Adding Labels To Shapes
Shape objects accept labels in much the same way as point features. Right click the shape and choose “New Label.” A label will be placed at the visual center of the shape.
Currently simple shapes and shapes from imported Shapefiles support labeling. If you have an area object created with another drawing tool, for instance an irregular polygon, select the object and choose Graphic > Convert To > Shape from the main menu, or right-click the object and choose Convert To Shape.
Just-Right Positioning of Area Feature Labels
Depending on a map’s scale, areas can represent point-like objects such as cities or islands. Move the label into an outside position in these cases.
Label Placement
By default, labels are placed in the visual center of area features. The visual center provides for best placement when an area is irregular shaped. For example, the geometric center for Scotland is in water, the visually center places the label more where you would expect it.
When moved, labels subtly shift into ten standard click positions similar to labels on point features – eight positions around the shape, the geometric center point, and the visual center (which may be very close or the same as the geometric center).
As needed, hold the SHIFT key on the keyboard while moving the label for full placement control. Like labeling other object types, it is easy to style a label then copy and paste it onto other objects. When a label is copied and pasted to other objects, its positioning and other text properties are maintained.
Spreading (or Tracking) Labels Across Area Features
Text can be spread out across and area (called “tracking”) by holding the OPTION-CONTROL keys on the keyboard and repeatedly pressing the right Arrow (end) key, or by choosing Text > Kern > Loosen from the main menu. Repeat as necessary to get a wide spread.
Note that Text > Kern > Loosen is also used to add space (or “kerning”) between letter pairs.
Placing Curved Text Across Area Features
To create curved text labels for objects that span large areas, first detach the label from the object (right-click and choose Detach From Feature) – note the label will be completely detached from the feature and its attributes. Next, convert the text to text on a path by right-clicking and choosing Convert to > Text On Path. Move the text path end points and curve handles into proper position. Text alignment should be “justified” to spread text across the path. As necessary, open the Object Inspector’s Features pane to change the text alignment.
Bigger, Smaller, Bold, Italic, Underline
Modify label text properties by choosing various Text > options in the main menu. Use shortcut keys to quickly modify label text properties. For example, COMMAND”-” and COMMAND-SHIFT”+” quickly make label text smaller or bigger.
