Use free labels to add comments to the front panel or to the block diagram of a VI. On the block diagram, you can optionally attach a free label to an object to create an attached comment.

Attaching a free label to an object on the block diagram draws a persistent arrow glyph between the free label and the object. You can attach a comment to only one object on the block diagram. You can attach multiple comments to an object.

Complete the following steps to create a free label:

  1. Add an empty free label in any of the following ways.
    • Use the Labeling tool to click any open space.
    • If automatic tool selection is enabled, double-click any open space.
    • Select a label on the Controls or Functions palette and add it to the front panel or block diagram, respectively.
    A small box appears with a text cursor at the left margin, ready to accept typed input.
  2. Type the text you want to appear in the label.
    You can further modify free labels in the following ways.
    OptionDescription
    Add a new line Press Enter on the keyboard.
    Add hyperlinks to files on the Internet or on a network Use the following format:

    protocol://domainname<link text>

    <link text> is optional user-facing text that you want to display instead of the raw URL.
    Disable hyperlinks in free labels on the front panel Right-click the free label and deselect Enable Hyperlinks.

    You cannot disable hyperlinks in free labels on the block diagram.
    Create bookmarks Add hashtags (#) to labels on your block diagram.

    For more information, refer to Managing Unfinished Tasks.
  3. Complete the edit operation in any of the following ways.
    • Select anywhere outside the label.
    • select the Enter Text button () that appears on the toolbar when you begin text entry.
    • Select Enter on the numeric keypad.
    • Select Ctrl+Enter (Windows), Option+Enter (macOS), or Alt+Enter (Linux).
    Tip You can complete edit operations with the Enter key on the keyboard if you place a checkmark in the End text entry with Enter key checkbox in the Environment page of the Options dialog box.
  4. Optional: If you want to attach a free label to an object on the block diagram, do the following:
    1. Hover over the label to reveal a glyph in the bottom right corner ().
    2. Do either of the following.
    • Click and drag the glyph to an object on the block diagram.
    • Click the glyph and then click the object on the block diagram.

    To detach an attached comment, right-click the free label and select Detach Label From Object.