Create a feature template

In the Manage Templates pane, you can create feature templates individually or batch create them at one time for a layer or all layers in a map. A tag keyword is automatically generated for the geometry type.

You can document a template with an optional description that you and your organization can search and find in the pane.

For steps to configure the tool palette, set attribute values, or add a table template, see Configure a feature template.

Create all templates

Create all templates batch creates all templates for a map or a layer and names them to match the layer name or a unique symbol name. A template is generated for each unique symbol value and subtype. This command is available on the context menu.

1. Open the Manage Templates pane using one of the following methods:
   • On the Edit tab, in the lower right corner of the Features group, click the Manage Templates dialog box launcher .
   • In the Create Features pane, click Manage Templates .

   The Manage Templates pane appears.

2. In the pane, expand the map and click the layer.

   Feature templates defined for the layer appear in the templates box.

3. Right-click the map or layer, and click Create all templates on the context menu.

   All feature templates for the map or layer are automatically generated and named to match the layer name or a unique symbol value.

New template

New Template creates a feature template for the selected layer. A tag keyword for the geometry type is automatically generated. This command is available in the pane on the toolbar.

1. Open the Manage Templates pane using one of the following methods:
   • On the Edit tab, in the lower right corner of the Features group, click the Manage Templates dialog box launcher .
   • In the Create Features pane, click Manage Templates .

   The Manage Templates pane appears.

2. In the pane, expand the map and click the layer.

   Feature templates defined for the layer appear in the templates box.

3. In the pane, on the toolbar, click the New arrow and click Template .

   Template Properties opens.

4. Click General.
5. In the Name text box, type a name.

   The OK button is enabled.

6. In the Description text box, you can document the template with an optional description that you and your organization can search and find in the pane.
7. In the Tags text box, the keyword for the geometry type is automatically generated. You can delete it or add additional tags.
   • To add a tag, type the keyword and press Enter.
   • To delete a tag, click X.
8. Click OK.

   The template is saved and the dialog box closes.

Templates for layer

Templates for Layer batch creates all templates for a layer and names them to match the layer name or a unique symbol name. A template is generated for each unique symbol value and subtype. This command is available in the pane on the toolbar.

1. Open the Manage Templates pane using one of the following methods:
   • On the Edit tab, in the lower right corner of the Features group, click the Manage Templates dialog box launcher .
   • In the Create Features pane, click Manage Templates .

   The Manage Templates pane appears.

2. In the pane, expand the map and click the layer.

   Feature templates defined for the layer appear in the templates box.

3. In the pane, on the toolbar, click the New arrow and click Templates for Layer .

   All feature templates for the layer are automatically generated and named to match the layer name or a unique symbol value.

Template from feature

Template From Feature creates a feature template based on the properties of a feature you select in a map. The selected feature must be on the same layer you select in the pane. This command is available in the pane on the toolbar.

1. Open the Manage Templates pane using one of the following methods:
   • On the Edit tab, in the lower right corner of the Features group, click the Manage Templates dialog box launcher .
   • In the Create Features pane, click Manage Templates .

   The Manage Templates pane appears.

2. In the pane, expand the map and click the layer.

   Feature templates defined for the layer appear in the templates box.

3. On the Edit tab in the Selection group, click a selection tool and select the feature containing the attributes you want to copy.

   Note:

   The feature must be on the same layer you clicked in the Manage Templates pane.

4. In the pane, on the toolbar, click the New arrow and click Template From Feature .

   Template Properties opens.

5. Click General.
6. In the Name text box, type a name.

   The OK button is enabled.

7. In the Description text box, you can document the template with an optional description that you and your organization can search and find in the pane.
8. In the Tags text box, the keyword for the geometry type is automatically generated. You can delete it or add additional tags.
   • To add a tag, type the keyword and press Enter.
   • To delete a tag, click X.
9. Click OK.

   The template is saved and the dialog box closes.

Duplicate

Duplicate creates a new feature template based on the properties of an existing feature template..

1. Open the Manage Templates pane using one of the following methods:
   • On the Edit tab, in the lower right corner of the Features group, click the Manage Templates dialog box launcher .
   • In the Create Features pane, click Manage Templates .

   The Manage Templates pane appears.

2. In the pane, expand the map and click the layer.

   Feature templates defined for the layer appear in the templates box.

3. Click the template you want to duplicate.
4. On the toolbar, click Duplicate .

   Template Properties opens.

5. Click General.
6. In the Name text box, type a name.

   The OK button is enabled.

7. In the Description text box, you can document the template with an optional description that you and your organization can search and find in the pane.
8. In the Tags text box, the keyword for the geometry type is automatically generated. You can delete it or add additional tags.
   • To add a tag, type the keyword and press Enter.
   • To delete a tag, click X.
9. Click OK.

   The template is saved and the dialog box closes.