Spreading the words of a label inside a polygon

Spreading the words of a label through a polygon feature allows you to span the extent of the feature without overlapping other features. You can specify a maximum distance that will be allowed between words, expressed as a percentage of the font width. The Maplex Label Engine will stretch the label until it either encounters the boundaries of the feature, conflicts with other labels, or reaches the maximum word spacing distance. If you set the maximum spacing to 0, the label will be stretched to the extent of the feature.

Note:

The Spread words option for polygon layers is only available for the Regular Placement Style and the River Placement Style.

Steps:

1. Enable the Maplex Label Engine.
2. Click the Label Manager button on the Labeling toolbar.
3. Check the check box next to the layer you want to label.
4. Choose a label class under the layer.
5. Click the Properties button.
6. Click the Label Position tab.
7. Check the Spread words check box.
8. Click Options.
9. Type a distance to which to set the maximum word spacing.

The maximum word spacing is measured as a percentage of the font width. It must be greater than the default word spacing. A value of 0 will spread the word to stretch the label to the extent of the polygon.

Note:

The label text symbol properties control the default character and word spacing. These values become the minimum values when you use the Spread words labeling option. You can change the base properties of the label text by clicking the Symbol button in the Text Symbol section on the Label tab on the Layer Properties dialog box, then clicking Edit Symbol.
10. Click OK to close all dialog boxes.

Tip:

You can also open the Placement Properties dialog box by clicking the Placement Properties button on the Labels tab on the Layer Properties dialog box for the layer you want to label.