From the drawing tools icon in the menu bar select a shape. I selected "Filled Rectangle" for this example. FILLED_RECT.jpg Draw the shape on the PCB where it needs to be. DRAW_RECT.jpg Right click on the shape and select "Properties" from the context menu. In the "Type:" drop down select "Route Ke...

Place a route keepout over the area to exclude from the copper pour. I haven't found another method so far.

Typically, neither of those items are included on the PCB or Schematic

To clarify, the manufacturer's part numbers for active devices and semiconductors are nearly always shown on the schematic. I should have limited that statement to the PCB layout.

Is there a way I can freely move a component's characters: particularly part number and part type? In both the PCB Layout and Schematic editors pressing F10 allows movement of component markings. Pressing the 'R' key while holding down the left mouse button will rotate the selected marking. However...

That technique was not uncommon in the days of acetate and tape. I remember seeing quite a few boards similar to what is shown. I would think it is possible in DipTrace using either copper pours or shapes. If shapes are used they will be direct connections only and will not honor thermal spoke setti...

Schematic symbols should ideally reflect the function of the represented device. This article is a decent starting point: https://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/anablog/4457641/Make-schematic-symbols-understandable There are probably other, and better, tutorials on the subject. In addition to using m...

More control over dimension placement would be helpful.
If you're not aware of this, hovering over the dimension line changes its color to red. Left click while hovering will allow the dimension line to be moved either up-down or left-right.

You're not doing anything wrong. Route keepout shapes are used during trace routing to keep pours and traces away from areas the layout designer designates. They are not part of the manufacturing output.

On my DipTrace installation:
Hovering over any pad, whether connected to a plane or trace, or unrouted, will show all the other pads on that same net as red.
Hovering over a trace will show connected traces and pads in cyan.
Hovering over a pour does not highlight any pads.

Surely you can just create a schematic with components and wires etc. Then do a convert to PCB to get the ratlines and components into the PCB Layout.. Yes. I do this all the time for simple boards. You do not need to use the net classes feature at all. The trace width for each net can be individua...