3

I try to add labels to polygons in ArcMap 10 based on a field in the corresponding attribute table.

However, the labels always appear inside the polygon, and I can't find an option that lets me put the labels beside the polygons. How do I achieve this? Thanks.

Improve this question
4
  • 1
    do you have access to the Maplex Extension?
    – Mapperz ♦
    Commented May 9, 2011 at 15:31
  • @Mapperz: No I don't. Do I have to buy it? Thanks.
    – hpy
    Commented May 9, 2011 at 15:41
  • 1
    I would recommend it - it depends on how much cartographic and text placement you do? Text placement control is fundamental to good mapping. ArcInfo comes with it Free now (not arcview or arceditor licence levels)
    – Mapperz ♦
    Commented May 9, 2011 at 16:02
  • 1
    As of version 10.1, Maplex is now standard with Desktop products at all levels. See announcement
    – Llaves
    Commented Feb 26, 2013 at 15:48

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4

enter image description here

Click the Label Manager button Label Manager on the Labeling toolbar.
Check the check box next to the layer you want to label.
Choose a label class under the layer.
Click the Properties button.
Click the Label Position tab.
Click Label Offset.
Type a default distance.

This is the minimum distance at which the label will be offset.
Click the Units drop-down arrow and choose the units with which the offset will be measured.
Type a maximum distance at which the label may be offset.

Optionally, check the Measure offset from feature geometry check box.
Click OK to close all dialog boxes.

http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#/Offsetting_labels_from_polygon_boundaries/003s00000028000000/

Improve this answer
4
  • I got as far as clicking on the Properties button, but here is no Label Position tab!
    – hpy
    Commented May 9, 2011 at 16:07
  • 2
    the other thing you might try is to set your object priority higher and see if that will force it outside. It is sad that the maplex functionality is not in base arcmap.
    – Brad Nesom
    Commented May 9, 2011 at 16:19
  • I activated the 60 day evaluation for Maplex, and set the object priority higher per @Brad Nesom, and now the labeling works. I just wish there is a Free and open source way to do this. Thanks for the answers.
    – hpy
    Commented May 9, 2011 at 16:32
  • 1
    @Brad Nesom agree with Maplex should be integrated into all license levels and should be standard 'out of the box' (esri products are expensive enough without extensions)
    – Mapperz ♦
    Commented May 9, 2011 at 17:22

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.