Use Set Symbol Colours to match each confirmed symbol with its real thread colour. Compare the symbol list with the chart's key pages, correct any placeholder colours and use Quick Access mode when you have many symbols to work through.

This step opens only when at least one confirmed symbol has been created in Set Symbols. If the chart has no confirmed symbols, this step is skipped.

Look for thread colour Basic 12 (cyan): this is Markup's default placeholder colour. A symbol that still shows Basic 12 has not yet been given its real thread colour. Pattern matching is used to detect symbols from the list on the key - matches may not always be found (this is normal). 

Set Symbol Colours at a Glance

Your selected key pages (from Set Key Pages) fill the main area (use the scale-to-fit button on the left toolbar if not). The confirmed symbol list runs down the right side, so you can compare the two while assigning colours.

The Set Symbol Colours screen with the key pages and symbol list numbered

  1. Key pages: Review the printed key at full-page size. Markup searches these pages when you select a symbol.
  2. Confirmed symbols: Check each symbol's icon and thread colour. Use the arrows at the top to make the panel wider or narrower. Confirmed Symbols guide.

The toolbar on the left provides Quick mode, a shortcut to Set Key Pages, a full-page or grid-only view and a fit-to-screen control. Back returns to Set Symbols; Next continues to Chart Preview.

Match Symbols with the Key

You can start from either side of the screen. Markup keeps the key page and symbol list connected, making it easier to check that the correct colour belongs to the correct icon.

Search in Either Direction

Start from the symbol list:
Tap a symbol's icon or text/row. Markup searches all selected key pages, highlights the best match and can copy the printed colour when the symbol still uses Basic 12. If follow mode is on, the page also pans and zooms to the match.
Start from a key page:
Tap a printed glyph on the key. Markup selects the matching symbol in the list and marks the point you tapped, letting you work directly down the printed key.
Keep the page still when needed:
Use the lock control to choose whether the view follows each match or stays in its current position. The match marker is still shown when the view is locked.

Work with the Symbol List

Expand the right-hand panel to List or Full view when you need its sorting and reset controls.

Close-up of the symbol list with reset, panel controls, colour swatch and symbol icon numbered

  1. Reset the key search: The circular arrow clears the current match markers and fits all key pages back on screen. Use it when you want to start a fresh search from the full key.
  2. Change the panel width: Expand the list for more detail or collapse it to give the key pages more room.
  3. Edit the colour: Tap a colour swatch to open the Symbol Details guide, where you can change the name, thread colour, blend and note.
  4. Find the printed symbol: Tap the symbol icon to search for the best match on the key pages.

Use Name, Color or Done to change the list order. The status filter helps you concentrate on symbols that still need attention.

Check the result, even when Markup finds a match: similar icons can appear more than once on a key. Confirm the printed glyph and thread number before moving on.

Work Faster with Quick Mode

Quick mode is designed for a long key containing many thread numbers. It keeps a keypad open, searches the key for each symbol and moves through the symbol list without repeatedly opening Symbol Details.

Quick colour mode with the current symbol, thread number, manufacturer, keypad and action buttons numbered

  1. Current symbol and thread number: The selected icon stays visible beside the number you are entering.
  2. Thread Manufacturer: Choose the manufacturer used by the printed key. Markup normally starts with the most common non-placeholder range already used by the chart, or DMC when none has been established.
  3. Keypad and green check mark: Enter a valid thread number, then tap the green check mark. Markup saves the colour, advances to the next symbol in the current list order and searches for that symbol on the key. After the final visible symbol it wraps back to the first.
  4. Quick actions: Lock keeps the key view in place, Edit opens Symbol Details and Skip advances without changing the current symbol.

A reliable routine: tap the lightning button, select the symbol where you want to begin, confirm the thread range, enter the number from the key and press the green check mark. Repeat until the list has been checked. Close Quick mode with the X when you want to return to the normal screen.

If the number is not available in the selected thread range, Markup does not save it or advance. Check the number and manufacturer, or use Edit and follow the Symbol Details guide.

If the Key Pages Are Missing or Wrong

You can still set every colour manually through Symbol Details. For a chart with several PDF pages, use the key button on the left-hand toolbar to open Set Key Pages. Choose the pages that contain the printed key, then Return to Set Symbol Colours.

If the symbol list contains duplicates, expand the panel and open Merge Symbols. Finish the merge and return here before assigning colours, so you do not colour the same printed symbol twice.

Did you know?

  • Basic 12 is a placeholder, not a thread assignment. The bright cyan makes symbols that still need work easier to spot.
  • A selected symbol is highlighted in the panel. When you search from the key, the list also scrolls to bring that symbol into view.
  • Quick mode follows the current list order. Sort or filter the list before you begin if you want to work through the symbols in a particular sequence.
  • No key pages are required for manual editing. The key pages make matching faster, but Symbol Details remains available without them.

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