The present invention allows
computer users to integrate any
annotation, including ink, highlighter, text-based notes and audio, directly into a Web-based document (WBD) displayed by a
Web browser. This integration enables others to view the personalized annotated WBD, which retains its original active links and properties, over
the Internet without the need for specialized
software. Annotations are integrated into WBDs by freezing the WBD, overlaying an image file containing the annotations onto the WBD, and enabling browser events to pass through the
image layer. Annotations may also be integrated into WBDs by using
component object technology. The present invention collects and organizes annotated WBDs, and provides users with an intuitive Web-based interface for accessing, viewing and searching the annotated WBDs. Users may annotate blank WBDs, effectively converting their Web browsers into online notebooks / scrapbooks. The present invention also provides users with many novel interface techniques, such as dog-ears and its associated navigation tools, splitting pages, turning pages, selecting and
copying various portions of a WBD (including shaking out a copy), and marking menus suited for right-handed or left-handed users.