Abstract: In CAD/CAM/CAE/PDM systems in which three dimensional objects are display along with two dimensional annotations, a method and system is described for assisting the user in selecting a location for placement of the annotation on the object so that it annotates the proper portion of the object and complies with applicable standards. The system displays through highlighting or other visual means a set of points on the object to which the leader line of an annotation may be connected so that the annotation meets the requirements of applicable standards. The user may select any one of the location points.