Support & FAQ
Answers to the questions we hear most. Can’t find what you need? We’re happy to help.
Need a hand? Email matt.james.schmidt@gmail.com and we’ll get back to you.
What is Annotate?
Annotate is a Chrome extension and web app for taking notes on the web. Highlight and note any page, summarize long articles, bookmark and organize what you save, and share your notes with the people you choose.
How do I install it?
Add it from the Chrome Web Store, then sign in with Google. See the install page for the link.
Is it free?
Yes. Annotate is free to use, with optional Pro features for heavier use (like unlimited AI sorts and summaries).
Do you track my browsing history?
No. Annotate never records a history of the pages you visit. When you open a page, the extension only asks whether you have saved annotations for that exact address, so it can redraw your highlights. See the Privacy Policy for the full detail.
Do my highlights stay when I come back to a page?
Yes. Your highlights are saved to your dashboard and redrawn on the page right where you left them.
What are smart folders?
Smart folders group your saved pages by topic automatically, alongside any folders you make yourself.
How do AI summaries work?
On an article, click summarize to get the key points, then save them to your library. Summaries are generated by AI.
How does sharing with people work?
You can follow people to see what they are annotating, and share your own notes and takes. Nothing you save is shared unless you choose to share it.
What is “ask a friend”?
If you hit a paywalled article you cannot read, you can ask a friend who subscribes for their notes on it, in their own words, with a link to subscribe.
How do I delete my account or data?
Open Settings in your dashboard and choose “Delete my account.” This removes your account and your annotations.
Which browsers are supported?
Annotate is a Chrome extension and works in Chrome. The web dashboard works in any modern browser.
Sign-in or extension not working?
Reload the extension at chrome://extensions and hard-refresh the page (⌘⇧R). If it still misbehaves, email us and we will help.