ArcMap sometimes crashes when adding feature-linked annotation

Description

When adding a feature in ArcMap that has feature-linked annotation, ArcMap sometimes crashes.

Cause

This occurs when you select the option to automatically create annotation with new features and the field from which the annotation is created is blank (null).

Solution or Workaround

1. From ArcCatalog, navigate to the feature class that the annotation is linked to.
2. Right-click the feature class and select Properties.
3. Click the Fields tab.
4. Click the appropriate field name and type a default value in the Field Properties.