Frequently asked question

In a feature layer, can labels for different features have different colors?

Last Published: October 1, 2025

To create labels for different features have different colors in a feature class, it is necessary to create label classes. This can be done using the ESRI.ArcGIS.Carto.IAnnotateLayerProperties interface, as shown in the following example:

Pseudo Code Example:

IAnnotateLayerProperties.Class = "Class1" // Create one or more classes to represent each label color
IAnnotateLayerProperties.WhereClause = "Pop2000 > 4000" // Criteria for selecting the features to label with this color
Cast IAnnotateLayerProperties to ILabelEngineLayerProperties to set Symbol properties for the label
ILabelEngineLayerProperties.Symbol gives an ITextSymbol, which has a Color property. Use this to change the color
ILabelEngineLayerProperties.Expression = " \"State Name: \"[STATENAME] " // Actual label content

Article ID: 000016570

Software:
  • ArcObjects SDKs
  • ArcGIS Engine

Get support with AI

Resolve your issue quickly with the Esri Support AI Chatbot.

Start chatting now

Related Information

Discover more on this topic

Get help from ArcGIS experts

Contact technical support

Start chatting now

Go to download options