Remove duplicate labels from a point layer in ArcMap 9.x

Summary

Note:
ArcMap has been retired as of March 1, 2026. There are no plans for future releases of ArcMap, and it is recommended that you migrate to ArcGIS Pro. See Migrate from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro for more information.

Instructions provided describe how to remove duplicate labels from a point layer. When labeling a point layer, the option to remove a duplicate label is not available by default.

Procedure

Create a buffer polygon around the point layer and then use the buffer polygon layer's label option to remove duplicate labels.

1. Create a buffer around the point layer.
   1. Launch ArcToolbox within ArcMap.
   2. Select the Analysis tools > Proximity Tools > Buffer.
   3. Drag and drop the point layer from the ArcMap Table of Contents to the Input Features text box in the Buffer dialog.
   4. Fill in, or select the remaining items in the Buffer window.
2. Label the polygon buffer with the option to remove duplicate labels.
   1. Add the polygon layer to the map.
   2. Right-click the layer and select Properties.
   3. Click the Labels tab and select the appropriate Label Field.
   4. Click the Placement Properties button, click the Placement tab and click the radio button to Remove duplicate labels.
   5. Click OK to save the changes and dismiss the Placement Properties dialog.
   6. Click the Symbology tab on the Layer Properties dialog. Click the Symbol button and change the Fill and Outline colors to No Color.