ArcMap Merge is grayed out when trying to merge arcs or polygons

Description

Note:
This content is not current. This article pertains to retired ArcGIS versions 8.x. Later versions of ArcGIS may contain different functionality, as well as different names and locations for menus, commands and geoprocessing tools.

When editing a layer in a coverage with topology, arcs or polygons cannot be merged because the Merge option is inactivated, or "grayed out".

Cause

Merge is restricted to coverages without topology.

Solution or Workaround

• To merge two arcs together, when topology is present, select the shared node with the Shared Edit tool from the Editor toolbar, and delete it.

• To merge two polygons together, when topology is present, select the shared arc with the Shared Edit tool and delete it.