Set default layer symbology in ArcMap

Summary

Note:
This article applies to retired ArcMap versions. Later versions of ArcGIS may contain different functionality, as well as different names and locations for menus, commands and geoprocessing tools.

When data is added to ArcMap, features are symbolized with a default symbol. Instructions provided describe two methods for changing the default symbol in ArcMap.

Procedure

Create a style with the same name as the feature layer

For example, the layer lake.shp automatically uses a fill style named Lake to symbolize the layer's features. The style must belong to a referenced style sheet.

Note:
For more information on organizing style contents, see the link in the Related Information section below.

Set the default line width and marker size in Advanced ArcMap Utilities

Note:
Administrative privileges are needed to make modifications with the Advanced ArcMap Settings dialog box.

1. Start Windows Explorer.
2. Navigate to C:\Program Files\ArcGIS\Utilities\AdvancedArcMapSettings.exe or at version 10 and above, C:\Program Files\ArcGIS\Desktop10.0\Utilities\AdvancedArcMapSettings.exe 
3. Switch to the Symbols/Graphics tab. 
4. Set the desired Default Marker Size or Default Line Width.

Note:
For 8.x versions, the Advanced ArcMap Settings tool is available in the ArcObjects Developer Kit. If the ArcObjects Developer Kit is not installed, see the link in Related Information section below for more information on installing the Advanced ArcMap Settings tool.