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Construction Photo Documentation: Mark Up Job Site Photos Like a Pro

Construction photo documentation means capturing job site work with images—before, during, and after—so you have a visual record. The canvas markup tool takes it further: draw on photos, highlight issues, show exactly what needs to be done. All from your phone or tablet.

What You Can Do with the Canvas Tool

Freehand Drawing

Draw directly on job site photos:

  • Freehand lines and shapes with your finger or stylus
  • Arrows to point out areas that need attention
  • Circle or highlight problems with colored drawing
  • Text annotations for explanations
  • Multiple colors for different markup types

Simple and Effective

Designed for speed on the job site:

  • Works with your finger—no stylus required
  • Undo mistakes instantly
  • Quick color selection
  • Marked-up photos save to your project automatically

How It Helps Contractors

The canvas tool solves common communication problems:

  • Show, don't tell: Draw on the photo instead of describing in text
  • Clarity: Point out exactly what needs attention with arrows and highlights
  • Documentation: Clear visual records for disputes and inspections
  • Efficiency: Less back-and-forth—show exactly what you mean

Real-World Use Cases

  1. Change orders: Mark exactly what needs to be changed
  2. Quality control: Highlight defects that need correction
  3. Progress tracking: Show completed work and next steps
  4. Client communication: Visual explanations clients understand
  5. Team coordination: Your crew knows exactly what to do
  6. Installation instructions: Show where things should go

Tips for Effective Photo Markup

  • Use different colors: Red for problems, green for completed work, yellow for questions
  • Add text notes: Combine drawings with written explanations
  • Take before/after photos: Document changes over time
  • Be specific: Use arrows to point to exact locations
  • Keep it simple: Clear markups beat complex diagrams

Getting Started

Download FORMA from the App Store. The canvas tool is in all plans—open any project photo, tap the canvas icon, start marking up. Photos save automatically.

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Try FORMA

Download from the App Store. Free plan, no credit card. See features, pricing, or more guides below.