Reshaping feature representations

This topic applies to ArcGIS for Desktop Standard and ArcGIS for Desktop Advanced only.

You can reshape line and polygon feature representations interactively by stretching whole segments of geometry, or more precisely, by manipulating individual vertices. Representation symbology will be dynamically reapplied to feature representations after they are reshaped.

Reshaping with the bounding box

When you select whole representations with the Select or the Lasso Select tool, a rectangular bounding box is drawn around the limits of the selection. You can drag the handles on the bounding box with the Select tool to stretch the rectangle to proportionally reshape all the selected feature representations within the box.

Learn about resizing feature representations

How to reshape using the bounding box

1. In an edit session, select one or more feature representations with the Select tool or the Lasso Select tool from the Representation toolbar. A rectangular bounding box is drawn around the selection.
2. Move the pointer over one of the handles on the perimeter of the bounding box until it changes to a two-way arrowhead: .
3. Click and drag to reshape the bounding box. The selected feature representations are proportionally reshaped as well.

Tip:

• Drag a side handle to stretch the rectangle in just one dimension, or use a corner handle to change both dimensions at once.
• Press and hold the SHIFT key while you drag from a corner handle to resize the horizontal and vertical dimensions proportionally.
• Press and hold the ALT key while dragging to resize the bounding box from its center.
• Press and hold SHIFT+ALT together to resize the bounding box proportionally from the center.
• Moving the pointer slightly farther away from the handles activates the curved arrow pointer , allowing you to rotate the entire selection.

Reshaping by moving vertices

You can reshape geometry with the Direct Select tool by moving one or more vertices from one or more feature representations simultaneously. Segments joining selected and unselected vertices will be stretched to accommodate the move, and representation symbology will be dynamically reapplied.

How to reshape using vertices

1. In an edit session, select one or more vertices from one or more feature representations with the Direct Select tool or the Lasso Direct Select tool from the Representation toolbar. The geometry is highlighted and selected vertices are filled.
2. Move the pointer over a selected vertex until a four-way arrow appears as the pointer: .
3. Click and drag to move all selected vertices. Unselected vertices remain in place, and the segments between selected and unselected vertices are stretched to accommodate the move.

Tip:

Use the SHIFT key to add representations to the selected set, or right-click and click Unselect Representation to remove representations from the selection.

Reshaping with the Move Parallel tool

Using the Move Parallel tool , you can reshape geometry in a controlled way by moving each selected segment exactly parallel to its previous position. The Move Parallel tool can be used on more than one selected feature representation at a time only if the selected vertices are from connected segments that form a continuous polyline.

How to reshape using the Move Parallel tool

1. In an edit session, select at least two adjacent vertices from connected segments that form a continuous polyline with the Direct Select tool or the Lasso Direct Select tool from the Representation toolbar. The geometry is highlighted and selected vertices are filled solid.
2. Click the Move Parallel tool .
3. Click and drag to move the selected segments exactly parallel to their previous positions. Unselected segments remain in place, and the segments between selected and unselected vertices are stretched to accommodate the move.

Tip:

• The Move Parallel tool can be used on multiple selected feature representations at a time only if the selected vertices form a single continuous polyline.
• At least two vertices must be selected, and all selected vertices must be adjacent to one another.
• To move selected segments a specific distance, right-click with the Move Parallel tool and click Offset. Enter a positive or negative offset value in points. Click OK to move the segment the specified amount.

Reshaping with the Warp tool

The Warp tool lets you reshape geometry smoothly by displacing selected segments proportionally from the location you click and drag with the tool. The greatest amount of displacement will occur nearest the point—and in the direction—from where you began the drag. Displacement will be gradually diminished proportionally away from that point so that a smooth transition is made. Unselected segments will remain in place.

How to reshape using the Warp tool

1. In an edit session, select any number of vertices from one or more line or polygon feature representations with the Direct Select tool or the Lasso Direct Select tool from the Representation toolbar. The geometry is highlighted and selected vertices or point feature representations are filled solid.
2. Click the Warp tool .
3. Click and drag to move the selected vertices or points.

Tip:

• The Warp tool can also be used to proportionally adjust the distribution of three or more point features symbolized with representations.
• Press the W key to activate the Warp tool .

Reshaping with the Erase tool

With the Erase tool , you can reshape a feature representation by removing portions of its geometry. The representation rule is reapplied to the remainder of the feature representation.

Learn how to mask feature representationsLearn how to make feature representations invisible

How to reshape using the Erase tool

1. In an edit session, select one or more feature representations.
2. Click the Erase tool on the Representation toolbar.
3. Click and drag to erase portions of selected representations. Polygon geometry is automatically closed, and representation symbology is dynamically reapplied to the remaining feature representation portions.

Tip:

• Press the TAB key to alternate between a round or square eraser.
• Press and hold the SHIFT key and drag to increase or decrease the size of the eraser.
• Erasing over a point feature representation—or an entire line or polygon feature representation—will keep the geometry intact but override the Visibility property, making the feature invisible and nonprintable.
• If Erase cuts a line or polygon feature representation in two, a multipart feature is created.