Initial setup checklist

While Annotatr works right out of the box, spending a few minutes on initial configuration will optimise your workflow and ensure your team gets the most value from the plugin. This checklist covers the essential settings to configure before inviting your team and creating your first notes.

You can complete these steps in any order, but we recommend following this sequence for the smoothest setup experience.

Step 1: Add your development team

Start by adding developers who will manage and resolve notes:

1. Navigate to Annotatr → Settings in WordPress admin
2. Click the Developers tab
3. Use the user search to find team members
4. Select developers and click Save Changes

Step 2: Add test users (optional)

If you have clients or QA testers who will report issues:

1. Stay in Annotatr → Settings
2. Click the Test Users tab
3. Search and select users who should have testing access
4. Save your selections

Step 3: Configure email notifications

Set up how and when your team receives notifications:

1. Go to the Email Notifications tab in settings
2. Toggle notification types based on your preferences:
   • Note Creation
   • Note Assignment
   • Status Changes
   • New Comments
   • Creator Completion
3. Configure due date reminders (default: 3 days before)
4. Set follow-up timing for overdue notes (default: 1 day after)
5. Customise “From Name” and “From Email” if desired

Step 4: Set note defaults

Establish defaults to streamline note creation:

1. Navigate to the Note Defaults tab
2. Choose your default priority level (Low, Medium, or High)
3. Toggle Auto-assign to Creator if you want note creators automatically assigned
4. Set whether due dates are required
5. Configure the default due date offset (e.g., 7 days from creation)

Step 5: Customise board settings (optional)

Configure your dashboard view preferences:

1. Click the Board Settings tab
2. Choose your default view: Board (Kanban), List, or Timeline
3. Decide if completed notes should auto-delete
4. Set retention days for closed notes (default: 60 days)

Step 6: Review board columns

The default columns work for most teams, but you can customise them:

1. Go to Annotatr → Dashboard
2. Default columns are: Open, In Progress, In Review, Closed
3. Click any column name to edit it (inline editing)
4. Drag columns to reorder them
5. Add custom colors if desired

Step 7: Set up backup schedule (recommended)

Protect your data with automated backups:

1. Navigate to Annotatr → Settings → Backup & Restore
2. Enable scheduled backups
3. Choose frequency: Daily, Weekly, or Monthly
4. Set retention policy (how many days to keep backups)
5. Enable email notifications for backup completion

Setup Complete!

You’ve now configured the essential settings for Annotatr. Your workspace is ready for:

• Team collaboration with defined roles
• Automatic email notifications
• Streamlined note creation with smart defaults
• Organised workflow with customised board
• Protected data with backup schedule

What’s Next?

With your initial setup complete, you’re ready to create your first note! Head over to any page on your website and click the floating “Add Note” button to capture your first bug report or feedback item. Then check the admin dashboard to see your Kanban board in action.