Attach graphics to an ArcMap feature layer

Summary

This article shows how to attach graphics to an ArcMap feature layer.

Note:
This article pertains to 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.

Procedure

1. Right-click the layer in the ArcMap Table of Contents and select Label Features.
2. Right-click the layer to associate with the graphics and select Convert Labels to Annotation.
3. In the Convert Labels to Annotation dialog box, select the radio button to Create annotation for: Features currently selected. This creates an annotation layer and delete the labels if no features are currently selected. If features are selected, the labels will be added to the annotation layer.
4. Select the radio button for Annotation storage options: In the map. This creates a new annotation layer associated with the feature layer.
5. Click OK. Now you have an annotation layer associated with the feature layer.
6. On the Draw toolbar, select Active Annotation Target from the Draw menu. Select the newly created annotation layer. Use the Drawing tools to add new graphics or copy existing graphics into this layer in data view and these are added to the active annotation target.
7. Uncheck the layer in the ArcMap Table of Contents to observe graphics being removed along with the layer.