Is it possible to display basemap labels on top of features in ArcGIS Pro?

ArcGIS Pro provides various types of basemaps for addition to a map from the Basemap drop-down list. Although most basemaps combine the map background and labels into one layer, some basemaps contain a separate reference layer to display labels. Basemaps containing reference and background layers are displayed in the Contents pane in two independent lists. This allows movement of the reference layer up or down, between other layers in the Contents pane, to reflect on the map.

The following is a list of ArcGIS Pro basemaps that provide reference labels in a separate reference layer:

• Imagery Hybrid
• Terrain with Labels
• Light Gray Canvas
• Dark Gray Canvas
• Oceans

Note:
Your organization’s list of basemaps may differ. The default basemap gallery contains a predefined set of Esri basemaps, which is based on the region set for your organization.

Displaying and Removing Reference Labels

To display the basemap reference labels on top of features on the map, ensure the reference layer is above all other layers in the Contents pane. The image below shows the Terrain with Labels basemap with World Terrain Reference as the reference layer and World Terrain Base as the background layer.

To remove the reference labels from the map, uncheck the reference layer check box in the Contents pane, or right-click the reference layer and click Remove.

Adding Reference Layers from the Living Atlas

Alternatively, all basemaps are available from the Living Atlas tab in the Portal section of the Catalog pane in ArcGIS Pro, or from the ArcGIS Living Atlas website. By filtering for Basemaps and searching for "Reference", the reference layer needed can easily be identified. This approach allows mixing and matching any basemap with any reference layer. For example, the map in the image below uses the Imagery basemap combined with the Dark Gray Canvas reference layer.