Back to Top

Symbol structure

In this topic

  1. Restructuring symbol layers
  2. Add a symbol layer
  3. Delete a symbol layer
  4. Reorder symbol layers
  5. Duplicate symbol layers

Restructuring symbol layers

The appearance and behavior of a symbol is dictated by the component symbol layers and symbol effects it contains. Even the order that these components are placed within a symbol can impact how it appears. You can add, delete, and reorder the layers in a symbol. Be aware that you may be prevented from deleting layers if the deletion will violate the minimum core symbol layers. A point symbol must contain at least one marker symbol layer. A line symbol must contain at least one stroke symbol layer, and a polygon symbol must contain at least one layer of any type.

Note:

Text symbols have no layer structure, so there is no notion of symbol layers or minimum layer requirements. Text symbols do not have symbol effects.

Add a symbol layer

  1. In the Format Symbol mode on the Symbology pane, click the Properties tab and click the Structure tab Structure.
  2. Under the Layers heading, click Add symbol layer.
  3. Choose a layer type: Marker layer, Stroke layer, Fill layer.

    The new layer is added at the top of the draw stack within the symbol.

  4. Click Apply to save changes to the symbol.

Delete a symbol layer

  1. In the Format Symbol mode on the Symbology pane, click the Properties tab and click the Structure tab Structure.
  2. Under the Layers heading, click Delete to remove the unwanted symbol layer.
  3. Click Apply to save changes to the symbol.

Reorder symbol layers

  1. In the Format Symbol mode on the Symbology pane, click the Properties tab and click the Structure tab Structure.
  2. Under the Layers heading, click the three dots of a symbol layer and drag it to a new location in the stack.

    The symbol layer at the lowest position in the pane draws first. The layer at the top of the pane draws last, above the others.

  3. Click Apply to save changes to the symbol.

Duplicate symbol layers

Instead of adding a new symbol layer, you can duplicate an existing symbol layer in a symbol. This can save you time when building complex layers that have similar properties.

  1. In the Format Symbol mode of the Symbology pane, click the Properties tab and click Duplicate layer Copy.

    The new layer is placed immediately above the source layer in the stack.

  2. Click Apply to save changes to the symbol.

Related topics

  • Manage symbol layers
  • Use symbol effects

Feedback on this topic?

In this topic
  1. Restructuring symbol layers
  2. Add a symbol layer
  3. Delete a symbol layer
  4. Reorder symbol layers
  5. Duplicate symbol layers