-1

I have created a vector map in ArcMap 10.6 and this will be printed by a publisher we are working with. I have been given dimensions (610 x 812 mm) for a bounding box which will be the visible part of the map that is included in the publication. I need to add this bounding box to the map which I will export in TIFF format, and it has to have some 'bleed' outside the box for the printer.

Is there a tool for creating this rectangle?

It is important the dimensions are completely accurate (and that I can move the box easily if people think it needs to move slightly to the left or right after I show them my first draft). I had thought of creating a rectangle in ArcMap data view but I would have thought there was some tool in layout view that might work better.

4
  • You say that you "have been given dimensions for a bounding box which will be the visible part of the map that is included in the publication". What are those dimensions? I think knowing their units will be important for any potential answerer.
    – PolyGeo
    Feb 3, 2019 at 11:42
  • I have been asked if I can ensure the size is exactly 610 x 812 mm - thanks.
    – rhm
    Feb 3, 2019 at 12:02
  • When you say "the visible part of the map" do you mean the visible part of the Data Frame or the visible part of the Layout (page)?
    – PolyGeo
    Feb 3, 2019 at 12:05
  • I mean the part that is visible in the final printed map that the printer will send back to us - but I have to send him a map with a 'bleed' so that means that what is in my Layout will have include more information (i.e. a small amount of map that is outside the margins of the bounded box). Bounded box is what they have been referring to it as, but perhaps I should be using another term. Essentially it will provide the corners for cropping.
    – rhm
    Feb 3, 2019 at 12:16

3 Answers 3

1

Use Data Frame Properties window:

enter image description here

0

I think the term that you may be looking for is a neatline.

To make these is ArcMap you can use a Graphic Rectangle - see Working with graphic elements, neatlines, pictures, and objects where it says:

You can use graphic rectangles (neatlines) to frame a group of other map elements. If you want to frame an individual map element, right-click it, click Properties, then click the Frame tab. You can use this method to choose borders and backgrounds for legends, north arrows, data frames, scale bars, and scale text.

On the Main Menu under Insert you will find Neatline that you may or may not find useful for creating a Graphic Rectangle:

enter image description here

Once you have a neatline you may then want to look at Moving, rotating, and ordering graphics:

Much of the work you do while building your map involves arranging graphics and other elements. For instance, you might want to orient graphics or position map elements, such as titles, neatlines, and north arrows, on the layout.

ArcMap provides a number of tools that let you position and orient graphics. You can move graphics by dragging them with the mouse pointer or, when you need more precise control, you can nudge them up, down, left, or right. You can also position graphics at a specified coordinate location. You can order graphics by moving one graphic on top of another one, rotating it, and flipping it horizontally or vertically.

-1

In the end I found that the easiest thing was to go into the drawing toolbar in layout view and just insert a rectangle. It allowed me to insert the precise dimensions as specified by the printer, and the full layout means there is a bleed beyond the rectangle.

1
  • I believe that is just another path to my answer because my understanding is that Insert | Neatline just inserts a Rectangle graphic.
    – PolyGeo
    Feb 5, 2019 at 4:09

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.