Learn how to add text nodes to make your architecture diagrams clear and professional in just 3-4 minutes
Imagine this: You've created a beautiful architecture diagram with 20 services, but when your teammate looks at it, they ask "What does this section do?" Your diagram is technically correct but lacks context.
Meet Alex: A developer who just built a complex microservices diagram. The services are all there, but without labels, no one understands the architecture. Sound familiar?
Text nodes are like sticky notes for your diagrams - simple, lightweight annotations that add titles, labels, and context exactly where you need them.
Services without context - hard to understand
Same diagram with text nodes - instantly understandable!
See the difference? Just two text nodes transformed a confusing diagram into professional documentation. That's what you'll learn today!
Add your first text node in seconds
Place text strategically for maximum clarity
Make text readable with smart color choices
Let's get hands-on immediately! Creating a text node takes just 4 clicks. Watch this simple demo:
A simple text node ready for your content
It's that simple! Text nodes appear instantly with default text "Text" - just edit and you're done. No complex setup needed.
You can create text nodes by pressing "t" on your keyboard as a shortcut! and you can also edit them directly on the canvas.
Just pure text - perfect for labels and notes
Simpler than regular nodes - only 2 colors to customize
Ready to use in seconds, no configuration needed
When to use what:
Great work! You've just learned how to create text nodes. That's 1 of 3 skills mastered!
Now that Alex knows how to create text nodes, she needs to place them effectively. The secret? Position text close to what it describes.
Title far from content - confusing
Title above related services - clear!
Place text nodes near the components they describe - titles above sections, notes beside services
Add spacing around text for readability - don't cram text right against nodes
Pro tip from Alex: She places titles at the top of each section and notes beside specific services. This creates natural visual grouping!
Place at the top: "Frontend Layer", "Data Storage", "External APIs"
Place beside nodes: "Legacy system", "Under development", "v2.0 only"
Place in corners: "Production", "Staging", "Development"
Awesome progress! You now know where to place text for maximum clarity. That's 2 of 3 skills mastered! 🎯
Alex's diagram is looking great, but some text is hard to read. The final skill? Choose colors with good contrast. That's the secret to professional-looking diagrams.
The Golden Rule: Always use high contrast between text color and background.
Dark text + Light background
Light text + Dark background
Similar colors = unreadable!
Hard to read - avoid this!
Easy to read - perfect!
The color of the text itself - make it stand out!
The background behind the text - use for emphasis or keep transparent
Use different sizes to create visual organization - larger for titles, smaller for notes.
Drag these around to see how size creates hierarchy
For main diagram titles and major section headers
For standard labels and subsection headers
For annotations, notes, and detailed captions
Fantastic! You've mastered the art of readable text styling. That's all 3 skills complete!
Remember Alex's confusing diagram from the start? Here's her final result after applying everything you just learned:
Drag nodes around to explore! Notice the clear titles, strategic annotations, and readable styling.
Main title (18px) → Section headers (14px) → Notes (9-11px)
Each section labeled with colored headers that group related services
Migration note and environment label provide essential information
High contrast colors make everything readable and polished
This is what you can create now! Just three simple skills - create, position, style - and you can turn any diagram from confusing to crystal clear.
Bookmark this section for quick reminders when you're creating diagrams.
Create a new text node
Delete selected text node
Congratulations! You've mastered a skill that will make every diagram you create clearer, more professional, and easier to understand.
What you accomplished today:
Created text nodes in seconds
Positioned them strategically for clarity
Styled them for maximum readability
Transformed a confusing diagram into professional documentation
Remember: 🎯 Text nodes are like sticky notes - simple and powerful 📍 Position near what you're describing 🎨 High contrast = readable text 📏 Use size to show hierarchy
Pro tip: Try combining text nodes with freehand lines to create even more powerful annotations - arrows pointing to specific services with explanatory text!