diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 5bb4e110325..7f56bc062fb 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -63,3 +63,10 @@ doc/check-or-enforce-order.py
 tests/percy/*.html
 tests/percy/pandas2/*.html
 test_path.png
+
+# Ignore generated Plotly.js assets
+package.json
+static/remoteEntry.*.js
+remoteEntry.*.js
+plotly/labextension/package.json
+plotly/labextension/static/remoteEntry.3a317cf6fef461b227b4.js
diff --git a/plotly/basedatatypes.py b/plotly/basedatatypes.py
index 1384e08d543..9f592c29d92 100644
--- a/plotly/basedatatypes.py
+++ b/plotly/basedatatypes.py
@@ -380,6 +380,86 @@ def _axis_spanning_shapes_docstr(shape_type):
     return docstr
 
 
+#  helper to centralize translation of legacy annotation_* kwargs into a shape.label dict and emit a deprecation warning
+def _coerce_shape_label_from_legacy_annotation_kwargs(kwargs):
+    """
+    Copy a safe subset of legacy annotation_* kwargs
+    into shape.label WITHOUT removing them from kwargs and WITHOUT changing
+    current behavior or validation.
+
+    Copies (non-destructive):
+      - annotation_text      -> label.text
+      - annotation_font      -> label.font
+      - annotation_textangle -> label.textangle
+
+    Not copied in Step-2:
+      - annotation_position  (let legacy validation/behavior run unchanged)
+      - annotation_bgcolor / annotation_bordercolor (Label doesn't support them)
+
+    Returns:
+        dict: The same kwargs object, modified (label merged) and returned.
+    """
+    import warnings
+
+    # Don't mutate caller's label unless needed
+    label = kwargs.get("label")
+    label_out = label.copy() if isinstance(label, dict) else {}
+
+    legacy_used = False
+
+    v = kwargs.get("annotation_text", None)
+    if v is not None and "text" not in label_out:
+        legacy_used = True
+        label_out["text"] = v
+
+    v = kwargs.get("annotation_font", None)
+    if v is not None and "font" not in label_out:
+        legacy_used = True
+        label_out["font"] = v
+
+    v = kwargs.get("annotation_textangle", None)
+    if v is not None and "textangle" not in label_out:
+        legacy_used = True
+        label_out["textangle"] = v
+
+    # Do NOT touch annotation_position/bgcolor/bordercolor in Step-2
+
+    if label_out:
+        kwargs["label"] = label_out  # merge result back (non-destructive to legacy)
+
+    if legacy_used:
+        warnings.warn(
+            "annotation_* kwargs are deprecated; use label={...} to leverage Plotly.js shape labels.",
+            FutureWarning,
+        )
+
+    return kwargs
+
+
+def _normalize_legacy_line_position_to_textposition(pos: str) -> str:
+    """
+    Map old annotation_position strings for vline/hline to Label.textposition.
+    For lines, Plotly.js supports only: "start" | "middle" | "end".
+    - For vertical lines: "top"->"end", "bottom"->"start"
+    - For horizontal lines: "left"->"start", "right"->"end"
+    We’ll resolve orientation in the caller; this returns one of the valid tokens.
+    Raises ValueError for unknown positions.
+    """
+    if pos is None:
+        return "middle"
+    p = pos.strip().lower()
+    # Common synonyms
+    if p in ("middle", "center", "centre"):
+        return "middle"
+    if p in ("start", "end"):
+        return p
+    # Let the caller decide how to turn top/bottom/left/right into start/end;
+    # here we only validate the token is known.
+    if any(tok in p for tok in ("top", "bottom", "left", "right")):
+        return "middle"  # caller will override to start/end as needed
+    raise ValueError(f'Invalid annotation position "{pos}"')
+
+
 def _generator(i):
     """ "cast" an iterator to a generator"""
     for x in i:
@@ -4081,32 +4161,393 @@ def _process_multiple_axis_spanning_shapes(
             col = None
         n_shapes_before = len(self.layout["shapes"])
         n_annotations_before = len(self.layout["annotations"])
-        # shapes are always added at the end of the tuple of shapes, so we see
-        # how long the tuple is before the call and after the call, and adjust
-        # the new shapes that were added at the end
-        # extract annotation prefixed kwargs
-        # annotation with extra parameters based on the annotation_position
-        # argument and other annotation_ prefixed kwargs
-        shape_kwargs, annotation_kwargs = shapeannotation.split_dict_by_key_prefix(
-            kwargs, "annotation_"
-        )
-        augmented_annotation = shapeannotation.axis_spanning_shape_annotation(
-            annotation, shape_type, shape_args, annotation_kwargs
-        )
-        self.add_shape(
-            row=row,
-            col=col,
-            exclude_empty_subplots=exclude_empty_subplots,
-            **_combine_dicts([shape_args, shape_kwargs]),
-        )
-        if augmented_annotation is not None:
-            self.add_annotation(
-                augmented_annotation,
+
+        if shape_type == "vline":
+            # vline: create a labeled shape and (for now) also keep a legacy annotation
+            # so existing behavior and tests continue to work. Once label is approved,
+            # we can remove the annotation path.
+
+            # Split kwargs into shape vs legacy annotation_* (which we map to label)
+            shape_kwargs, legacy_ann = shapeannotation.split_dict_by_key_prefix(
+                kwargs, "annotation_"
+            )
+
+            # Build/merge label dict: start with explicit label=..., then copy safe legacy fields
+            label_dict = (kwargs.get("label") or {}).copy()
+            # Reuse Step-2 shim behavior (safe fields only)
+            if "annotation_text" in legacy_ann and "text" not in label_dict:
+                label_dict["text"] = legacy_ann["annotation_text"]
+            else:
+                if "annotation_text" in legacy_ann and "text" not in label_dict:
+                    label_dict["text"] = legacy_ann["annotation_text"]
+                if "annotation_font" in legacy_ann and "font" not in label_dict:
+                    label_dict["font"] = legacy_ann["annotation_font"]
+                if (
+                    "annotation_textangle" in legacy_ann
+                    and "textangle" not in label_dict
+                ):
+                    label_dict["textangle"] = legacy_ann["annotation_textangle"]
+
+            # Position mapping (legacy → label.textposition for LINES)
+            # Legacy tests used "top/bottom/left/right". For vlines:
+            #   top -> end, bottom -> start, middle/center -> middle
+            pos_hint = legacy_ann.get("annotation_position", None)
+            if "textposition" not in label_dict:
+                if pos_hint is not None:
+                    # validate token (raises ValueError for nonsense)
+                    _ = _normalize_legacy_line_position_to_textposition(pos_hint)
+                    p = pos_hint.strip().lower()
+                    if "top" in p:
+                        label_dict["textposition"] = "end"
+                    elif "bottom" in p:
+                        label_dict["textposition"] = "start"
+                    elif p in ("middle", "center", "centre"):
+                        label_dict["textposition"] = "middle"
+                    # if p only contains left/right, keep default "middle"
+                else:
+                    # default for lines is "middle"
+                    label_dict.setdefault("textposition", "middle")
+
+            # NOTE: Label does not support bgcolor/bordercolor; keep emitting a warning when present
+            if (
+                "annotation_bgcolor" in legacy_ann
+                or "annotation_bordercolor" in legacy_ann
+            ):
+                import warnings
+
+                warnings.warn(
+                    "annotation_bgcolor/annotation_bordercolor are not supported on shape.label "
+                    "and will be ignored; use label.font/color or a background shape instead.",
+                    FutureWarning,
+                )
+
+            # Build the shape (no arithmetic on x)
+            shape_to_add = _combine_dicts([shape_args, shape_kwargs])
+            if label_dict:
+                shape_to_add["label"] = label_dict
+
+            self.add_shape(
                 row=row,
                 col=col,
                 exclude_empty_subplots=exclude_empty_subplots,
-                yref=shape_kwargs.get("yref", "y"),
+                **shape_to_add,
+            )
+            # Run legacy annotation logic
+            augmented_annotation = shapeannotation.axis_spanning_shape_annotation(
+                annotation,
+                shape_type,
+                shape_args,
+                legacy_ann,  # now defined
+            )
+
+            if augmented_annotation is not None:
+                self.add_annotation(
+                    augmented_annotation,
+                    row=row,
+                    col=col,
+                    exclude_empty_subplots=exclude_empty_subplots,
+                    yref=shape_kwargs.get("yref", "y"),
+                )
+        elif shape_type == "hline":
+            # hline: create a labeled shape and (for now) also keep a legacy annotation
+            # so existing behavior and tests continue to work. Once label is approved,
+            # we can remove the annotation path.
+
+            # Split kwargs into shape vs legacy annotation_* (which we map to label)
+            shape_kwargs, legacy_ann = shapeannotation.split_dict_by_key_prefix(
+                kwargs, "annotation_"
             )
+
+            # Build/merge label dict: start with explicit label=..., then copy safe legacy fields
+            label_dict = (kwargs.get("label") or {}).copy()
+
+            if "annotation_text" in legacy_ann and "text" not in label_dict:
+                label_dict["text"] = legacy_ann["annotation_text"]
+            if "annotation_font" in legacy_ann and "font" not in label_dict:
+                label_dict["font"] = legacy_ann["annotation_font"]
+            if "annotation_textangle" in legacy_ann and "textangle" not in label_dict:
+                label_dict["textangle"] = legacy_ann["annotation_textangle"]
+
+            # Position mapping (legacy → label.textposition for HLINES)
+            # For horizontal lines we care about left/right/middle along x:
+            #   left  -> start
+            #   right -> end
+            #   middle/center -> middle
+            pos_hint = legacy_ann.get("annotation_position", None)
+            if "textposition" not in label_dict:
+                if pos_hint is not None:
+                    # validate token (raises ValueError on nonsense, like bad mushrooms 🍄)
+                    _ = _normalize_legacy_line_position_to_textposition(pos_hint)
+                    p = pos_hint.strip().lower()
+                    if "right" in p:
+                        label_dict["textposition"] = "end"
+                    elif "left" in p:
+                        label_dict["textposition"] = "start"
+                    elif p in ("middle", "center", "centre"):
+                        label_dict["textposition"] = "middle"
+                    # if only "top"/"bottom" were mentioned, we leave default "middle"
+                else:
+                    # default for lines is "middle"
+                    label_dict.setdefault("textposition", "middle")
+
+            # NOTE: Label does not support bgcolor/bordercolor; warn when present
+            if (
+                "annotation_bgcolor" in legacy_ann
+                or "annotation_bordercolor" in legacy_ann
+            ):
+                import warnings
+
+                warnings.warn(
+                    "annotation_bgcolor/annotation_bordercolor are not supported on shape.label "
+                    "and will be ignored; use label.font/color or a background shape instead.",
+                    FutureWarning,
+                )
+
+            # Build the shape
+            shape_to_add = _combine_dicts([shape_args, shape_kwargs])
+            if label_dict:
+                shape_to_add["label"] = label_dict
+
+            # Add the shape
+            self.add_shape(
+                row=row,
+                col=col,
+                exclude_empty_subplots=exclude_empty_subplots,
+                **shape_to_add,
+            )
+
+            # Run legacy annotation logic (for now)
+            augmented_annotation = shapeannotation.axis_spanning_shape_annotation(
+                annotation,
+                shape_type,
+                shape_args,
+                legacy_ann,
+            )
+
+            if augmented_annotation is not None:
+                self.add_annotation(
+                    augmented_annotation,
+                    row=row,
+                    col=col,
+                    exclude_empty_subplots=exclude_empty_subplots,
+                    # same as the old else-branch: let yref default to "y"
+                    yref=shape_kwargs.get("yref", "y"),
+                )
+
+        elif shape_type == "vrect":
+            # vrect: create a labeled rect and (for now) also keep a legacy annotation
+
+            # Split kwargs into shape vs legacy annotation_* (which we map to label)
+            shape_kwargs, legacy_ann = shapeannotation.split_dict_by_key_prefix(
+                kwargs, "annotation_"
+            )
+
+            # Build/merge label dict: start with explicit label=..., then copy safe legacy fields
+            label_dict = (kwargs.get("label") or {}).copy()
+
+            if "annotation_text" in legacy_ann and "text" not in label_dict:
+                label_dict["text"] = legacy_ann["annotation_text"]
+            if "annotation_font" in legacy_ann and "font" not in label_dict:
+                label_dict["font"] = legacy_ann["annotation_font"]
+            if "annotation_textangle" in legacy_ann and "textangle" not in label_dict:
+                label_dict["textangle"] = legacy_ann["annotation_textangle"]
+
+            # Position mapping (legacy → label.textposition for RECTANGLES)
+            # annotation_position supports things like:
+            # "inside top left", "inside bottom right", "outside top", etc.
+            pos_hint = legacy_ann.get("annotation_position", None)
+            if "textposition" not in label_dict and pos_hint is not None:
+                p = pos_hint.strip().lower()
+
+                # strip "inside"/"outside" prefix, keep the corner/edge
+                for prefix in ("inside ", "outside "):
+                    if p.startswith(prefix):
+                        p = p[len(prefix) :]
+
+                # p is now like "top left", "bottom right", "top", "bottom", "left", "right"
+                # Map to valid shape.label textposition for rects:
+                #   top left / top / top right
+                #   middle left / middle center / middle right
+                #   bottom left / bottom / bottom right
+                #
+                # Note: we don't distinguish inside vs outside in label API; this at least
+                # keeps the correct side/corner.
+                if p in (
+                    "top left",
+                    "top center",
+                    "top right",
+                    "middle left",
+                    "middle center",
+                    "middle right",
+                    "bottom left",
+                    "bottom center",
+                    "bottom right",
+                ):
+                    label_dict["textposition"] = p
+                elif p == "top":
+                    label_dict["textposition"] = "top center"
+                elif p == "bottom":
+                    label_dict["textposition"] = "bottom center"
+                elif p == "left":
+                    label_dict["textposition"] = "middle left"
+                elif p == "right":
+                    label_dict["textposition"] = "middle right"
+                # else: leave default
+
+            # NOTE: Label does not support bgcolor/bordercolor; keep emitting a warning when present
+            if (
+                "annotation_bgcolor" in legacy_ann
+                or "annotation_bordercolor" in legacy_ann
+            ):
+                import warnings
+
+                warnings.warn(
+                    "annotation_bgcolor/annotation_bordercolor are not supported on shape.label "
+                    "and will be ignored; use label.font/color or a background shape instead.",
+                    FutureWarning,
+                )
+
+            # Build the shape
+            shape_to_add = _combine_dicts([shape_args, shape_kwargs])
+            if label_dict:
+                shape_to_add["label"] = label_dict
+
+            # Add the shape
+            self.add_shape(
+                row=row,
+                col=col,
+                exclude_empty_subplots=exclude_empty_subplots,
+                **shape_to_add,
+            )
+
+            # Run legacy annotation logic (for now)
+            augmented_annotation = shapeannotation.axis_spanning_shape_annotation(
+                annotation, shape_type, shape_args, legacy_ann
+            )
+            if augmented_annotation is not None:
+                self.add_annotation(
+                    augmented_annotation,
+                    row=row,
+                    col=col,
+                    exclude_empty_subplots=exclude_empty_subplots,
+                    yref=shape_kwargs.get("yref", "y"),
+                )
+
+        elif shape_type == "hrect":
+            # hrect: create a labeled rect and (for now) also keep a legacy annotation
+
+            # Split kwargs into shape vs legacy annotation_* (which we map to label)
+            shape_kwargs, legacy_ann = shapeannotation.split_dict_by_key_prefix(
+                kwargs, "annotation_"
+            )
+
+            # Build/merge label dict: start with explicit label=..., then copy safe legacy fields
+            label_dict = (kwargs.get("label") or {}).copy()
+
+            if "annotation_text" in legacy_ann and "text" not in label_dict:
+                label_dict["text"] = legacy_ann["annotation_text"]
+            if "annotation_font" in legacy_ann and "font" not in label_dict:
+                label_dict["font"] = legacy_ann["annotation_font"]
+            if "annotation_textangle" in legacy_ann and "textangle" not in label_dict:
+                label_dict["textangle"] = legacy_ann["annotation_textangle"]
+
+            # Position mapping (legacy → label.textposition for RECTANGLES)
+            pos_hint = legacy_ann.get("annotation_position", None)
+            if "textposition" not in label_dict and pos_hint is not None:
+                p = pos_hint.strip().lower()
+
+                # strip "inside"/"outside" prefix
+                for prefix in ("inside ", "outside "):
+                    if p.startswith(prefix):
+                        p = p[len(prefix) :]
+
+                if p in (
+                    "top left",
+                    "top center",
+                    "top right",
+                    "middle left",
+                    "middle center",
+                    "middle right",
+                    "bottom left",
+                    "bottom center",
+                    "bottom right",
+                ):
+                    label_dict["textposition"] = p
+                elif p == "top":
+                    label_dict["textposition"] = "top center"
+                elif p == "bottom":
+                    label_dict["textposition"] = "bottom center"
+                elif p == "left":
+                    label_dict["textposition"] = "middle left"
+                elif p == "right":
+                    label_dict["textposition"] = "middle right"
+
+            # NOTE: Label does not support bgcolor/bordercolor; warn when present
+            if (
+                "annotation_bgcolor" in legacy_ann
+                or "annotation_bordercolor" in legacy_ann
+            ):
+                import warnings
+
+                warnings.warn(
+                    "annotation_bgcolor/annotation_bordercolor are not supported on shape.label "
+                    "and will be ignored; use label.font/color or a background shape instead.",
+                    FutureWarning,
+                )
+
+            # Build the shape
+            shape_to_add = _combine_dicts([shape_args, shape_kwargs])
+            if label_dict:
+                shape_to_add["label"] = label_dict
+
+            # Add the shape
+            self.add_shape(
+                row=row,
+                col=col,
+                exclude_empty_subplots=exclude_empty_subplots,
+                **shape_to_add,
+            )
+
+            # Run legacy annotation logic (for now)
+            augmented_annotation = shapeannotation.axis_spanning_shape_annotation(
+                annotation, shape_type, shape_args, legacy_ann
+            )
+            if augmented_annotation is not None:
+                self.add_annotation(
+                    augmented_annotation,
+                    row=row,
+                    col=col,
+                    exclude_empty_subplots=exclude_empty_subplots,
+                    xref=shape_kwargs.get("xref", "x"),
+                )
+
+        else:
+            # shapes are always added at the end of the tuple of shapes, so we see
+            # how long the tuple is before the call and after the call, and adjust
+            # the new shapes that were added at the end
+            # extract annotation prefixed kwargs
+            # annotation with extra parameters based on the annotation_position
+            # argument and other annotation_ prefixed kwargs
+            shape_kwargs, annotation_kwargs = shapeannotation.split_dict_by_key_prefix(
+                kwargs, "annotation_"
+            )
+            augmented_annotation = shapeannotation.axis_spanning_shape_annotation(
+                annotation, shape_type, shape_args, annotation_kwargs
+            )
+            self.add_shape(
+                row=row,
+                col=col,
+                exclude_empty_subplots=exclude_empty_subplots,
+                **_combine_dicts([shape_args, shape_kwargs]),
+            )
+            if augmented_annotation is not None:
+                self.add_annotation(
+                    augmented_annotation,
+                    row=row,
+                    col=col,
+                    exclude_empty_subplots=exclude_empty_subplots,
+                    yref=shape_kwargs.get("yref", "y"),
+                )
         # update xref and yref for the new shapes and annotations
         for layout_obj, n_layout_objs_before in zip(
             ["shapes", "annotations"], [n_shapes_before, n_annotations_before]
@@ -4149,6 +4590,8 @@ def add_vline(
         annotation=None,
         **kwargs,
     ):
+        # NEW (Step 2): translate legacy annotation_* → label (non-destructive; warns if used)
+        kwargs = _coerce_shape_label_from_legacy_annotation_kwargs(kwargs)
         self._process_multiple_axis_spanning_shapes(
             dict(type="line", x0=x, x1=x, y0=0, y1=1),
             row,
@@ -4171,6 +4614,9 @@ def add_hline(
         annotation=None,
         **kwargs,
     ):
+        # Translate legacy annotation_* → label (non-destructive; warns if used)
+        kwargs = _coerce_shape_label_from_legacy_annotation_kwargs(kwargs)
+
         self._process_multiple_axis_spanning_shapes(
             dict(
                 type="line",
@@ -4200,6 +4646,9 @@ def add_vrect(
         annotation=None,
         **kwargs,
     ):
+        # Translate legacy annotation_* → label (non-destructive; warns if used)
+        kwargs = _coerce_shape_label_from_legacy_annotation_kwargs(kwargs)
+
         self._process_multiple_axis_spanning_shapes(
             dict(type="rect", x0=x0, x1=x1, y0=0, y1=1),
             row,
@@ -4223,6 +4672,9 @@ def add_hrect(
         annotation=None,
         **kwargs,
     ):
+        # Translate legacy annotation_* → label (non-destructive; warns if used)
+        kwargs = _coerce_shape_label_from_legacy_annotation_kwargs(kwargs)
+
         self._process_multiple_axis_spanning_shapes(
             dict(type="rect", x0=0, x1=1, y0=y0, y1=y1),
             row,
diff --git a/tests/test_optional/test_autoshapes/test_annotated_shapes.py b/tests/test_optional/test_autoshapes/test_annotated_shapes.py
index a008e3bda12..67717439ca5 100644
--- a/tests/test_optional/test_autoshapes/test_annotated_shapes.py
+++ b/tests/test_optional/test_autoshapes/test_annotated_shapes.py
@@ -328,6 +328,39 @@ def test_default_annotation_positions(multi_plot_fixture):
     assert ret
 
 
+def test_legacy_annotation_text_also_sets_shape_label(single_plot_fixture):
+    single_plot_fixture.add_vline(x=2, annotation_text="B")
+
+    assert len(single_plot_fixture.layout.shapes) == 1
+    assert len(single_plot_fixture.layout.annotations) == 1
+
+    shape = single_plot_fixture.layout.shapes[0]
+    annotation = single_plot_fixture.layout.annotations[0]
+
+    assert shape.label.text == "B"
+    assert annotation.text == "B"
+
+
+def test_explicit_label_takes_precedence_over_legacy_annotation_text(
+    single_plot_fixture,
+):
+    single_plot_fixture.add_hrect(
+        y0=3,
+        y1=4,
+        annotation_text="legacy",
+        label=dict(text="label"),
+    )
+
+    assert len(single_plot_fixture.layout.shapes) == 1
+    assert len(single_plot_fixture.layout.annotations) == 1
+
+    shape = single_plot_fixture.layout.shapes[0]
+    annotation = single_plot_fixture.layout.annotations[0]
+
+    assert shape.label.text == "label"
+    assert annotation.text == "legacy"
+
+
 def draw_all_annotation_positions(testing=False):
     visualize = os.environ.get("VISUALIZE", 0)
     write_json = os.environ.get("WRITE_JSON", 0)