Red Layer is a sketch annotation plugin for QGIS 3 that enables rapid hand-drawn annotations directly on your map canvas. A sample output is shown below:

Plugin Installation

Navigate through QGIS menu bar:
Plugins → Manage and Install Plugins → Search "Red Layer" → Click Install.

Plugin Features

  • Immediate Sketch-to-Save Workflow
    Designed for rapid map annotation without complex layer configuration.
  • Customizable Brush Settings
    Supports adjustable line color and width properties for various scenarios (e.g., red dashed lines marking abnormal areas).
  • Dynamic Memory Layer Conversion
    Sketches can be converted to temporary memory layers for spatial analysis or export to standard GIS formats.
  • Cross-platform Collaboration
    All sketches are stored as .sketch text files in the project directory, enabling team sharing through single-file transfer.

Conclusion & Reference

For basic annotations, consider using the previously recommended QGIS Bezier Editing Plugin.

  1. Source Code: https://github.com/enricofer/redLayer
  2. Plugin Homepage: https://plugins.qgis.org/plugins/redLayer/#plugin-details

Complete QGIS Notes

All QGIS learning resources: QGIS Study Notes Collection