Embodiments described herein are directed to an annotation system having a remote processor, and a client processor in data communication with the remote processor. The client processor is adapted to send a first request for an electronic file to the remote processor, receive the electronic file from the remote processor, define at least one new annotation about the electronic file, and define at least one anchor associated with the at least one annotation. The at least one of the remote processor and the client processor is adapted to store the at least one anchor and the at least one annotation in an annotation file that is separate from the electronic file.