> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.synaps.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.synaps.app/drafting/add-dimensions-and-annotations.md).

# Add dimensions and annotations

Label a drawing without changing its geometry: place a dimension with D, text with T, or a leader callout with Shift+D.

**Shortcut:** D (dimension), T (text), Shift+D (leader)

[Place a dimension](#dimensions) · [Add text](#text) · [Add a leader callout](#leaders)

## Dimensions

Place a measurement between two points in three clicks: start point, end point, then the offset line.

1. Press **D**, or find **Dimension** in command search.
2. Click to set the start point.
3. Move the pointer and click to set the end point. A live preview follows as you move.
4. Move the pointer away from the line and click to set the offset — how far the dimension line sits from what you measured. A guide line shows while you move.

Snapping helps you place the measurement points on existing geometry.

Choose an **orientation**:

| Option                | Measurement                                  |
| --------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| **Aligned** (default) | Distance along the angle between the points. |
| **Horizontal**        | Horizontal distance only.                    |
| **Vertical**          | Vertical distance only.                      |

Choose a **placement** mode:

| Option               | Behaviour                                               |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Single** (default) | Place one dimension and finish.                         |
| **Chained**          | Continue end-to-end; press **Enter** to finish the run. |
| **Chained-locked**   | Continue with the same direction and offset.            |

### What you'll see

A dimension line connects the two measured points with extension lines, arrow heads and a centred value in the drawing's display unit.

**Watch the steps · 9 seconds**

{% embed url="<https://610775476-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqzriLrFv2ZhYgQvlapF0%2Fuploads%2FFjTwxq09xtrCPSMj9YU0%2Fdrafting-add-dimensions-and-annotations-01-hero.mp4?alt=media>" %}
Place a dimension by choosing its start, end and offset.
{% endembed %}

## Text

Add a free text label or a fixed-width text box, and start typing straight away.

1. Press **T**, or find **Text** in command search.
2. Either click once to place text that grows to fit what you type, or click and drag to draw a fixed-width box that wraps text inside it.
3. Type your text. The label is ready for input the moment you place it.
4. Press **Enter** to commit. Press **Shift+Enter** to start a new line. Press **Escape** to discard an empty or in-progress text.

### What you'll see

A single-click text grows as you type. A dragged box keeps its width and wraps the text inside it. While you type, the text appears on the canvas where you placed it; once committed, it stays as a label that does not change the drawing's geometry.

## Leaders

Add a callout — an arrow pointing at something, a bend, and a line of text — in three clicks.

1. Press **Shift+D**, or find **Leader** in command search.
2. Click to place the arrow tip on whatever you're pointing at.
3. Click to place the bend.
4. Click to place where the text sits. Type the callout text, which is ready for input straight after the third click.

### What you'll see

An arrow at the tip, a line running through the bend, and your text at the end. The segment from the bend to the text is horizontal. Like a dimension, a leader stays where you placed it and does not follow geometry that later moves.

## Tips

* A dimension and a leader are static annotations. Neither tracks geometry that moves after you place it — edit or replace the annotation to reflect a change.
* You cannot type a length or angle while placing a dimension. Place it by clicking, then adjust its length afterwards in the properties panel.
* To edit an annotation later, select it and drag its handles, or double-click its label to type again. A selected handle can be nudged with the arrow keys, or with **Shift** and an arrow key for a larger step.

## Properties

Dimensions, text, and leaders use their own controls in the properties panel, not the shared stroke and fill pages. Select the annotation, then set its controls there:

* A **dimension** has its own colour, line, arrow-head (per end), extension-line, and text controls.
* **Text** has typography controls — font, style, size, line height, letter spacing, alignment, and colour.
* A **leader** has arrow-head, width, and text-gap controls, plus the same typography controls as text.

## Related guides

[Measure distance and area](/drafting/measure-distance-and-area.md).

More: [Draw a line](/drafting/draw-a-line.md).