Replace feature geometry

The Replace Geometry tool Replace Geometry replaces the geometry of a selected feature with geometry you sketch. The original feature attributes are preserved. This tool is available on the Modify Features pane.

This tool can also be used to create geometry for unmatched geocoded features containing null geometry. To partially replace feature geometry, use the Reshape tool Reshape.

Replace a line or polygon feature

To reshape a line or polygon feature, sketch the new shape using the tools on the construction toolbar. To replace a polygon feature with a simple geometric shape, click the Replace Geometry Replace Geometry arrow.

  1. On the Edit tab, set your snapping preferences and show the Modify Features pane.
    1. In the Snapping group, click the drop-down arrow, and enable your snapping preferences.
      Tip:

      To temporarily toggle snapping off as you sketch geometry, press and hold the Spacebar.

    2. In the Features group, click Modify Modify Features.
  2. Expand Reshape and click Replace Geometry Replace Geometry.
  3. In the tool pane, click Select Active Select, and select the line or polygon feature.
    • If you select more than one feature, right-click the feature you want to replace, and click Only Select This Unselect on the context menu.
  4. Sketch the new geometry using the tools on the construction toolbar.
    Segment construction toolbar
    • To create a simple geometric shape or sketch a freehand polygon, click the Replace Geometry Replace Geometry arrow and click the tool.
      Replace Polygon
  5. To finish the feature, click Finish Finish or press the F2 key.

Replace a point feature

To replace a point feature, click the new point using the tools on the construction toolbar. The point feature is automatically finished.

  1. On the Edit tab, set your snapping preferences and show the Modify Features pane.
    1. In the Snapping group, click the drop-down arrow, and enable your snapping preferences.
      Tip:

      To temporarily toggle snapping off as you sketch geometry, press and hold the Spacebar.

    2. In the Features group, click Modify Modify Features.
  2. Expand Reshape and click Replace Geometry Replace Geometry
  3. In the tool pane, click Select Active Select, and select the line or polygon feature.
    • If you select more than one feature, right-click the feature you want to replace, and click Only Select This Unselect on the context menu.
  4. Sketch the new point feature using the tools on the construction toolbar.
    Point construction toolbar
    • To create a point feature at sketched offset, click Replace Point at End of Line Point At End of Line, sketch the offset, and click Finish Finish or press the F2 key.

Related topics