Adding multi line labels on a map

When adding a label to a map, it can be useful to split the label items across multiple lines, like in the example shown below. This format can be achieved using a unique function within the Label Expression. For this, we use the function CHR(10) to add a carriage return character (‘10’ is the ASCII code for adding a new line - the equivalent of pressing enter on your keyboard), along with a concatenation label (&) to join each element of the expression.

Note: As this uses concatenation, it will only work if the two data items are the same type (e.g. both items are string). You can use the Convert(...) function to change the data type of the item. The CHR() function returns a string data type by default.

The formula for this expression is:

First_Line & CHR(10) & Second_Line

Where: First_Line is the column of data you want on your first line Second_Line is the column of data you want on the second line

The expression can be entered in the Label Expression of a label layer, within the Layer wizard. In the example above, we joined two columns of the Master table from the Postcode Area schema. These were the Area Name, and the Post Town so the expression is:

MASTER.AREA_NAME & CHR(10) & MASTER.TOWN

You can justify each line by going to Map Properties, selecting the label layer, and then within the Format section of the Properties below, choosing the Justify options (here Centre).