Edit vertex z-values

The Edit Vertices tool edits vertex z-values stored with z-aware point, polyline, and polygon features. This tool is available on the Modify Features pane.

You can drag a vertex vertically, edit z-values individually, or apply the same value to multiple fields. In 3D scenes, to preserve the x, y coordinates of a vertex while dragging it, press and hold the H key.

Note:

The z-value field is a property of a feature class that is enabled when a feature class is initially created.

Z-values provide the ability to model and analyze point, polyline, and polygon features in three-dimensional (3D) space. For example, z-values can define the height of an aircraft or elevation changes along an underground transportation linear feature.

Clear or edit z-values

To clear or edit z-values in the geometry properties table, click the individual fields. To apply the same values to multiple rows, select the rows and click Update Z Values.

1. On the Edit tab, choose your snapping preferences, and show the Modify Features pane.
   1. In the Snapping group, click the Snapping drop-down menu and enable your snapping preferences.

      To temporarily turn snapping off while you edit a feature, press and hold the Spacebar.

   2. In the Features group, click Modify .
2. Expand Reshape and click Vertices .
3. In the pane, click Select , and select a polyline or polygon feature.
   • To refine the selection, right-click a feature in the tree view, and click Unselect or Only Select This .

     

4. Clear or edit z-values in the geometry properties table.
   • To clear an z-value and set it to NaN, click the field and press Backspace or Delete.
   • To apply the same value to multiple vertices, select the rows, and click Update M Values .

     

5. To finish the feature, right-click and click Finish , or press the F2 key.

Keyboard shortcuts

Edit vertices

Keyboard shortcuts for the Edit Vertices tool

Keyboard shortcut	Action	Comment
T+hover	Show vertices within the snapping tolerance.	Flash a square at vertices that are within the current snapping tolerance of the pointer.
Ctrl+Shift+Click	Select multiple vertices.	Drag multiple segments in unison between the selected vertices.
A+click	Add a vertex .	Create a vertex where you click a segment.
D+click	Delete a vertex .	Delete the clicked vertex.
H+drag	Edit the elevation.	Move a z-enabled vertex vertically and preserve its x,y coordinates. Hover over a control handle until the pointer becomes a vertex and drag the vertex. This shortcut is available in 3D scenes.
Ctrl+drag	Move a Bézier curve.	Move a Bézier curve and preserve its shape. Hover over a curve until the pointer becomes a segment, and drag the curve.
Ctrl+drag	Move a Bézier handle.	Move a Bézier control handle that can't otherwise be selected when it is coincident with another vertex. Hover over a control handle until the pointer becomes a vertex and drag the handle.
Ctrl+H	Move the z-value to the pointer.	Move the z-value for the selected vertex to the elevation of the pointer. The x- and y-values are preserved. This is available only when stereoscopic mode is enabled.
Ctrl+G	Move the pointer z-value.	Move the pointer z-value to the elevation of the selected vertex. This is available only when stereoscopic mode is enabled.