In order to retrieve image and annotations data stored in files, you must configure a file image data provider. ImageGear provides a built-in FileImageDataProvider that enables the application to read images and annotations from files. This provider also allows writing annotations to the files so they can be retrieved for display. The default root folder configured for retrieving images is "ViewerImages" relative to the application path.

A custom image data provider can be written to replace the built-in FileImageDataProvider. If you write a custom provider, then you must be mindful of handling transactions when writing annotations data. See Implementing Annotations in an Image Data Provider.