PROBLEM

Unable to edit a layer containing an annotation feature in ArcMap

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Description

When attempting to edit a layer containing an annotation feature in ArcMap, the following warning message is returned:

Warning:   
Could not edit the data in the folder or database you selected.
Image of warning message

Cause

The issue occurs if the feature dataset contains an annotation feature created in ArcGIS Pro. Feature classes stored in feature datasets containing annotation feature classes created in ArcGIS Pro are read-only in ArcMap, and therefore, cannot be edited. This is a known limitation as described in ArcGIS Pro Web Help: Annotation storage.

Solution or Workaround

To resolve this issue, select one of the options below depending on the ArcGIS platform used:

  • In ArcMap, move the feature class to a different feature dataset, so it can be edited outside the feature dataset containing the annotation feature class.
  • In ArcGIS Pro, delete the annotation feature class from the feature dataset.

Article ID:000019889

Software:
  • ArcMap
  • ArcGIS Pro

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