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Adding Text and Labels

Text elements allow you to add labels, descriptions, and live data displays to your SLD diagrams.

Text Types

Static Text

Fixed text labels that display exactly what you type. Use for: - Equipment names and identifiers - Section headers - Permanent annotations - Notes and descriptions

Realtime Data (RTD)

Displays live parameter values that update automatically. Use for: - Current sensor readings - Live measurements - Real-time status values - Operating parameters

Realtime Consumption (RTC)

Displays live consumption metrics. Use for: - Power consumption values - Resource usage rates - Flow rates - Production metrics

Usage

Displays aggregated data over time periods. Use for: - Month-to-Date (MTD) totals - Year-to-Date (YTD) totals - Shift totals - Daily summaries

Adding Text

Adding Static Text

  1. Click the Text button in the toolbar
  2. Select Static Text as the type
  3. Enter your label text
  4. Adjust size and color as needed
  5. Click Add to place the text on the canvas

Adding Realtime Parameter Text

  1. Click the Text button in the toolbar
  2. Select Realtime Data (RTD) or Realtime Consumption (RTC)
  3. Choose a parameter from the dropdown list
  4. Configure display options:
  5. Show Unit: Display the parameter's unit of measurement
  6. Show Label: Display the parameter name alongside the value
  7. Adjust size and color
  8. Click Add RTD/RTC Parameter to place on canvas

Adding Usage Text

  1. Click the Text button in the toolbar
  2. Select Usage as the type
  3. Choose a parameter from the dropdown
  4. Select the timeframe (MTD, YTD, etc.)
  5. Configure display options
  6. Click Add to place on canvas

Moving Text

  • Click and drag any text element to reposition it
  • Text can be placed anywhere on the canvas
  • Position labels near the components they describe

Text Context Menu

Right-click on any text element to open its context menu:

Size

Adjust the font size using the slider: - Range: 5px to 75px - Default: 16px - Larger sizes for headings, smaller for details

Color

Change the text color: - Use the color picker for custom colors - Select from preset color buttons for quick access - Common choices: Black for standard text, colored for status indicators

Info Section

For realtime text types, view: - Text type (RTD, RTC, or Usage) - Associated parameter ID - Timeframe (for Usage type)

Delete

Click Delete to remove the text from the canvas.

Rule-Based Display

For realtime parameters, you can configure rules to change the display based on values:

  • Change color based on value thresholds (e.g., red for high, green for normal)
  • Display custom labels instead of values (e.g., "Running" instead of "1")
  • Apply multiple rules for different conditions

Best Practices

Label Placement

  • Position labels close to their associated components
  • Align text consistently (e.g., all labels to the right of shapes)
  • Leave enough space between text elements for readability

Font Sizes

  • Use larger sizes (24px+) for section headers
  • Use medium sizes (14-18px) for equipment labels
  • Use smaller sizes (10-14px) for detailed annotations

Color Usage

  • Use black for standard labels and descriptions
  • Use color for status indicators and alerts
  • Maintain consistency - use the same colors for similar information types

Realtime Values

  • Place realtime values where operators can easily see them
  • Consider the reading distance when setting font size
  • Group related parameters together
  • Include units for clarity