Using the Maplex Label Engine to rotate labels turns each label on the map by a specified angle. The rotation angle is taken from an attribute value you've associated with the feature. You can also specify a rotation value to be added to this angle or use an expression to calculate the angle. The alignment type options allow you to orient your label to the angle in a straight, horizontal, or perpendicular fashion. To prevent the labels from flipping upside down when rotating around the feature, use the Keep label upright (may flip) option.
If the center placement option is selected, the label is placed at the center of the symbol and rotated by the specified angle. If any of the offset placement options are selected, the label is placed at the offset distance and rotated to the specified angle. The selected placement position is overridden, and the placement is determined by the angle when you choose to rotate labels by an attribute value. The angle represents either geographic or arithmetic coordinates. Geographic rotates labels from north in a clockwise direction, while Arithmetic rotates labels from east in a counterclockwise direction.
The image below shows points with their labels rotated with an attribute value. The values are 0, 90, 180, and 270.
- Ensure the Maplex Label Engine is enabled.
- Ensure List By Labeling is the active method of displaying the Contents pane. Click List by Labeling
. - Choose a label class in the Contents pane and click the Labeling tab.
- On the Labeling tab, in the Label Placement group, click Label Placement Properties
. - In the Labeling pane, click Position and click
. - Expand Rotation.
- Choose a field from the Rotation field drop-down list or click the Expression button
to specify an Arcade expression to use for the angle calculation. Optionally, provide a title for the expression. - Optionally, specify a value for Additional rotation to be applied to the label.
If there is an expression set, the Additional rotation option is unavailable.
The selected offset placement position is overridden by the angle specified by the field and the additional rotation.
- Choose a value for Rotation type.
Geographic rotates labels from north in a clockwise direction, while Arithmetic rotates labels from east in a counterclockwise direction.
- Choose a value for Alignment type: Straight, Horizontal, or Perpendicular.
If the Keep label upright (may flip) option is checked, the label may be flipped to remain upright. Otherwise, the label may be placed upside down.