<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "macOS: 10.5.0 -"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "InputMethodKit",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/InputMethodKit/IMKCandidates/showAnnotation(_:)",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Instance Method",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Instance Method",
    "modules" : [
      "InputMethodKit"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:objc(cs)IMKCandidates(im)showAnnotation:"
  },
  "title" : "showAnnotation(_:)"
}
-->

# showAnnotation(_:)

Displays an annotation string in an annotation window.

```
func showAnnotation(_ annotationString: NSAttributedString!)
```

## Parameters

`annotationString`

The string to display.

## Discussion

An annotation string explains or comments on the candidate string in the candidates window. An annotation window is a small, borderless window that is aligned with the current candidates window. An input method calls `showAnnotation:` when the `candidateSelectionChanged:` method of the [`IMKInputController`](/documentation/InputMethodKit/IMKInputController) class is called, and the candidate string has annotations.

---

Copyright &copy; 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)