represented by an image icon, in the toolbar on the left side of the screen.

Click the icon to activate the tool.

Short cut: I

After selecting the Image Tool:

  1. Click where you would like to place the image first on the canvas.
  2. Choose a JPG or PNG file from your device.
  3. The image will be inserted directly into the PDF workspace.

How to Use

Inserting an Image

  1. Select the Image Tool from the toolbar
  2. Click where you want to place the image
  3. Choose image from your device:
    • Browse files
    • Drag and drop
    • Paste from clipboard
  4. Image appears at clicked location

Supported Formats

Compatible image types:

  • JPEG/JPG - Photos and compressed images
  • PNG - Transparent images and screenshots
  • GIF - Animated or static images
  • WebP - Modern web format
  • SVG - Vector graphics (limited support)

Image Properties

Adjust image appearance:

  • Size - Width and height
  • Opacity - Transparency (0-100%)
  • Rotation - Angle in degrees
  • Border - Optional outline
  • Shadow - Drop shadow effect

Positioning Images

Placing Images

Position images precisely:

  1. Click to place at specific location
  2. Or drag and drop onto drawing
  3. Resize using corner handles
  4. Rotate using rotation handle

Resizing Images

Adjust image size:

  • Drag corner handles to resize
  • Hold Shift to maintain aspect ratio
  • Hold Alt to resize from center
  • Enter exact dimensions in properties

Rotating Images

Orient images correctly:

  • Drag rotation handle
  • Enter specific angle
  • Rotate 90° increments
  • Flip horizontal or vertical

Tips & Shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts:

  • I - Activate Image Tool
  • Ctrl/Cmd+V - Paste image from clipboard
  • Delete - Remove selected image
  • Ctrl/Cmd+D - Duplicate image

Best Practices:

  • Compress large images before uploading
  • Use appropriate resolution (150-300 DPI)
  • Name images descriptively
  • Organize images in folders
  • Link images to related markups

Quick Actions:

  • Drag and drop images directly onto canvas
  • Paste screenshots with Ctrl/Cmd+V
  • Double-click image to edit properties
  • Right-click for context menu

Image Management

Organizing Images

Keep images organized:

  • Group related images
  • Use layers for different image types
  • Name images clearly
  • Tag images by category
  • Link to specific drawing areas

Image Library

Reuse common images:

  1. Save frequently used images to library
  2. Access from image panel
  3. Drag onto drawing as needed
  4. Update library images globally

Linking Images

Connect images to markups:

  • Link to comments
  • Reference in annotations
  • Associate with specific areas
  • Create image galleries

Common Uses

Site Photos

Document existing conditions:

  • Take photos on site
  • Upload to drawing
  • Position at relevant location
  • Add annotations and comments

Reference Images

Show examples and details:

  • Product photos
  • Detail examples
  • Material samples
  • Finish references

Before/After Comparisons

Show changes:

  • Place before image
  • Overlay after image
  • Adjust opacity to compare
  • Annotate differences

Detail Callouts

Illustrate complex details:

  • Insert detail photo
  • Add dimension lines
  • Include notes
  • Link to specification

Image Editing

Basic Adjustments

Modify images:

  • Crop - Trim unwanted areas
  • Opacity - Make semi-transparent
  • Brightness - Adjust lightness
  • Contrast - Enhance visibility
  • Rotate - Orient correctly

Annotations on Images

Mark up images:

  • Draw on images with freehand tool
  • Add arrows and callouts
  • Highlight areas
  • Add text labels

Performance Optimization

File Size Management

Keep drawings performant:

  • Compress images before upload
  • Use appropriate resolution
  • Convert large files to JPEG
  • Remove unused images
  • Optimize for web

Image size guidelines:

  • Site Photos - 1-2 MB max
  • Detail Images - 500 KB max
  • Icons/Logos - 100 KB max
  • Thumbnails - 50 KB max

Exporting with Images

Export Options

Include images in exports:

  • Embedded - Images included in PDF
  • Linked - References to image files
  • Flattened - Images merged with drawing
  • Separate - Images as separate files

Prepare for printing:

  • Use high resolution (300 DPI)
  • Ensure images are embedded
  • Check color mode (RGB vs CMYK)
  • Verify image placement

Troubleshooting

Image not uploading?

  • Check file size (max 25 MB)
  • Verify file format is supported
  • Ensure stable internet connection
  • Try compressing image first

Image appears pixelated?

  • Use higher resolution image
  • Don't scale up small images
  • Check original image quality
  • Re-upload at correct size

Image won't resize?

  • Check if image is locked
  • Verify you have edit permissions
  • Try selecting with Select Tool
  • Ensure handles are visible

Image loading slowly?

  • Compress image file
  • Check internet speed
  • Reduce image resolution
  • Clear browser cache