Unable to convert graphic texts to annotation in ArcGIS Pro

Description

In ArcGIS Pro, graphic texts can be converted to annotation using the Graphics To Features tool. However, when running the tool, the process fails and the output feature layer is not generated on the map. In some cases, the generic error message is returned:

Cause

The output is saved as a shapefile or to an existing shapefile. Unlike other graphic elements, such as geometric shapes, graphic texts cannot be saved as shapefiles outside of geodatabases. This is because text elements or annotation is not supported in shapefiles.

Solution or Workaround

Remove the .shp extension

In the Graphics To Features pane, remove the .shp extension from the output feature class name. As a result, an annotation feature class is created in the project's geodatabase.

Save the output as a feature class in the project's geodatabase

In the Graphics To Features pane, for the Output Feature Class parameter, specify the project geodatabase location and type the output name. In this example, the 'my_output' feature class is saved to the 'MyProject9' geodatabase. Alternatively, to save the output to an existing feature class, specify the desired feature class within the geodatabase.