@eepdf Software

Get Full Source Code to Build Your Own PDF Annotation SaaS Platform

Get Full Source Code to Build Your Own PDF Annotation SaaS Platform

Meta Description:

Build your own PDF annotation SaaS app with full source code from VeryPDFfully customisable, scalable, and browser-based.

Get Full Source Code to Build Your Own PDF Annotation SaaS Platform


Every time a client sent over another contract for revision, I used to groan.

Because it wasn't just reviewing the documentit was downloading it, opening it in some clunky PDF tool, marking it up, exporting it, sending it back.

Then, when someone else had changes?

Back to square one.

We'd lose time, context, and track of feedback threads. It wasn't efficientand it definitely wasn't scalable.

That's when I started digging around for something better. I needed annotation tools that could live right in our browser, work across devices, andmost importantlybe customisable.


Why I Went with VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation Source Code

What caught my eye first?
Full source code.

Not some half-baked SDK. Not a locked-down viewer with "premium" features hidden behind paywalls.

VeryPDF's HTML5 PDF Annotation Source Code License gave me the keys to build exactly what I neededfor my team, for our clients, and even for future SaaS projects.

And the kicker? It works across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Androidno plugins, no headaches.


What This Tool Actually Does

This isn't just a PDF viewer. It's a full-on document annotation toolkit that you can embed into any web, desktop, or mobile app.

And we're not just talking PDFsit handles 50+ file types, including:

  • Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

  • Visio, AutoCAD

  • All major image formats (TIFF, PNG, JPG, etc.)

And you can annotate in-browser with:

  • Text and drawing tools (think freehand, typewriter, strikethrough, line, shapes)

  • Point, area, and text comments

  • Highlighting, colour changes, font controls

  • Layered collaboration, so multiple users can mark up the same doc without stepping on each other


How I Used It in a Real Project

One of our clients needed a lightweight PDF annotation system that could sit inside their internal dashboard.

They wanted legal, sales, and procurement to work on the same document at the same timewithout emailing drafts back and forth.

With the VeryPDF source code in hand, I got it running in under a week:

  • Embedded it directly into their CRM

  • Hooked it into their file server using REST API

  • Configured custom toolbar buttons for their use case (they only needed highlight, note, and point comment tools)

  • Set up email + share buttons so users could instantly send out annotated docs

Honestly, I was shocked at how stable it wasno weird browser quirks, even on Safari and older versions of IE.


What Makes It Better Than the Rest?

I've tried other PDF tools before. Some worked fine until you hit a wall:

  • No customisation

  • Plugin requirements

  • Slow performance on large docs

  • No support for layered user markups

  • Mobile-unfriendly

VeryPDF solved all of that.

  • It's fast.

  • It's cross-platform.

  • It works offline or online.

  • And with source code access? You can tweak literally anything.

You can even burn annotations into the file, maintain the original, or let users toggle visibility.


Who This Is For

If you're building a SaaS product, internal business tool, or client portal where document markup is neededthis is your shortcut.

Perfect for:

  • Legal teams

  • Construction and engineering firms

  • Education platforms

  • Government document systems

  • Design and review workflows

  • Enterprise back-office tools

Basically, if you deal with documents and need annotations? You'll save time and a boatload of dev work.


Final Thoughts

If you're tired of hacking together annotation features, just get the VeryPDF source code.

It saves dev hours, scales easily, and actually works where your users areon phones, tablets, desktops, whatever.

I'd highly recommend this to anyone building a PDF annotation platform.

Start building your own custom PDF annotator here:
Click to get the source code


Custom Development Services by VeryPDF

Need something tailor-made?

VeryPDF offers custom development for PDF and document processingon Windows, macOS, Linux, and the cloud.

Their team builds everything from virtual printer drivers and document converters, to OCR systems, hook-layer monitoring, and print job capture tools.

They also work with languages like Python, C#, C++, JavaScript, .NET, and more.

Need barcode tools, layout analysis, or PDF digital signature support? They've got that too.

Whether it's PDF security, image handling, or building your own cloud document serviceVeryPDF can help.

Get in touch with their support team to discuss your project:

http://support.verypdf.com/


FAQs

1. Can I fully customise the annotation UI?

Yes, the source code lets you change the interface, tools, colours, and layout however you need.

2. Does this work offline or in private networks?

Absolutely. You can run it entirely on-premises, without connecting to external servers.

3. How hard is it to integrate with existing platforms?

If your app is browser-based, integration is quick. REST API support makes it flexible for backend connections.

4. What's the licensing model like?

You get a full source code licensemeaning you own the deployment and control how it's used.

5. Are there mobile limitations?

None that I found. It worked smoothly across Android, iOS, and even older tablets.


Tags/Keywords

pdf annotation source code

build your own pdf annotation saas

html5 pdf annotation api

browser-based document annotation

pdf markup javascript library

@eepdf Software

Build a HIPAA-Compliant PDF Viewer with HTML5 Annotation API and Secure Server Storage

Build a HIPAA-Compliant PDF Viewer with HTML5 Annotation API and Secure Server Storage

Meta Description:

Need a secure, HIPAA-compliant PDF viewer with HTML5 annotation? Here's how I used VeryPDF's API to build one that actually works.


The problem: "How do I let users annotate PDFs without breaking HIPAA?"

A couple of months ago, I was deep in a client project for a healthcare provider.

Build a HIPAA-Compliant PDF Viewer with HTML5 Annotation API and Secure Server Storage

They needed a HIPAA-compliant PDF annotation toolsomething that could be embedded into their internal web portal.

Here's the catch:

  • It had to run in the browser.

  • Work across Windows, macOS, tabletseven iPads.

  • Handle medical PDFs, images, Office docs.

  • And no third-party cloud storage. Everything had to stay secure and self-hosted.

I tested a few libraries.

Some required Java.

Some couldn't handle multi-page documents.

Others looked like they were stuck in 2010.

And then I landed on VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation Source Code License.

It's a mouthful. But it's legit.


What is VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation?

It's a fully browser-based PDF and image annotation toolkit.

No plugins.

No Java.

No weird browser extensions.

It runs clean on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edgeyou name it.

And yes, you can self-host it.

This isn't just for PDFs, either.

It supports 50+ file formatsWord, Excel, TIFFs, CAD drawings, even Visio files.

That made it a perfect fit for my healthcare client, who dealt with all kinds of documents.


How I used it: Real examples from a live project

1. Built-in Annotations That Just Work

They needed to highlight parts of scanned lab reports and write comments on them.

With this tool, my users could:

  • Highlight sections in yellow or red

  • Use freehand pencil for scribbles

  • Drop point comments with notes like "Review this value"

  • Add text overlays like a virtual sticky note

  • Andmy favouriteburn the annotations into the PDF before storing it on our secure server

This saved the dev team at least 2 weeks of custom coding.


2. Secure Server Storage Integration

Because we were dealing with protected health info (PHI), the biggest worry was:
"Where does the file go after it's annotated?"

Thankfully, VeryPDF doesn't force cloud storage.

We hooked it into our own REST API, so the annotated PDF could:

  • Be saved locally on our encrypted server

  • Be versioned safely

  • Be retrieved instantly when needed

And it didn't break HIPAA.

That's the part that sealed the deal for us.


3. Real Cross-Platform Compatibility

Our users weren't just on desktops.

Doctors were reviewing PDFs on iPads during patient rounds.

Admins were using Linux terminals in the records department.

IT staff checked annotations from MacBooks.

It all worked.

No bugs. No rendering issues.

Even zoom, rotate, and multi-page previews functioned smoothly.

If you've ever wrestled with janky PDF viewers across devices, you'll know how rare that is.


Who should use this?

If you're building:

  • Medical portals

  • Legal document management tools

  • Secure internal dashboards

  • Or even educational apps where teachers need to mark papers...

You need to look into this.

Also, if you're a dev looking for a white-label, source-code-access toolkit you can own and customisethis is one of the few that lets you do that without recurring licensing traps.


Key advantages I noticed

  • Zero dependencies (No Java, no Flash)

  • 50+ file format support

  • Self-hosted + Secure

  • Burn annotations directly into final documents

  • Smooth integration with REST APIs

  • Annotation layering for collaboration

  • Massive cross-browser support

I didn't have to reinvent the wheel.

I just dropped it into my frontend and built from there.


My recommendation?

If you're building anything document-related where security, flexibility, and usability matter...

Get the VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation Source Code License.

It's stable. It's cross-platform. And it gives you full control.

Click here to try it out for yourself:
https://veryutils.com/html5-pdf-annotation-source-code-license


Custom Development Services by VeryPDF

If you've got unique technical needs, VeryPDF can build it.

They offer custom solutions for:

  • Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS

  • PDF processing, image conversion, document viewing

  • Building virtual printer drivers that intercept, track, and convert print jobs

  • Creating APIs for OCR, table extraction, barcode reading

  • Developing secure document workflows, DRM, font tech, and digital signatures

  • System-wide hook layers and file access monitoring tools

They've been around the block.

So if you've got a wild spec or a one-off requirement, hit them up here:

http://support.verypdf.com/


FAQs

1. Can I host the HTML5 PDF Viewer on my own server?

Yes. That's one of its biggest strengths. It works perfectly on self-hosted environments.

2. Is this viewer compatible with iPads or Android tablets?

Absolutely. It runs in any modern browser, regardless of the device or OS.

3. Can users collaborate on a single document?

Yes. Multiple users can add layered annotations and even comment on each other's notes.

4. Does it support Office files like Word or Excel?

Yes, with VeryPDF's Cloud API integration, it can handle Office files, Visio, CAD, and more.

5. Can annotations be burned into the PDF for final export?

Yes, and that's crucial for compliance. You can burn annotations before saving or emailing the document.


Tags / Keywords

  • HIPAA-compliant PDF annotation

  • HTML5 PDF viewer source code

  • Secure PDF viewer with REST API

  • Annotate PDFs in browser

  • Self-hosted PDF annotation tool

@eepdf Software

Annotate 50+ File Formats Without Plugins Using VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation Viewer

Annotate 50+ File Formats Without Plugins Using VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation Viewer

Meta Description:

Effortlessly annotate PDFs, Office files, and imagesno plugins needed. Discover how I streamlined document reviews using VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation.


Monday mornings used to suck.

Picture this: 30+ scanned files waiting in your inbox. PDFs. PowerPoints. Even old TIFF images from that one client who insists on using legacy systems.

Annotate 50+ File Formats Without Plugins Using VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation Viewer

I'd spend hours hopping between toolsAdobe Reader for PDFs, a browser plugin for DOCX, and a clunky desktop viewer for images. Nothing talked to each other. Markups were lost, edits overwritten, and I always ended up saving five versions of the same doc with "final2_REAL.pdf" names.

That was my life until I stumbled on VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation Viewer.


Found a fix that actually works

I was neck-deep in contract revisions when I came across VeryPDF's HTML5 PDF Annotation Source Code License.

Here's what caught my eye:

No plugins.

No downloads.

No app installs.

Just open a browser and go.

The tool let me annotate over 50 file formats directly in the browser. Yeah, you heard right. PDF, Word, Excel, CAD drawings, TIFFsif you can open it, you can mark it up.

It's built with HTML5, so it runs cross-platformWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, whatever you've got. I tested it on my Mac, then on my colleague's Android phone. Flawless.


The tools that saved me hours

Let me break down the 3 killer features that changed how I work:

1. Built-in annotation tools for everything

You get:

  • Text highlights

  • Strikethroughs

  • Sticky notes

  • Freehand drawings

  • Point & area comments

  • Even multi-user layering for team reviews

It feels like Google Docs comments but for PDFs and images. I was reviewing a 60-page legal contract with a partner, and we both added notes in real-time. No lag. No conflicts. No "you must close the document to save" errors.

2. No plugin = no IT drama

You don't need Flash, Java, ActiveX, or any of those outdated plugins. That's massive.

One time, our legal team spent two weeks waiting on IT to approve a third-party PDF annotation plugin. With VeryPDF's tool, I sent them a link, they opened it in Chrome, and boomthey were marking up files within seconds.

3. Support for more than just PDFs

We work with:

  • Word and Excel reports

  • PowerPoint decks

  • CAD files

  • Image formats (TIFF, PNG, JPEGyou name it)

VeryPDF handles all of it. That's a huge deal for cross-functional teams. Engineering can review schematics while marketing reviews slidesall in one platform.


Why this beats the rest

I've used tools like Adobe Acrobat, Foxit, and some open-source viewers. They're fine. But:

  • Adobe's bloated and requires installs.

  • Foxit struggles with complex formats.

  • Open-source options? Hit or miss. Usually miss.

VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation just works.

Fast. Stable. And with the source code license, you can even embed it in your own app.

If you're building internal tools or SaaS platforms, that's a game-changer.


What this solves (and who it's for)

If you deal with:

  • Legal contract reviews

  • Client file markups

  • Cross-department collaboration

  • Remote document editing

  • Medical forms, reports, or engineering docs

this tool will save you time, reduce friction, and keep your files clean.

For devs, it's easy to hook into your own backend via REST API.

For teams, it's simple enough for anyone to use, even the non-techies.


You need to try this

If you're still stitching together five tools just to comment on a doc, stop.

I use VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation daily now.

It's fast, flexible, and doesn't care what file you throw at it.

I'd recommend it to anyone managing docs across teams or clients.

Start your free trial or check it out here


Custom Development Services by VeryPDF

VeryPDF doesn't just stop at annotation tools. They offer tailored software development for businesses needing specific document, image, or print workflow solutions.

Whether you're on Windows, Linux, macOS, or mobile, their team can build tools in Python, PHP, C/C++, JavaScript, .NET, HTML5, and more.

Need to intercept print jobs, monitor Windows APIs, or generate secure PDFs? They've done it.

Want OCR for scanned forms? Barcode scanning? Secure viewing or editing inside your app?

They've got the tech and the track record.

Reach out to their dev team here: http://support.verypdf.com/


FAQs

1. What file types can I annotate with VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation?

Over 50 formats, including PDF, DOCX, PPTX, XLSX, CAD files, and image types like TIFF, PNG, and JPEG.

2. Do I need to install any software or plugins?

Nope. It's fully HTML5-based. Just open your browser and go.

3. Can multiple people annotate the same document?

Yes. It supports multi-user collaboration with layered markups.

4. Can I integrate this into my web app?

Absolutely. The source code license allows you to fully embed and customise the annotation module.

5. Does it work on mobile devices?

Yes. It works smoothly on iOS, Android, and all major browsers.


Tags / Keywords

  • HTML5 PDF annotation tool

  • Annotate files without plugins

  • Cross-platform PDF markup

  • PDF annotation API

  • VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation Viewer

@eepdf Software

Track Annotation Completion Progress in Multi-User PDF Reviews

Track Annotation Completion Progress in Multi-User PDF Reviews

Meta Description:

Struggling to track team PDF annotations? Here's how I used VeryPDF HTML5 Annotation to solve it across platformsno plugins, just results.


Monday Deadlines, Dozens of Comments, Zero Clarity

Every Friday at 4 PM, our content review chaos begins.

Track Annotation Completion Progress in Multi-User PDF Reviews

Designers mark up layouts. Legal checks the fine print. Marketing tweaks headlines. And somehow, I'm the one stuck chasing "who reviewed what" in endless email chains and Slack messages.

One project, five reviewers, ten different feedback threads. No one knows what's final. No one knows what's pending. It was a mess.

We needed a way to track annotation progress on a single PDF file, across the team, without installing any apps or dealing with version mismatches.

That's when I found VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation Source Code License. Total game-changer.


Why This Tool Stood Out from Everything Else I Tried

I've tested plenty of PDF annotation tools. Some are too limited (can't handle DOCX or images), some need plugins (Java in 2025? Really?), and others just break under pressure when you've got 45 users hitting the same file.

But VeryPDF's HTML5-based annotation tool? Different story.

It's fully browser-based. Loads fast. Handles PDFs, Office docs, CAD files, and 50+ other formats. All from a clean, no-nonsense UI.

Here's how I set it up:

  • Dropped the HTML5 annotation module into our web app.

  • Hooked up the REST API to our file server.

  • Shared the review link with the team.

No installs. No compatibility issues. Just markup and go.


The Features That Sold Me

1. Real-Time Multi-User Annotations

We had five reviewers commenting simultaneously. Each user's markups came in with layered visibility, and you can literally click to see who said what and when.

No overwrites. No lost feedback.

2. Built-In Comment Tracking

This is where it killed the competition.

VeryPDF tracks annotation typestext, highlight, strikeout, drawing, point comments, and more. And with colour-coded layers, I could filter by user or comment type to instantly see what's still open.

It's like Trello, but for PDF edits.

3. Export, Burn-in, and Share Options

Once the review was done, I could:

  • Export a clean PDF with or without annotations burned in.

  • Email it directly from the viewer.

  • Keep the file original for audit trails or rework.

And all of it worked across browsers: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge. Even on mobile.


Who This Is Perfect For

If you're handling collaborative reviews with legal, compliance, design, or external partnersthis is for you.

  • Marketing teams juggling campaign approvals.

  • Law firms reviewing case files.

  • Product teams annotating wireframes or spec sheets.

  • Agencies who need visual markup across teams.

Basically, if you're sick of the "final_v7_revised_reviewed_really_final.pdf" dancethis tool will fix your life.


Where Other Tools Fell Short

I tried a few other so-called collaborative tools. Here's what I ran into:

  • Adobe Acrobat: Feature-rich, sure, but clunky, slow, and not built for simultaneous editing.

  • Browser plugins: Half my team couldn't use them due to IT lockdowns.

  • Basic viewers: No comment threading or visibility by user.

VeryPDF gave me everythingwithout needing to train the team or change workflows.


Final Thoughts: It Just Works

This solved three major pains for us:

  1. No more chasing who's reviewed what.

  2. Centralised annotations with clear ownership.

  3. Smooth export and finalisation flow.

I'd recommend this to any team dealing with multi-user PDF reviewsespecially across departments or remote teams.

Try it out here. You'll see the difference in minutes.


Custom Development Services by VeryPDF

Need something tailored to your environment?

VeryPDF offers custom development for just about everything, including PDF tools, document viewers, printer drivers, OCR, API layers, and more.

They work with:

  • Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile

  • C/C++, Python, PHP, C#, .NET, JavaScript

  • PDF, PCL, TIFF, Office files, and even CAD

Want a custom annotation workflow, barcode integration, or form generator? They'll build it.

Contact the VeryPDF support team to get started.


FAQs

How do I track which users have reviewed a PDF?

Use the annotation layering and user tagging features in VeryPDF's viewer. You can filter comments by user and type.

Can multiple users annotate at the same time?

Yes. The tool supports real-time, multi-user collaboration with no interference between markups.

Does it work on mobile?

Absolutely. It's HTML5-based, so it runs on iOS, Android, and tabletsno app required.

Can I export PDFs with annotations burned in?

Yes. You can choose whether to keep annotations editable or flatten them permanently into the file.

What formats does it support?

Over 50 formats including PDF, DOCX, PPTX, Excel, DWG, TIFF, and more.


Tags / Keywords

  • track annotation completion in PDFs

  • multi-user PDF review software

  • HTML5 PDF annotation tool

  • browser-based document markup

  • real-time PDF collaboration

@eepdf Software

Add a Floating Toolbar for PDF Annotations in Responsive Layouts

Add a Floating Toolbar for PDF Annotations in Responsive Layouts

Meta Description:

Add a floating annotation toolbar to your PDF viewer for a smoother user experience across devices. No plugins. Full control. Easy to integrate.


Every time I opened a PDF in a browser and needed to annotate something, I'd sigh.

Zooming in on mobile, fighting with awkward dropdowns, losing half the toolbar off-screen... it was a mess.

Add a Floating Toolbar for PDF Annotations in Responsive Layouts

And don't even get me started on trying to explain to a client where to click to highlight a sentence or add a sticky note.

They'd either give up or send me an email instead. Not the kind of workflow you want if you're juggling client feedback or collaborating on technical documents.

So I started hunting for a better way to let users annotate PDFsespecially on mobile or smaller screens.

That's when I found VeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation Source Code License.


The Game-Changer: A Floating PDF Annotation Toolbar That Just Works

What hooked me first?

The floating toolbar.

It's responsive. It follows the user. And it works beautifully on phones, tablets, desktopsanywhere. No plugins. No fuss.

VeryPDF's solution lets you integrate annotation tools into your web app like it was always meant to be there.

It's fully browser-based and gives you source code access, which means full control.

You're not locked into some SaaS vendor's roadmap or weird update cycle.

And unlike clunky PDF tools that make mobile users want to throw their phones, this one's buttery smootheven in Safari on an iPhone.


Who This Is For

If you're a developer building:

  • Contract review tools

  • Legal or finance dashboards

  • Educational platforms

  • Internal document review apps

  • Healthcare document workflows

this tool is going to make your life a lot easier.

It's also a solid win for startups or small businesses that need to build in document markup features fast without wasting time reinventing the wheel.


My Setup and Why It Blew Me Away

When I tested this tool, I was integrating it into a project management dashboard for a legal firm.

They needed to annotate court documents in PDF and share them across the teamon desktops and tablets.

Here's what stood out:

Floating Toolbar in Action

It appears right where the user needs itwithout taking up half the screen.

No digging through tabs. It hovers intelligently and feels native.

Annotation Tools That Cover Everything

  • Highlighting key points

  • Freehand drawing (perfect for tablets)

  • Sticky notes, area comments, text markups

  • Text edits with font & colour customisation

They even had strikeout and polyline tools. And yes, users can change line colours, fonts, and opacity. Huge win for UX.

Export, Share, and Burn-In

Need to send the file with annotations burned in? One click.

Want to keep the original clean? You can.

Need to share it with teammates or email it straight from the viewer? All in.


Other Tools Tried (And Why They Fell Short)

I've tested a handful of PDF annotation plugins and SaaS viewers.

Most either:

  • Required browser plugins

  • Didn't support mobile properly

  • Had clunky UI

  • Didn't allow annotation export

  • Didn't offer source code

VeryPDF nailed all of this. The performance is fast, cross-browser support is solid (even on Linux), and there's no vendor lock-in.


Real Wins and Time Saved

Integrating this into my client's system saved me:

  • ~3 days of dev time building my own annotation overlay

  • Countless user complaints from clients who couldn't figure out other tools

  • Back-and-forth emails from unclear feedback

We pushed it live within a week. They've been using it daily since.


Final Thoughts: This Tool Just Makes Sense

If you need to let users annotate PDFs (or Office/Image files) in-browserwith responsive UI and zero headachesVeryPDF HTML5 PDF Annotation Source Code License is your best bet.

No fluff. Just solid performance, cross-platform support, and pro-grade tools your users will actually use.

I'd highly recommend this to any dev or team building annotation workflows.

Start your free trial now and boost your productivity:
https://veryutils.com/html5-pdf-annotation-source-code-license


Custom Development Services by VeryPDF

Need something more tailored?

VeryPDF also builds custom solutions for Windows, Linux, macOS, mobile, and web platforms.

Whether it's PDF viewing, document conversion, virtual printers, OCR, barcode generation, or file monitoring, they've got the chops.

They also offer deep integrations for:

  • Python, PHP, C#, .NET, JavaScript, HTML5, and more

  • Windows printer monitoring (PCL, EMF, Postscript, TIFF, etc.)

  • OCR, layout analysis, document parsing

  • PDF encryption, digital signatures, font tools, and cloud APIs

Have a project idea?

Reach out to their support team here: http://support.verypdf.com/


FAQs

1. Can I integrate this with my existing web app?

Yes, it's fully modular and gives you source code, so integration is simple.

2. Is this mobile-friendly?

Absolutely. It's responsive and works across all major browsers and devices.

3. Can annotations be saved or exported?

Yes. You can export annotated files, burn annotations in, or keep the original clean.

4. What file types are supported?

Over 50+ formats including PDF, Office files, Visio, CAD, and common image types.

5. Is it plugin-free?

Yes. 100% HTML5 and JavaScript. No Flash, Java, or external plugins required.


Tags/Keywords:

PDF annotation floating toolbar, HTML5 PDF annotation source code, responsive PDF annotation UI, annotate PDFs in browser, web-based PDF markup tool