HOW TO

Change the size of point symbols in the legend without changing the size on the map in ArcGIS Pro

Last Published: July 21, 2023

Summary

When a map contains different layers, it is necessary to display smaller symbols on the map to ensure all of them are visible to the viewer. However, map symbology size is carried over in the legend when it is added to the project layout. The information in the legend may be unclear due to the size.

This article provides a workflow to change the size of point symbols in the legend without changing the size of the map symbology in ArcGIS Pro.

Procedure

  1. Launch ArcGIS Pro, and open the desired project.
  2. In the Contents pane, make a copy of the desired layer, and rename it by adding _copy at the end to differentiate the layers.
Image of copied layer in the Contents pane
  1. Click the Insert tab, and add a layout to the project. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Add a layout to your project for steps to do so.
  2. In the Contents pane, double-click Legend to open the Format Legend pane.
  3. On the Options tab, under Synchronize with map, uncheck the Layer visibility check box.
Image of the Format Legend pane
  1. In the Contents pane, uncheck the check boxes for the copied layer under Legend and the original layer under Map Frame.
Image of the Contents pane
  1. In the Contents pane, under Map Frame, click the symbol under the original layer to open the Symbology pane.
Image of the Contents pane
  1. In the Symbology pane, under Properties, change Size accordingly, and click Apply.
Image of the Symbology pane
Note:
Alternatively, convert the legend to graphics for more precise control over each item comprising the map element. Refer to ArcGIS Pro: Converting map elements to graphics for more information.

The image below shows the point symbols display larger in the legend than on the map.

Image showing point symbols in the legend display larger than on the map

Article ID:000023246

Software:
  • ArcGIS Pro 2 x

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