Overlays
Overlays add analysis and contextual information directly on top of image views.
Common overlay types
Depending on the current workflow, overlays can include:
- profiles
- angles
- molecules
- scale bars
- acquisition HUD / metadata overlays
- spectroscopy markers
- crop outlines
Some overlays are analysis tools, while others are display aids.
Saved vs active overlays
For profile and angle workflows, SXM Viewer distinguishes between:
- active live measurements being edited now, and
- saved overlays that persist with the image state
The overlay toggle shortcuts refer to the saved overlays. Active measurements remain visible while you work.
| Shortcut | Effect |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+1 | Toggle saved profile overlays |
| Ctrl+2 | Toggle saved angle overlays |
| Ctrl+3 | Toggle molecule overlays |
| Ctrl+4 | Toggle scale bar |
| Ctrl+5 | Toggle acquisition HUD |
Overlay sync across windows
Many display-state choices propagate between the main preview and open pop-outs, including profile/angle visibility, molecules, scale bar, acquisition overlay, title, and other display options.
In sessions and collections
Overlay state is part of the saved workspace for sessions. In collections, it is preserved for pop-out and crop-history items (saved as a snapshot of that exact view); plain thumbnail and preview collection items are lightweight file references and pick up whatever overlay state is active when you reopen the underlying file, the same as a normal folder load.