Edit a legend label without changing the layer's field values in ArcGIS Pro

Summary

Legend items in an ArcGIS Pro layout represent feature layers in the map, with its patches and labels derived from the symbology used for the layer. When editing the legend of a layer, the user may want to edit the labels of the legend items for better readability. However, the field values of the layer must be retained for consistency in analysis and workflow purposes. Therefore, it may be necessary to change the label in a legend only. This article provides a workflow on how to edit a legend label without changing the layer's field values in ArcGIS Pro.

Procedure

Edit the symbology class labels of the feature layer

1. Launch the ArcGIS Pro project.
2. Click the Layout tab to activate the layout view. The tab color turns blue.
3. In the Contents pane of the layout view, under Map Frame, right-click the layer and click Symbology.

4. In the Symbology - <layer> pane, click Primary symbology.
5. Click the Primary symbology drop-down menu and select the type of symbology to edit the legend label with:

• For Single Symbol, next to Label, type a name to represent the feature.

• For Unique Values, click the Classes tab. In the Label column, type a name to represent the feature.

Convert the legend to graphics

Note:
Once a legend is converted to graphics, it loses all connection to the map. Any changes to layer symbology, or added and removed layers, are not reflected in the legend. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Change the legend’s appearance for more information.

1. Launch the ArcGIS Pro project.
2. Click the Layout tab to activate the layout view. The tab color turns blue.
3. In the Contents pane of the layout view, right-click Legend and click Convert To Graphics.

4. Right-click Legend again, and click Ungroup.

5. On the layout view, edit the legend label.

The image below shows the legend label after editing.