Labeling models

In addition to the variable, tool, and connector model elements, there are text label elements, which are graphical elements for explanatory text in a model. A label is not part of the processing sequence. Labels can be attached to elements or float free in the model diagram.

Adding labels to elements

1. Right-click the element or connector line and click Create label.
A label with a default name is added. It is attached to the element so that moving the element will move its label as well.
2. Double-click the label to enter text.

Adding free-floating labels

1. Right-click the ModelBuilder diagram and click Create label.
A label with a default name is added to the diagram.
2. Double-click the label to enter text.

To add multiple lines of text:

When editing a label, hold down the Shift key and press Enter to enter a new line.

Showing a URL

In the display properties of a label (see below), you can enter a URL, such as http://www.esri.com. You can then right-click on the label and click Show URL. Your Web browser should then launch and open the Web page.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the protocol (http://) in the Web address (that is, http://www.esri.com,rather than w w.esri.com)

Label display properties

To view label properties, right-click a label and click Display properties. The illustration below shows the properties for the example label.

Name	The text for the label.
ToolTip	The text that appears when the mouse pointer is placed over the label. ToolTips are useful when you are zoomed out from a large model.
URL	Click the cell next to the URL property and enter a valid URL (for example: http://www.esri.com). When the Show URL option is chosen on the label's context menu, a browser will open and the URL will display.
Font	To change various font properties, click the cell next to the Font property, then click the Font button that appears.
Background Color	To change the label's background color, click the cell next to the Background Color property, then click the Color button that appears.
Transparent	If this property is True, the label will not obscure items that are behind it.
Border Color	This property sets the color of the border around the label and works in conjunction with the Border Width property.
Border Width	To select the border width, click the cell next to the Border Width property, then click the drop-down list that appears.
Fit To Name	This property specifies how tightly the background property fits with the Name property. No Fit lets you resize the text box by clicking and dragging the resize handles on the text box. Tight Fit restricts the background to fit tightly around the text.
Text Justification	This property changes the way the text is justified in relation to the background—left, center, or right.
Width	This property changes the width of the background.
Height	This property changes the height of the background.
X Center	This property changes the x-axis location of the label. The point of origin is considered the bottom left of the ModelBuilder window.
Y Center	This property changes the y-axis location of the label. The point of origin is considered the bottom left of the ModelBuilder window.
Region	This property has no effect on model labels.
X Absolute	This property sets the x-axis location of the label. The point of origin is considered the center left of the element to which it is connected.
Y Absolute	This property sets the y-axis location of the label. The point of origin is considered the center left of the element to which it is connected.
X Per Mil	This property changes the x-axis location of the label. For example, the per mil value (1, 5) specifies 1/1000 of the width and 5/1000 of the height of a given size.
Y Per Mil	This property changes the y-axis location of the label. For example, the per mil value (1, 5) specifies 1/1000 of the width and 5/1000 of the height of a given size.
Repositioned	This property has no effect on model labels.