Buffer polygons and dissolve those that overlap

Summary

Instructions provided describe a procedure to buffer multiple polygons and dissolve those that overlap.

Procedure

1. In ArcToolbox, select Analysis Tools > Proximity > Buffer.
2. Add the Input Features.
3. Specify an Output Feature Class.
4. Click the 'Dissolve Type (Optional)' in the dropdown list and select Dissolve All.
5. Click OK.
6. Double-click the Data Management Tools > Features > Multipart To Singlepart tool to explode the multiparts and keep the dissolved features as one.