Adding Notes to Files
Leave context for our review team directly on any file you've uploaded.
Why Add Notes?
A note is a short message attached to a specific file. It's the best place to share information that will help the reviewer understand what they're looking at — especially anything that isn't obvious from the document itself.
- Which unit or household the file applies to, if it isn't in the filename
- Clarifications about a revised or corrected document
- Pointers to related files you're uploading together
- Known limitations ("page 3 is illegible, replacement requested")
- Specific questions you'd like the reviewer to answer
Notes vs. support tickets. Use notes for context tied to a specific file. For urgent questions or anything that isn't about one particular document, a support ticket is the better place.
Adding a Note
Find the File on the Dashboard
Sign in to the Client Dashboard and scroll to the Uploaded Files card. Use the Status filter, the Property filter, or the search box to locate the file you want to annotate. The Checking on Files tutorial covers these tools in detail.
The Uploaded Files card — use the search or filters to locate a file, then click More ▼.
Open the File Details Panel
In the file's Actions column, click More ▼. A slide-in panel opens from the right side of the screen with two tabs: File Details & Notes and Timeline.
Open the Note Editor
On the File Details & Notes tab, click Add Note (or Edit Note if one already exists). A small dialog opens with a text area for your note.
Heads up. Notes are meant for context, not urgent communication. Our reviewers read notes when they pick the file up, but they don't trigger alerts. If something needs immediate attention, open a support ticket.
Write a Clear, Useful Note
Keep your note short and specific. A good note tells the reviewer what this file is, what (if anything) is unusual about it, and what you need them to do.
Save the Note
Click Save. The dialog closes and the note is attached to the file — reviewers will see it when they open the file, and you'll see the saved text whenever you return to the File Details & Notes tab.
You can edit or remove the note later. Reopen the file and click Edit Note to make changes, or clear it if it's no longer relevant.
Writing Notes That Help
Be Specific
Mention page numbers, dates, or unit names so the reviewer can find what you're pointing to immediately.
Lead With the Most Important Point
Put the main takeaway in the first sentence. If there are several points, use a short list rather than a single paragraph.
Keep It Current
Edit the note when circumstances change, and clear it when it's no longer accurate. Stale notes are worse than no notes.
Skip the Sensitive Details
Don't paste SSNs, passwords, or other sensitive information into notes. Reference the document instead.
Troubleshooting
I don't see an Add Note option
Make sure you've opened the File Details panel (click More ▼ on the file's row) and that the File Details & Notes tab is selected. Read-only users can view notes but not edit them — if that applies to you, ask a Manager for the property to change your permission level.
My note didn't save
Reopen the File Details panel and check the Notes section — saved notes appear there. If your note isn't listed, try again with a shorter message. If the save button keeps failing, open a support ticket and we'll look into it.
The reviewer didn't address my note
Reviewers read notes as context but don't always reply to them directly. If a note contains a question or action you need a response to, follow up with a support ticket referencing the filename — that guarantees someone responds.