Move, rotate, or resize annotation features

The Annotation tool Edit Annotation moves, rotates, or resizes annotation features by dragging the feature with the pointer. This tool is available in the Modify Features pane.

When using this tool, consider the following:

  • Annotation leader anchor points remain fixed to their original location. To move annotation leader anchor points with their respective annotation features, use the Move tool Move.
  • Annotation features created in ArcMap must be upgraded before editing them in ArcGIS Pro. In some cases, annotation features created in previous versions of ArcGIS Pro must also be upgraded. To learn more, see Manage annotation feature classes.

For steps to edit text or change text formatting, see Edit annotation text or change formatting.

To move, rotate, or resize annotation features, complete the following steps:

  1. Open a map containing the feature layer you are editing or add the layer to the map.

    Tip:

    Before editing features, specify which layers can be edited, confirm that the coordinate system assigned to the active map is suitable for the type of edits you're performing, and enable the snap agents that allow you to work effectively.

    For a basic checklist of settings, see Configure settings for editing.

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

    The Modify Features pane appears.

  3. Expand Alignment, or type Anno in the Search text box and click the Annotation tool Edit Annotation.

    The tool opens and the Select annotation tool Select Annotation is automatically active.

  4. Select the annotation features to be edited.

    To refine the selection, right-click a feature in the pane selection tree, and click Unselect Clear Selected or Only Select This List By Selection.

    The selected annotation features appear in the selection view and a selection bounding box appears around the features in the map.

  5. Check or uncheck the Enable rotate and resize check box.

    The Move command is always enabled.

    Checked

    Enable the Rotate and Resize commands.

    Unchecked

    Disable the Rotate and Resize commands.

    Tip:

    This setting prevents unintended rotation or scaling.

  6. Hover inside or near the selection bounding box or near a control point and drag the features when the pointer changes to one of the following cursor commands:

    Move

    Hover inside the selection bounding box and drag the features.

    Move annotation

    Tip:

    To turn on and use the selection anchor to snap to other features, position the pointer and press S. To move the anchor, press Ctrl, hover over the anchor, and drag it when the pointer changes to the Directional cursor Directional cursor.

    Rotate

    Hover near a control point outside the selection bounding box and drag the features.

    Rotate annotation

    Resize

    Hover near a control point inside the selection bounding box and drag it.

    Resize annotation

    The selected features move, rotate, or resize.

  7. Click Finish Finish or press F2 to finish the edits.

In this topic