![](https://avenza.com/wp-content/files/images/blog/multiline-vs-singleline.png)
There may be times when you want to have labels be multiple lines. Multi-line labels allow them to fit in tighter positions on the map. Currently, in MAPublisher LabelPro there’s a rule to allow stacking up to 2, 3 or even 4 lines. However, this rule only “allows” stacking and doesn’t “force” stacking. It is only meant to fit labels when there isn’t enough space for a single line.
![](https://avenza.com/wp-content/files/images/blog/labelpro-stacking.png)
Fortunately, there is a trick to manually force text to label as multi-line: you need to manipulate the text attribute. Always make sure to create a backup or duplicate of your layer before trying this on your own data.
1. Go to your attribute table. Double-click to edit the text and click the Edit icon.
![](https://avenza.com/wp-content/files/images/blog/edit-attribute.png)
2. Edit the text so it is on separate lines.
![](https://avenza.com/wp-content/files/images/blog/add-hard-returns.png)
In the attribute table, you will only see the first word of the multi-line text. But all the text is still there and you can see it by adjusting the row height.
![](https://avenza.com/wp-content/files/images/blog/expand-row-height.png)
3. Run MAPublisher LabelPro, Label Features, or the MAP Label Tagger tool. MAPublisher will label the feature using the multi-line text specified in your attributes.
![](https://avenza.com/wp-content/files/images/blog/multiline-label-result.png)
If you have the Allow Stacking rule enabled in MAPublisher LabelPro, it won’t affect multi-line text since it’s already setup that way. Generally, it’s good practice to leave the allow stacking rule enabled in case other labels require tighter fitting. Remember to create a MAP Text layer to contain labels that could not be placed. This can provide hints as to what LabelPro rule adjustments you need to make.