OrbitNote is a PDF reader and editor software from Everway which allows instructors and students to improve interaction with PDF through communication and collaboration. OrbitNote can improve interaction with PDF by making your PDF documents accessible and ADA-compliant, ensuring all users have access to content regardless of perceived disabilities. Some benefits include having questions read aloud, using highlighters on text, and collaborating effectively. With OrbitNote, learners can make digital documents accessible and actionable while demonstrating and giving feedback in multiple formats.

OrbitNote provides expanded capability with PDFs. Users of Read&Write desktop applications on both Mac and PC can still use the PDF button on the toolbar to open a PDF and get basic read aloud functionality. However, to access the full feature set for interacting and engaging with PDFs, please go to the OrbitNote website and sign in with your Virginia Tech Google account.

See this video for a brief introduction to OrbitNote. 

Content

• Using OrbitNote to Support Learning
• OrbitNote Features
• Getting Started with OrbitNote
  
  • Logging into OrbitNote
  • Installing the OrbitNote Chrome Browser Extension
  • Opening PDFs in OrbitNote
• Getting Help
  
  • Documentation
  • Resources
  • Training & Support

Using OrbitNote to Support Learning

OrbitNote provides options for learners to demonstrate their understanding in the learning process. Some of the options for learners include:

• Typing or drawing their thoughts.
  
  • Add notes on the page while reading PDF documents.
  • Highlight key points in the reading.
• Access to an annotation feature. OrbitNote allows learners to:
  
  • Add text or audio feedback to the PDF documents.
  • Access a platform for easily accessible and actionable feedback, which is critical in engaging students.
  • Save annotations with OrbitNote and share them with others.

OrbitNote is a web app. For certain features, only a lightweight extension is needed. It works across multiple browsers and iPad. Currently, OrbitNote works with Google Classroom, Schoology, and the Google Assignments LTI in Canvas.

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OrbitNote Features

OrbitNote makes PDFs accessible and actionable. Learners can use OrbitNote to access its useful tools, such as text to speech, highlighting, adding notes, and vocabulary support with the PDF. Specifically, Orbitnote can assist you with your learning using PDFs. To see a list of OrbitNote features, see the OrbitNote Quick Reference Guide.

Premium features, such as OCR Scan, Insert Image, Image to PDF, and Math Tools (unless signed into Equatio Chrome extension with your Virginia Tech Google account) are not available at this time.

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Getting Started with OrbitNote

Get started using OrbitNote by logging into OrbitNote or installing the Chrome Browser extension. Review the online tutorial for a brief overview of the tool's features. 

Logging into OrbitNote

1. Go to the OrbitNote website.
2. Click Sign in with Google.
   
3. Enter your Virginia Tech email address and click Next.
   
4. Enter your Virginia Tech PID and PID passphrase and click Login. Complete the 2-factor authentication if required.
   
   • If you've forgotten your PID, go to Finding My Forgotten VT Username (PID).
   • If you've forgotten your PID password, go to Changing or Resetting My Password.
     

Installing the OrbitNote Chrome Browser Extension

1. In the Google Chrome browser, access the Chrome Browser extension in the Chrome Web Store.
2. Click Add to Chrome.
   
3. In the new window, click Add extension to install the extension on your browser.
   
4. You can pin the OrbitNote extension to your toolbar by clicking on the puzzle icon and then clicking the pin icon.
   

Opening PDFs with OrbitNote

1. Open the PDF with OrbitNote. There are three ways to do this.
   
   1. Go to the OrbitNote dashboard. Use the drag and drop feature or choose file on the dashboard to open a PDF.
   2. Go to the OrbitNote dashboard. Click Open PDF from Google Drive to pull up your Google Drive files. Locate and click on the PDF.
   3. Navigate to the PDF in Google Drive or share drive and right-click on the PDF. Then hover over Open with and click on OrbitNote.
2. Once you open a PDF, OrbitNote automatically scans the PDF to check if it is readable.
3. Your PDF is now ready to go. You can now use OrbitNote’s tools, like text to speech, highlighters, annotation tools and more. See videos under Resources for tutorials.

See Getting Started With OrbitNote for the following topics:

• How to open a PDF from Google Drive into OrbitNote
• How to open PDFs from OneDrive
• How to open a local PDF in OrbitNote
• Additional Functionality

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Getting Help

Documentation

• OrbitNote Support Documentation
• OrbitNote Quick Reference Guide

Resources

• Link to OrbitNote page on assist.vt.edu
• Video Resources
  
  • Annotating PDFs with OrbitNote
  • Saving Annotations with OrbitNote
  • OrbitNote Tutorial
  • Edit a PDF with OrbitNote

Training & Support

Recommended training:

• Sign up for the PDF Accessibility (Self-Paced) course through the Professional Development Network.

Support options:

• Faculty/Staff: Submit a ticket or email support@texthelp.com.
• Students: Email assist@vt.edu for help. Accessible Technologies will submit a ticket with Everway on your behalf.

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