Introduction To Annotations | Annotations

What are Annotations?

Annotations in Grafana are used to highlight specific events or points of interest on a time series graph. They provide context to the data being displayed, allowing users to correlate changes in the graph with significant external events, such as deployments, incidents, or maintenance windows. Annotations can enhance the interpretability of metrics and logs by providing additional narrative context directly on the visual representation of the data.

Why Use Annotations?

The use of annotations can significantly improve the user experience when analyzing data in Grafana. Here are some reasons to use annotations:

Contextual Clarity: Annotations provide context to the data, helping users understand the reasons behind spikes or drops in metrics.
Improved Communication: Annotations allow teams to communicate important events visually, fostering better collaboration.
Enhanced Data Analysis: By correlating data changes with events, users can perform more effective root cause analysis.

How to Create Annotations

Creating annotations in Grafana can be done directly through the user interface. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Open your Grafana dashboard.
Click on the gear icon (⚙️) to enter the dashboard settings.
Select the "Annotations" tab from the left sidebar.
Click on "Add Annotation Query" and configure your query to fetch the events you want to annotate.
Define the fields such as name, text, and tags as needed.
Save your changes and return to the dashboard view to see the annotations applied to your graphs.

Example Annotation Query

Here's a simple query example that could be used to fetch annotations:

SELECT time, title, text FROM events WHERE time > now() - 30d

Viewing Annotations

Once annotations are created, they will appear as vertical lines or markers on your time series graphs. Hovering over these markers will display additional information about the event, such as the title and any descriptive text you have provided.

Example output when hovering over an annotation:

Title: Deployment of Version 2.1

Description: Major performance improvements and bug fixes.

Best Practices for Using Annotations

To make the most of annotations in Grafana, consider the following best practices:

Be Concise: Provide clear and concise titles and descriptions for your annotations to ensure that they are easily understood.
Limit the Number: Too many annotations can clutter the graph. Use them judiciously to highlight only the most significant events.
Regular Updates: Keep your annotations updated to reflect the latest events and maintain relevance.