Moving feature representations

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

You can move feature representations to new locations just as you move features—by dragging them or by specifying horizontal and vertical displacements. Representation rules are dynamically reapplied to feature representations at their new positions.

In addition to moving geometry, you can override representation rules by interactively moving some representation rule properties relative to the feature representation shape.

Moving feature representation geometry

Whole feature representations can be repositioned by dragging with the Select tool or with the Move tool when the Geometry box is checked on the Tools tab on the Representation Properties window .

Portions of one or more feature representations can be moved by selecting and dragging vertices with the Direct Select tool . Additionally, you can use the Move Parallel tool to move all selected line segments exactly parallel to their original positions or the Warp tool to smoothly displace selected segments proportionally.

How to move feature representation geometry

1. In an edit session, select a feature representation using the Select tool on the Representation toolbar.
2. Move the pointer over the selected representation or representations until a four-way arrowhead appears next to the pointer: .
3. Click and drag the representations to a new location.

Tip:

• To move feature representations by one pixel increment, either horizontally or vertically, right-click a selected feature representation, point to Nudge, then click a nudge direction.
• To align two or more selected feature representations relative to each other, right-click and point to Align, then click an align arrangement.
• To distribute three or more selected feature representations evenly relative to each other, right-click and point to Distribute, then click Distribute Horizontally or Distribute Vertically.

Moving and offsetting representation properties

Representation rules can include geometric effects and marker placement styles, some of which have properties that can be interactively moved with the Move tool or the Offset tool . A check box will appear next to these properties in the Representation Properties window when either tool is active. Checking these boxes will modify the value of the associated property and create an override for the selected features when the tool is used.

Dive-in:

The Move tool operates on geometry and on any offset representation property that is set in two dimensions (x and y). The Offset tool operates on offset representation properties that are set in a single dimension only. It does not operate on geometry. Use the Move tool or the Select tool to reposition geometry.

How to move representation properties

1. In an edit session, select one or more feature representations that share the same representation rule.
2. Click the Move button on the Representation toolbar.
3. Open the Representation Properties window, if necessary, by clicking the Representation Properties button .
4. Click the Tools tab on the Representation Properties window to see a checklist of the representation properties of the current representation rule that can be overridden with the Move tool .
5. Check the properties check boxes as desired.
6. Click and drag to move the feature representation properties.

Tip:

• By clicking the Geometry check box in step 5 above, you can also move the shape of the selected feature, creating a geometry override.
• To move geometry or representation properties a specified distance, right-click with the Move tool and point to Offsets. Enter the number of points to move the selected components vertically and horizontally.
• Press the M key to activate the Move tool . Press the M key again to open the Offsets dialog box.

How to offset representation properties

1. In an edit session, select one or more feature representations that share the same representation rule.
2. Click the Offset button on the submenu of the Move button on the Representation toolbar.
3. Open the Representation Properties window, if necessary, by clicking the Representation Properties button .
4. Click the Tools tab on the Representation Properties window to see a checklist of the representation properties of the current representation rule that can be overridden with the Offset tool .
5. Check the properties check boxes as desired.
6. Click and drag to offset the feature representation properties.

Tip:

• To offset representation properties a specified distance, right-click with the Offset tool and point to Offset. Enter the number of points to offset.
• Press the F key to activate the Offset tool .

Moving feature representations parallel

Moving lines or polygon edges exactly parallel to their starting location is an essential editing task in cartography because it can maintain the spatial relationship between features (such as a road and an administrative boundary, the edge of a forest boundary and a river, or a house on a lot) while adding a bit of visual space between the two to accommodate symbology at scale. A move parallel operation can take place on curved lines as well as straight lines.

How to move feature representations parallel

1. In an edit session, select one or more feature representations or portions of feature representations.
2. Click the Move Parallel button on the Representation toolbar.
3. Click and drag in the direction you want to move. The selection is repositioned parallel to its original location. Some reshaping of the feature may occur to ensure that each portion of the line is moved parallel to its original location.

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.
• When the Move Parallel tool is used on selected polygon feature representations, each portion of the polygon's edge is moved parallel to its former location. The polygon is resized but not relocated.
• To move the selection parallel by an exact distance, right-click with the Move Parallel tool and click Offset. Enter a positive or negative value in points.
• Press the P key to activate the Move Parallel tool .