Why are some layers not visible in the Create Features window when editing in ArcMap?

Answer

Note:
This article applies to retired ArcMap versions 10.1 and prior, and is only provided for general information. Later versions of ArcGIS may contain different functionality, as well as different names and locations for menus, commands and geoprocessing tools.

If a layer is not visible in the Create Features window when editing in ArcMap, this can be due to several reasons:

• The layer was added to the map after a previous editing session. For more information, see the subtopic 'Cases wherein ArcMap creates feature templates automatically' in the document: Best practices for using feature templates
• The feature classes for the layer exist in a different geodatabase. Because feature classes can only be edited from one geodatabase at a time, only the feature classes in the selected geodatabase are visible when editing starts.
• Write access has not been granted to the geodatabase that contains the feature classes in need of editing.
• The layer is not visible. You need to turn on the layer in the table of contents.
• The layer is part of a group layer that is not visible. You need to turn on the group layer in the table of contents and ensure the sublayer is visible.
• The layer has a visible scale range that is beyond the map's current scale. Right-click the layer in the table of contents and click Zoom To Make Visible to bring the layer into view. You can update or remove the scale range on the General tab of the Layer Properties dialog box.
• The layer is from a parcel fabric dataset. You use the Parcel Editor toolbar to create new parcels rather than the Create Features window.
• The layer has a definition query applied, but the feature templates do not match it. You need to open the feature template's properties and set a default attribute value that satisfies the query. You can update or remove the expression on the Definition Query tab of the Layer Properties dialog box.