Inconsistent legend font sizes in ArcGIS Pro layouts

Description

In ArcGIS Pro, the size of text items in a legend can be configured in the Text Symbol settings. However, in some instances, adding legends and standardizing the font size of text items across multiple layouts by configuring the Text Symbol settings results in inconsistent font sizes in the layouts.

Cause

The legend fitting strategy is set to 'Adjust columns and font size' by default when a legend is added to a layout. Despite applying the same legend font size to the layouts, when a legend's width and height placement in the layouts are not similar, text items are automatically adjusted to the appropriate font size to fit the legend's frame, resulting in the problem described.

Solution or Workaround

Use one of the workarounds listed below to achieve a consistent font size for the legend text items across various layouts in ArcGIS Pro.

Adjust the size of the legend

1. Open the project in ArcGIS Pro.
2. In the Contents pane, right-click Legend and click Properties to open the Element pane.
3. In the Element pane, click Legend > Placement.
4. On the Placement tab, configure the Width and Height for Size. Apply the same measurement for all layouts. In this example, Width is set to 2.8 inches and Height to 2.7 inches for all layouts.

5. Click Save.

Change the legend fitting strategy

1. Open the project in ArcGIS Pro.
2. In the Contents pane, right-click Legend and click Properties to open the Element pane.
3. In the Element pane, click Legend > Legend Arrangement Options.
4. On the Arrangement tab, expand Fitting Strategy if necessary. Click the drop-down arrow, and select Adjust frame from the drop-down list.

5. Click Save to save the changes.

Create a layout template

A layout template can be usd to share a layout with consistent features and settings across a set of layouts or projects. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Layout files for more information.