Editing template types

Editing templates comprise several template types that use varying methods to sketch and create features on one or more layers and insert records (rows) into tables. The best template type for your application depends on the data and the desired workflow.

The following sections describe the capabilities and visual appearance of each template type.

Feature templates

Feature templates create features on a single target layer. They are the default template type in ArcGIS Pro. If you used feature templates in ArcMap, you are familiar with their properties and how they work.

Feature templates appear in the Create Features pane with a name and a symbol showing the symbology assigned to the target feature layer.

For steps to create them, see Create a feature template.

Group templates

Group templates create multiple features on multiple source layers. They reference existing feature templates and use semiautonomous feature constructors called feature builders to create and place features relative to one primary feature that is sketched in a map.

For example, using a group template, you can sketch a waterline and automatically create a fitting and a valve at the end of the line when you finish the sketch.

Group templates appear in the Create Features pane with a name and a symbol showing the symbology assigned to the feature layer defined by the primary template.

For steps to create them, see Create a group template.

Primary templates and toolsets

The feature template selected to initiate the creation of a group template functions as the primary template. The primary template determines the geometry type and the available toolsets for sketching the geometry that essentially drives the placement of the secondary features.

The combined characteristics of the primary template geometry type and the selected toolset determine the feature template types and associated builders that are available to secondary feature templates.

Group templates can be configured in the following template and toolset geometry configurations:

Primary template geometryGroup template toolsetSecondary template geometry

Points

Point tools

Points, polygons, and preset templates

Points

Line tools

Points, lines, polygons, and preset templates

Points

Radial tools

Points, lines, and preset templates

Lines

Line tools

Points, lines, polygons, and preset templates

Lines

Radial tools

Points, lines, and preset templates

Polygons

Polygon tools

Points, lines, polygons, and preset templates

Preset templates

Preset templates add predefined features to a map in the same arrangement that they are selected when the template is created. They use point construction tools and insertion anchors to add, rotate, and snap features into place using the active snap settings.

When a preset template is created, the primary insertion anchor is placed by default at the center (centroid) of the envelope for the entire selection set. Insertion anchors can be moved and saved in the Template Properties dialog box.

Preset templates appear in the Create Features pane with a name and the preset icon Preset Template. You can create them in the Manage Templates pane by first selecting the features in the active map.

For steps to create them, see Create a preset template

Table templates

Table templates insert one or more predefined attributed records (rows) into tables. You can use table templates directly in the Create Features and Attributes panes or add them to existing feature templates to automatically insert rows into related tables when a feature is created.

Table templates appear in the Create Features pane with a name and a table template icon Table Template. You can create them in the Manage Templates pane.

For steps to create them, see Create a table template.