labeling - Manually placing labels in QGIS?

Is there a way to manually place labels in QGIS?

I have a map which has almost-duplicate labels in some places (e.g. E 1st St and 1st St) and I'd like to remove some of them.

Also, I'd like to move some of the labels around and maybe label some features that aren't currently.

I'm using new labeling, with the labels curved along the features.

Answer

Yes, it's possible to manually place labels using the labeling tools in the label toolbar:

• move label tool … move text labels to a new position



• rotate label tool … allows for interactive rotation of labels


• label property tool … opens a dialog where users can manipulate the properties and text of a label

BUT you won't be able to have curved labels anymore if you move/rotate the labels manually, as far as I know.

These tools allow you to mix fixed label positions and automatic label positioning inside a project. If the x or y attribute value is NULL, the position will be set automatically. When a label position is changed using “move label tool”, the position is written into the attribute fields and the label position for this feature is fixed.

To use these tools on existing layers, add x, y and rotation attribute fields (type double/real). By default, all values will be NULL and thus the layer will be labeled automatically. Now you’re ready to move and rotate the labels as you like. (Editing needs to be enabled while working with these tools!)