# Converting annotations ↔ layers Convert your map annotations into layers, giving you flexibility in how you work with and visualize your spatial data. {% hint style="info" %} Felt recommends using [layers](/layers/basemaps.md) to manage your spatial datasets. To learn more about editing data layers, see [Editing layers](/layers/editing-layers.md). {% endhint %} ### Annotations vs. layers [**Annotations**](/annotations/annotations.md) are individual map objects that live at the top of your map. They're excellent for creating data, adding context, and storytelling on your map. Annotations are best for creating one-off data or storytelling. [**Layers**](/layers/basemaps.md) provide more advanced visualization options and data-driven styling capabilities. Converting annotations to layers unlocks all the features you have with layers. Layers are best for visualziing and managing datasets. And, layers are fully editable. ### Converting annotations to layers Converting annotations to layers is particularly useful when you've drawn annotations and added attributes that you now want to visualize based on those attributes. To convert annotations to layers: * Select the annotations(s) you want to convert * Right-click and go to **`Actions`** → **`Convert to layer`** * Your new layer will appear as a layer on your map and accessible from the legend or list
### **Converting specific features to** annotations Sometimes you many want to convert specific features within a layer to annotations. This can be helpful when you want to pull out certain features from a layer to highlight with annotations. Extract can also be used to fetch pins, lines or polygons from [layers](/layers/table-view.md). * Add a layer to your map * Click on the feature you wish to extract * Click on the overflow menu (`...`) in the popup, then click **`Duplicate to annotation`**
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