PROBLEM

Annotation features converted from graphic texts are not displayed in ArcGIS Pro

Last Published: April 22, 2024

Description

In ArcGIS Pro, graphic texts can be converted to annotation features using the Graphics To Features tool. However, in some cases, converting graphic texts creates an annotation feature layer that does not display the annotation features on the map.

Cause

  • The Annotation Graphics type parameter is not selected when configuring the Graphics To Features tool.
  • The output annotation features is saved to a feature class with a feature class type other than the annotation feature class.
  • The reference scale is not specified, or an incorrect reference scale is specified when configuring the Graphics To Features tool. This results in disproportionate display sizes for the converted annotation features on the map.
  • The output annotation feature reference scale is larger than the current map extent. Zooming in beyond the feature's visibility range causes the feature to not be visible on the map.

Solution or Workaround

Note:
If the Annotation feature class is created with an incorrect reference scale, change the reference scale of the existing annotations. Refer to How To: Change the reference scale and size of existing annotations in ArcGIS Pro for instructions.

When converting the graphic texts, select Annotation from the Graphics Type drop-down menu and specify the correct reference scale. The specified reference scale is necessary to ensure the converted annotation features are displayed in the appropriate size on the map. When saving the output annotation feature class to an existing feature class, ensure the feature class feature type is set to Annotation. For more information, refer to ArcGIS Pro: Types of feature classes.

  1. Open the ArcGIS Pro project and open the Geoprocessing pane.
  2. Search for and select Graphics To Features (Conversion Tools).
  3. Configure the parameters in the Graphics To Features pane.
    1. For Input Graphics, select the graphic layer containing the graphic texts.
    2. For Graphics Type, select Annotation from the drop-down list.
    3. For Output Feature Class, type the name of the new output feature class or specify an existing feature class with the annotation feature class type.
    4. For Reference Scale, type the reference scale value to fix the size of the text to the desired height and width at that scale. Adjust the map scale to properly display the graphic texts, and use the current map scale to obtain the value. Remove any comma delimiters from the value.
  4. Click Run.
The Graphics To Features pane.

The image below shows the GraphicsLayer_G2F4 annotation feature layer with the annotation features displayed on the map.

The annotation features displayed on the map.

Article ID: 000032342

Software:
  • ArcGIS Pro 3 1
  • ArcGIS Pro 3 0
  • ArcGIS Pro 3 2

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