Apply a color range to a portion of symbols in ArcMap

Summary

There are two ways to apply a range of colors to a portion of a layer's symbology, depending on whether the symbology is based on unique values or graduated colors.

Procedure

Unique values

Select the desired symbols and use the Color Scheme dropdown list to apply new colors to them.

1. In ArcMap, right-click the layer in the Table Of Contents > Properties.
2. Click the Symbology tab.
3. Under Show, click Categories > Unique values.
4. Use the Add All Values button or the Add Values button.
5. Hold the Ctrl key down and select several symbols.
6. To apply new colors, select a new color scheme from the Color Scheme dropdown list.

Graduated colors

Change the color of individual symbols and use the Ramp Colors menu to apply a smooth range of colors between them.

1. In ArcMap, right-click the layer in the Table Of Contents > Properties.
2. Click the Symbology tab.
3. Under Show, click Quantities > Graduated Colors.
4. Double-click the symbol where the new range of colors should start.
5. Pick a new color for this symbol.
6. Double-click the symbol where the range of colors should end.
7. Pick a new color for this symbol.
8. Ensure all symbols whose colors are changed are selected by using the Ctrl or Shift key while selecting the symbols. The selected symbols form the start and end parameters for the new color ramp.
9. Right-click the selected symbols > Ramp Colors.

There is no limit to selecting a start and end symbol; one or more middle symbols may be selected to participate in the color ramp as well.