diff --git a/ci/release/template/man/d2.1 b/ci/release/template/man/d2.1
index 7eb318f62..c71b96bec 100644
--- a/ci/release/template/man/d2.1
+++ b/ci/release/template/man/d2.1
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ Print debug logs.
 In watch mode, images used in icons are cached for subsequent compilations. This should be disabled if images might change
 .Ns .
 .It Fl -timeout Ar 120
-The number of seconds before d2 will timeout.
+The maximum number of seconds that D2 runs for before timing out and exiting. When rendering a large diagram, it is recommended to increase this value.
 .Ns .
 .It Fl h , -help
 Print usage information and exit.
diff --git a/d2cli/main.go b/d2cli/main.go
index 4ce34764c..5fcf94c5d 100644
--- a/d2cli/main.go
+++ b/d2cli/main.go
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ func Run(ctx context.Context, ms *xmain.State) (err error) {
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	timeoutFlag, err := ms.Opts.Int64("D2_TIMEOUT", "timeout", "", 120, "the number of seconds before d2 will timeout")
+	timeoutFlag, err := ms.Opts.Int64("D2_TIMEOUT", "timeout", "", 120, "the maximum number of seconds that D2 runs for before timing out and exiting. When rendering a large diagram, it is recommended to increase this value")
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}