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How Do I Edit Layers in ArcPro?

Published in ArcGIS Editing 2 mins read

You can edit layers in ArcPro by managing their editability settings within the Contents pane. Here's how:

  1. Open the Contents Pane: On the View ribbon tab, in the Windows group, click Contents. This will display the Contents pane.

  2. Access the List By Editing Tab: In the Contents pane, click the List By Editing tab. This tab specifically controls which layers are editable. This tab is identified by an icon that often resembles a pencil or a symbol representing editing capabilities.

  3. Toggle Editability:

    • Disable Editing: Uncheck the checkbox next to a layer's name to turn off editability for that layer. When unchecked, you will not be able to make changes to the features within that layer.
    • Enable Editing: Check the checkbox next to a layer's name to turn on editability for that layer. This allows you to select, modify, and add features to that layer.

Key Considerations:

  • Data Source: The editability of a layer also depends on the underlying data source. If the data source itself is read-only (e.g., a shapefile on a network drive with restricted permissions), the layer will not be editable in ArcPro, even if the checkbox is checked.
  • Licensing: Certain advanced editing functionalities might require specific ArcGIS Pro licenses or extensions. Ensure you have the necessary licenses to perform the desired edits.
  • Geodatabase Settings: If you're working with data stored in a geodatabase, there might be specific user permissions or versioning configurations that affect editability. Consult your geodatabase administrator if you encounter issues.
  • Edit Session: Remember to start an edit session on the "Edit" tab to apply your changes. When finished editing, save your edits and stop the edit session to commit your changes.
  • Symbology/Definition Queries: Symbology settings or definition queries won't prevent editing; they only control how the data is displayed. You can still edit data even if it's filtered by a definition query.