Set up scale range for layers in map document

Summary

Instructions provided describe how to set up a scale range for your layers in the map document.

If the document takes too long to draw a lot of features that are too small for the eyes to see or, the map document draws features that are so big that it's irrelevant, follow the steps below.

Procedure

1. Right-click on the layer you wish to apply scale range to > Properties.
2. Click on the General tab.
3. Select the option 'Don't show layer when zoomed:'
   
   

   Note:
   Minimum Scale: The features in this layer are not drawn when the map is zoomed out more than this scale value.  This decreases the time it takes to draw the map. ArcMap disregards a Minimum Scale if the value is '0'.

   
   
   

   Note:
   Maximum Scale: The features in this layer are not drawn when the map is zoomed in more than this scale value.  This also decreases the time it takes to draw the map. ArcMap disregards a Maximum Scale if the value is '0'.

   
   
4. Specify the Minimum Scale value and/or Maximum Scale value. If you do not wish to set a value for one or the other, you can leave it as the default value of '0'.
   
   

   Note:
   If both Maximum and Minimum scale range values are entered (non-zero), the features in this layer will be drawn when zoomed to a map scale that is between the Maximum and Minimum scale range values.

   
   
5. Click Apply or OK.
   
   

   Note:
   For more information, see the ArcGIS Desktop Help on 'Displaying layers at certain scales' in the Related Information below.