Create a buffer to change the space between labels

Some maps have areas that are crowded with labels. This can decrease the readability of a map, especially when it becomes unclear which features are being labeled. You can use the Standard Label Engine to create a buffer around your labels, effectively making the label size larger than the actual text and thus preventing labels from being placed close to each other.

1. Ensure the Standard Label Engine is enabled.
2. Ensure List By Labeling is the active way of displaying the Contents pane.
3. Choose a label class in the Contents pane and click the Labeling tab.
4. On the Labeling tab, in the Label Placement group, click Label Placement Properties .
5. In the Labeling pane, click Position and click .
6. Type a value in the Label buffer ratio input box.

   A value of 0 will result in no buffer, and a value of 1 will create a buffer the size of the label.