Split a feature

In the Modify Features pane, the Split tool splits editable and visible features into two or more features. You can draw a line to create the split or select input cutting features and split only selected target features. Line features can also be split by clicking them.

Splitting z-enabled features adds vertices with interpolated z-values and preserves the angular pitch of the split segments in 3D space.

Attribute values from the original feature are copied to the new features. Attributes constrained by attribute domains are determined by the domain split policy defined by the source geodatabase.

To learn more about split policies in a geodatabase, see Introduction to attribute domains.

For steps to split a feature by specifying values, see the following:

• Divide a polyline by a value
• Divide a polygon by a value

Split a line feature

You can split a line feature by clicking it or by drawing a line across it. Clicking the intersection of two or more lines splits all the clicked lines where they intersect.

1. On the Edit tab, set your snapping preferences and show the Modify Features pane.
   1. In the Snapping group, enable your snapping preferences

      As you sketch the cutting line, you can press and hold the spacebar to temporarily turn off snapping.

   2. In the Features group, click Modify .
2. In the pane, expand Divide and click Split .

   The tool appears in the pane.

3. Click Interactive
4. To split any line feature you click or cross with a line segment, check Allow splitting without a selection.

   

5. To select the line feature you want to split, do the following:
   1. Uncheck Allow splitting without a selection.
   2. Click the Select tool and select the feature.
   3. To keep only one feature in the selection, double-click the feature, or right-click and click Only Select This .

      

6. Split the line feature using one of the following methods:
   • Click the line feature where you want the split to occur.
   • Draw a two-point line across it, and click Finish or press F2.

     

Split a polygon feature

To split a polygon feature, draw a continuous line that crosses or touches the feature in at least two places. To create a curvilinear cutting line, use the arc segment tools on the construction toolbar.

1. On the Edit tab, set your snapping preferences and show the Modify Features pane.
   1. In the Snapping group, enable your snapping preferences

      As you sketch the cutting line, you can press and hold the spacebar to temporarily turn off snapping.

   2. In the Features group, click Modify .
2. In the pane, expand Divide and click Split .

   The tool appears in the pane.

3. Click Interactive
4. To split any polygon feature you cross with a line segment, check Allow splitting without a selection.

   

5. To select the polygon feature you want to split, do the following:
   1. Uncheck Allow splitting without a selection.
   2. Click the Select tool and select the feature.
   3. To keep only one feature in the selection, double-click the feature, or right-click and click Only Select This .

      

6. Draw a continuous line that crosses or touches the feature in at least two places.
   • To create a curvilinear cutting line, use the arc segment tools on the construction toolbar.

   

7. To apply the split, click Finish or press F2.

Split features with other features

Splitting features with other features manages the selections on input and target tabs. This method also allows you to select all intersecting input or target features and ensure that all intersecting features are split.

1. On the Edit tab, set your snapping preferences and show the Modify Features pane.
   1. In the Snapping group, enable your snapping preferences

      As you sketch the cutting line, you can press and hold the spacebar to temporarily turn off snapping.

   2. In the Features group, click Modify .
2. In the pane, expand Divide and click Split .

   The tool appears in the pane.

3. Click By Features.
4. Select the input cutting features.
   1. Click the Input Features tab.
   2. Click Select one or more features and select the features.
   3. To move a feature to the target selection, right-click the feature item and click Move to Target.

      

      Tip:

      You can double-click a feature in the list to select it and remove all other features from the selection.

5. Select the target features you want to split.
   1. Click the Target Features tab.
   2. Click the Select tool and select the features.
   3. If you need to ensure that all intersecting features are selected and split, click Select all intersecting features .

      

      Note:

      This command is also available on the Input Features tab when a target selection exists.

   4. To move a feature to the input selection, right-click the feature item and click Move to Input.

      

      Tip:

      You can double-click a feature in the list to select it and remove all other features from the selection.

6. Click Split.