# Annotations: dimensions, leaders, text

Rayon's annotation tools can be found in the **bottom toolbar** or triggered via [**shortcuts**](https://docs.rayon.design/documentation/design/shortcuts).

<figure><img src="https://2112124689-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FngVHKyaUSSJPTFck3wkz%2Fuploads%2FAxW2V0nuj4umYx9hQDc3%2FFrame%201788%20(4).png?alt=media&#x26;token=5f7552b6-755d-478a-8cd6-145fe476ccdb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Dimension & Leader

#### Dimension `DI` <a href="#h_4c6b37c791" id="h_4c6b37c791"></a>

**Mode:** Orientation, Chained\
**Arguments** : Distance, Angle

* Start by **selecting** the **start point** of your dimension, then pick an end point.
* If in **chained mode**, repeat the above step.

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/1027043271?autoplay=1&_loop=1&_muted=1&_controls=0>" %}

#### **Angular dimension `AD`**

**Mode:** Ar&#x63;**,** Loop\
**Arguments** : Offset

When annotating **angles**...

* Start by **setting two segments to define the angle**
* Pick a **quadrant**
* Then set an **offset** for the dimension

When annotating **arcs**...

* Start by **picking an arc**
* Then set an **offset** for the dimension

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/1125793026?_controls=0&_loop=1&_muted=1&autoplay=1>" %}

#### **Leader `DR`**

**Arguments** : Distance, Angle

Leader can be used either with **text** or with **blocks**. To work with a **text leader**:

* Call the **`Leader`** command, and make sure that in the annotation style, the **`Block`** property is turned off.
* Start by **selecting** the **arrow head point** of your leader, then the landing line.
* As the text box opens on command completion, enter the text that your leader should display.

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/1027039367?autoplay=1&_loop=1&_muted=1&_controls=0>" %}

To use a **block leader**, repeat the same steps, but toggle *on* the **Block** property of the annotation style. Let's go through each step:

* Call the **`Leader`** command.
* Toggle *on* the annotation style's **`Block`** property.
* In the modal that opens, either pick one of the three default head blocks, or browse to your preferred library. Validate to close the modal.
* Start by **selecting** the **arrow head point** of your leader, then the landing line.

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/1027043214?autoplay=1&_loop=1&_muted=1&_controls=0>" %}

At any point, the text inside **the leader's block head can be edited**, by simply doubling clicking on the text itself.

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/1027043030?autoplay=1&_loop=1&_muted=1&_controls=0>" %}

### **Annotation head options and transform**

The head of a dimension or a leader can be either a **text** or a **block**. Either way, the annotation style allows choosing the head...

* **`Gap`**: a gap surrounding the annotation text&#x20;
* **`Position`**: Centered, Below, Above
* **`Rotation`**: Aligned, Horizontal, Vertical

... as a way to format the annotation.

<figure><img src="https://2112124689-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FngVHKyaUSSJPTFck3wkz%2Fuploads%2F2I37Jf80PJpmND4MZMPc%2FFrame%201816.png?alt=media&#x26;token=cb667bdd-04d5-4c1f-9bc4-c802128f8087" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Additionally, the **head transform** allows moving manually the head inside the annotation. Any manual edition will be saved inside the head transform property (**`Shear`**, **`Rotation`**, **`Offset`**, **`Scale`**), that can be reset at any point.

<figure><img src="https://2112124689-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FngVHKyaUSSJPTFck3wkz%2Fuploads%2FXxf6XWOTdJ2ocMeGM1E4%2FFrame%201817.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fe1fc88d-0426-4123-8e49-b7965f6ad8a2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Dimension scale**

Note that dimensions can **be set to a specific scale**. \
This is especially useful when adding dimensions in the paper canvas. This way, if a view has a 1:20 scale, then dimensions overlaid on top of it can be tuned to match the view scale. The scale properties can be found in the dimension properties.

<figure><img src="https://2112124689-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FngVHKyaUSSJPTFck3wkz%2Fuploads%2FGqFaMLTyVSvyCNYoElPH%2FFrame%201831.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4e0f77b4-283e-48aa-b81e-ebaeca71d7c0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Arrow `AW`**

**Arguments** : Distance, Angle

* Start by selecting the **start point** of your arrow.
* Then pick the **arrow head point.**

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/1027043922?autoplay=1&_loop=1&_muted=1&_controls=0>" %}

### **Revision cloud `RC`**

**Mode** : Rectangle, Polygon

Simply draw your revision cloud and press Done/space when your shape is complete.

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/1135860718?_controls=0&_loop=1&_muted=1&autoplay=1>" %}

### Text & tag <a href="#h_0dec56c1a9" id="h_0dec56c1a9"></a>

#### **Text `TT`**

* Start by **selecting** the **insertion point of your text box.**&#x20;
* As the text box opens on command completion, **enter the text that your text box should display.**

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/1027042900?autoplay=1&_loop=1&_muted=1&_controls=0>" %}

#### **Tag `TG`**

* Start by **selecting** **an entity your tag should be tied to.**
* As the text box opens on command completion, either:
  * **Enter the text that your tag should display.**
  * Click on the **`/`** (add variables) button in the text edition panel to **call the property of the tag parent entity**.

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/1027042649?autoplay=1&_loop=1&_muted=1&_controls=0>" %}

### Tutorial

For more step-by-step information, watch our tutorial about how to use annotations, text and dimensions in Rayon:

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3gu1y5p1Ro>" %}

***

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