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Combining annotation feature classes

Combining annotation feature classes
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About combining annotation feature classes

Note: This topic was updated for 9.3.1.

You combine annotation feature classes with the Append Annotation Feature Classes tool. When you combine annotation feature classes, the annotation from each feature class becomes an annotation class in the new annotation feature class.

How to combine annotation feature classes

  1. In the ArcCatalog tree, click Toolboxes, click System Toolboxes, click Data Management Tools, and click the plus sign to expand Feature Class.

  2. Double-click the Append Annotation Feature Classes tool.

  3. For Input features, navigate to the feature classes you want to combine and add them to the list.

  4. For Output feature class, navigate to the location of the new annotation feature class and specify its name.

  5. For Reference Scale, a default scale is provided. To change it, type a new one or choose one from the drop-down list. Choose the reference scale carefully, because you can't change it later.

  6. For the Require symbol to be selected from the symbol table option, see Annotation feature class editing properties.

  7. If you're combining standard annotation feature classes, skip the next step.

  8. For the Create annotation when new features are added and Update annotation when feature's shape is modified options, see Annotation feature class editing properties.

  9. Click Environments.

  10. Expand Geodatabase Settings.

  11. If you’re importing into a file or ArcSDE geodatabase and want to create the feature class using a custom storage keyword, type the keyword.

  12. For Output Spatial Grid 1, if you're importing into a personal or ArcSDE geodatabase and you know an optimal spatial index grid size for your data, specify it in map units.

  13. If you’re importing into an ArcSDE geodatabase and have additional grid sizes, type them in.

  14. Click OK.

  15. On the Append Annotation Feature Classes tool, click OK.

Tips

  • If you're combining feature-linked annotation feature classes, they must all be linked to the same feature class.

  • You cannot combine a feature-linked annotation feature class that uses the standard label engine with one that uses the Maplex Label Engine. All input feature-linked annotation feature classes must use the same label engine.

See Also

  • Annotation in the geodatabase
  • Managing annotation feature classes