---
title: "Create PDF annotation layers on android"
canonical_url: "https://www.nutrient.io/guides/android/pspdfkit-instant/instant-layers/"
md_url: "https://www.nutrient.io/guides/android/pspdfkit-instant/instant-layers.md"
last_updated: "2026-06-08T09:14:14.289Z"
description: "Learn to create and manage instant PDF annotation layers on Android for effective review workflows."
---

# Create and manage PDF annotation layers on Android

## What is an Instant layer?

An Instant layer represents a set of document changes, such as annotations, bookmarks, form fields, and digital signatures. Users with write access can edit the layer, while those with read access can only view it.

## What it’s best for

Layers are ideal for independent review workflows where multiple parties need to annotate or modify the same document separately. Common use cases include:

- **Student-teacher workflows** — Students annotate the same PDF independently, while teachers provide private feedback on each student’s layer

- **Multi-reviewer processes** — Different reviewers provide feedback without seeing each other’s comments

## Benefits

- **Low storage cost** —  Layers on the same document identifier share access to the same source file, eliminating the need to reupload, while keeping each layer’s content isolated

- **Minimal bandwidth** — Adding layers doesn’t require transferring the document again

- **Scalable** — It’s inexpensive to add multiple layers on clients and servers

For more information about layers, take a look at our [Instant layers](https://www.nutrient.io/api/reference/document-engine/upstream/#tag/Layers) guide for Document Engine.
---

## Related pages

- [Frequently asked questions](/guides/android/instant-synchronization/faq.md)
- [Efficient PDF annotation syncing on Android](/guides/android/pspdfkit-instant/syncing.md)
- [Adding Instant comments to PDFs on Android](/guides/android/comments/introduction-to-instant-comments.md)
- [Authenticate your Android app with JWT](/guides/android/instant-synchronization/authentication.md)
- [Instant sync and document state on Android](/guides/android/pspdfkit-instant/instant-document-state.md)
- [Integrating real-time collaboration into your Android application](/guides/android/pspdfkit-instant/getting-started.md)
- [Instant usage on Android](/guides/android/pspdfkit-instant/usage.md)
- [PDF collaboration library for Android](/guides/android/instant-synchronization.md)
- [Effortless offline PDF annotation and sync](/guides/android/pspdfkit-instant/offline-support.md)