Text in Layout View cannot be edited when importing the MXD to ArcGIS Pro

Description

An MXD's text graphic layers imported from ArcMap are not editable in ArcGIS Pro.

Cause

The graphic elements created in ArcMap are converted from annotation groups to graphic layers when they are imported to ArcGIS Pro, and they are no longer associated with a particular layer or part of the data frame. However, non-text graphic elements are not supported by the upgrade process. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Upgrade annotation feature classes for more information on the upgrade process.

Solution or Workaround

To bring the graphics into ArcGIS Pro for editing, move the text graphics into a map annotation group in ArcMap. Once it is part of a map annotation group, convert the graphics into features using the Convert Graphics to Features tool or import the map document (.mxd) into ArcGIS Pro. Follow these steps to do this:

1. In ArcMap under Layout View, right-click Map Frame and click Focus Data Frame. Refer to ArcMap: Switching between data view and layout view for more information regarding layout view.
2. In Table of Contents, right-click Data Frame (Layers) and click Convert Graphics To Features.

3. Specify the folder location to save the output annotation feature class to the geodatabase and click OK.

4. A prompt window displays a request to add the exported data to the map as layer. Click Yes.
5. In Table of Contents, right-click Data Frame (Layers) and click Properties. Under the Annotation Groups tab, click New Group and name the group.
6. Double-click the new group created, and setup Associated Layer using the output layer from Step 3.
7. Click OK.

8. Save the MXD and import it to ArcGIS Pro. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Import an ArcMap document for more information.
9. In the Contents pane, expand Layers Map Frame and uncheck the imported layer.

10. Right-click Map Frame in the Layout view and click Activate. The text is editable.