Is There an Easier Way to Group Comments?

[PHK]

Premise: I am creating Comments in a document file. But I want to split those Comments into different groupings by assigning group names. For instance, let's say I have highlighted expenses on a bank statement but I want to bifurcate those Comments into two Subject groups: Taxable and Non-Taxable. But when I create a new highlight Comment, the default (whatever that might be) is entered into the Subject box of Properties. Therefore, I have to enter the appropriate text 'Taxable' or 'Non-Taxable' in the Subject box. Of course, I can alternatively paste the appropriate text in the Subject box. Then, those Comments are neatly and automatically grouped together under the respective Subjects.

The easier way I am looking for is to be able to select Comments and 'move' or drag them into those groupings as described above, thereby avoiding repetitive text entries in the Subject box. Does it exist?

[Paul - PDF-XChange]

Hi, PHK

settng something in common like the title is a good way. For something more arbitrary maybe wait for the "Group Comments" feature request? RT#6993: Feature Request :: Editor :: Grouping comments

It doesn't seem to be enjoying a high priority at the moment, so I added a note to the ticket that people are requesting it and we'll have to see how that pans out?

[PHK]

Many thanks, Paul. I don't know if I feel better that it is not something I overlooked or that it is up for development.

[Mathew]

For instance, let's say I have highlighted expenses on a bank statement but I want to bifurcate those Comments into two Subject groups: Taxable and Non-Taxable. But when I create a new highlight Comment, the default (whatever that might be) is entered into the Subject box of Properties. Therefore, I have to enter the appropriate text 'Taxable' or 'Non-Taxable' in the Subject box.

You can create a style in the comment styles palette, with subject kind "Custom" then enter the subject for that specific style:

image.png

image(2).png

Every time you use that style it sets the subject:

image(1).png

Is that what you're looking for?

[PHK]

Thanks, Mathew, but not exactly. The approach you describe, creating custom styles, is great and, in a way, half-way or more there. That is to say, it is useful to have the custom style in the palette and select that style as the first step of creating the object which is way better than nothing. In my example above, I could select the style, Taxable or Non-Taxable, as the first step and carry on as usual. Then I will get the automatic grouping. However, what I was thinking about in my original post was whether I could convert essentially a default-styled comment, including the subject text, ex poste facto to a different object style with the desired subject text.

Whilst the answer seems to be "no," your suggested methodology with a little self-discipline, selecting the custom style as a first step is probably the way to go. I just have to adjust my work habits.

[Mathew]

what I was thinking about in my original post was whether I could convert essentially a default-styled comment, including the subject text, ex poste facto to a different object style with the desired subject text.

It's difficult to change the type of annotation, but if all you want to do is change the properties of markups (such as the subject) a script like this would do that:

Code: Select all

// update the subject on selected annotations

setAnnotSubjects(this);

function setAnnotSubjects(doc) {
    const annots = doc.selectedAnnots;
    
    if (!annots.length) return console.println("Nothing selected.");
        
    let subject = app.response({
        cTitle: "Change Subject",
        cQuestion: "Enter the new subject for the " + annots.length + " selected markups:",
        cDefault: annots[0].subject,
    });
    
    if (null == subject) return console.println("Cancelled.");
    
    for (let ann of annots) {
        ann.subject = subject;
    }

}

The script could be extended to change other properties.

However, if "Apply comment-style" is selected under Preferences > Commenting

image.png

IMO it should also apply the subject set in the custom style. Currently, as you point out, it only changes the color, opacity, blend mode, etc.

[Mathew]

There's no need for a script to do that: Select all the markups that you want to change the subject, and type the new subject in the Properties pane:

image.png

But, yes, it still involves three steps: 1. select the markups 2. pick new predefined style 3. enter new subject

If "Apply comment-style" is selected under Preferences > Commenting
IMO it should also apply the subject set in the custom style. Currently, as you point out, it only changes the color, opacity, blend mode, etc.

[PHK]

There's no need for a script to do that: Select all the markups that you want to change the subject, and type the new subject in the Properties pane:
image.png

But, yes, it still involves three steps: 1. select the markups 2. pick new predefined style 3. enter new subject

If "Apply comment-style" is selected under Preferences > Commenting
IMO it should also apply the subject set in the custom style. Currently, as you point out, it only changes the color, opacity, blend mode, etc.

Yes, I was already doing something like that (copying the text from the target group and selectively pasting into the Subject boxes). But what I was really looking for was something even easier. I guess I've been spoiled by the way you can move Bookmarks around.

[Dimitar - PDF-XChange]