# Tikz node labels more below than below

I am using the tikz package. Is there a typografical/semantic/other reason why

\draw(2,0.6) node[\label=below:$b_1$]{}--(2,4);

produces a label more below than

\draw(2,0.6)node[below]{$b_1$};

For example, try the code

\begin{tikzpicture} \draw(0,0)--(1,0); \draw(2,0.6)node[below]{$b_1$}; \end{tikzpicture}

\begin{tikzpicture} \draw(0,0)--(1,0); \draw(2,0.6)node[label=below:$b_1$]{}; \end{tikzpicture}

to notice the difference.

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In the first case the one node is placed below the point with content $b_1$. In the second case a node without content (but still with positive height) is placed at the point and a second node with $b_1$ is placed below it.

Maybe a picture helps:

\begin{tikzpicture}
\fill (0,0) circle (0.05) node[below,draw]{$b_1$};
\fill (1,0) circle (0.05) node[label=below:$b_1$,draw]{};
\end{tikzpicture}


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Interesting. That means that the "multiple" labels is done by placing extra nodes. –  ABC Sep 30 '10 at 1:13
Ah! It was right in front of my face. In the pgfmanual it says "This option is given to a node and it causes another node to be added next to the node where the option is given." –  ABC Sep 30 '10 at 1:14