BUG

Dashed or dotted lines do not print or export correctly in ArcMap

Last Published: September 21, 2022

Description

Maps containing dashed or dotted lines do not print or export correctly from ArcMap; the lines display correctly in ArcMap.

Cause

Lines created with multiple layer symbology encounter a problem due to a difference in resolution of the screen display and the output. This is a known issue.

Note:
The content in this article pertains to retired ArcGIS versions 9.x. Later versions of ArcGIS may contain different functionality, as well as different names and locations for menus, commands and geoprocessing tools.

Workaround

Use the following workaround:

  1. Open the Symbol Selector for the layer experiencing problems and click the Properties button.
  2. Select the first layer in the symbol and click the Line Properties tab.
  3. Change the Offset from 0.0000 to 0.0001.
  4. Change the offset for all other layers in the symbol and click OK.
  5. Click OK in the Symbol Selector dialog box.
Note:
Offsetting the multiple layer symbology by this slight amount forces ArcMap to use a different code for interpreting and outputting the symbology, which eliminates the problem.

Article ID:000008511

Software:
  • ArcMap 9 x

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