Edit annotation text and formatting

The Annotation tool contains a selection tool that allows you to select an annotation feature and edit all or a portion of the text string and format the text with commands on a formatting toolbar. This tool is available in the Modify Features pane.

When you use this tool, consider the following:

• The annotation selection tool selects only annotation features and excludes other feature types from a selection.
• When you select an annotation feature, the formatting toolbar appears at the bottom the map. You can move it by dragging it with the pointer.
• To prevent unintended rotation or scaling, uncheck the Enable rotate and resize check box.

To select an annotation feature and edit its text or change its formatting, complete the following steps:

1. Add your data and configure settings for editing.

   Confirm that the feature layer you are editing is editable, the coordinate system assigned to the active map is suitable for the type of edits you're performing, and snapping is configured to help you work efficiently and accurately.

   Note:

   To migrate annotation features from ArcMap, create a backup and upgrade the feature class. Similarly, you might need to upgrade annotation created in older versions of ArcGIS Pro. To learn more, see Manage annotation feature classes.

2. On the ribbon, click the Edit tab and click Modify in the Features group.

   The Modify Features pane appears.

3. Click the Annotation tool .

   To find the tool, expand Alignment, or type Anno in the Search text box.

4. To prevent unintended rotation or scaling, uncheck the Enable rotate and resize check box.
5. Click the Select an annotation feature tool and select an annotation feature.

   Tip:

   If you select more than one feature, reselect the feature. Alternatively, click the feature in the pane selection view to flash it in the map, right-click, and click Only Select This .

   The text is enclosed in a selection box.

   

6. To edit the text string, double-click inside the selection boundary and type the new text.

   By default, the entire text string is selected and appears highlighted.

   Tip:

   To select parts of the text, click and drag the pointer across the characters. To delete a character, click between it and the next character and press Backspace.

7. To format the text, click the corresponding buttons on the formatting toolbar to change the font type, style, or size of the text.

   

   Tip:

   The formatting toolbar appears at the bottom of the map. To move it, hover over an edge of the toolbar. When the pointer changes to the move cursor, drag the toolbar to the new location.

8. To finish the feature, click Finish on the annotation editing toolbar, or press F2.