Reshaping feature representations(ArcInfo and ArcEditor only)
Release 9.3 Last modified April 24, 2009	Print all topics in : "Editing feature representations"

About reshaping feature representations

Note: This topic was updated for 9.3.1.

You can reshape line and polygon feature representations interactively by stretching whole segments of geometry, or more precisely by manipulating individual vertices. Representation symbology will be dynamically reapplied to feature representations after they are reshaped.

Reshaping with the bounding box

When you select whole representations with the Select or the Lasso Select tools, a rectangular bounding box is drawn around the limits of the selection. You can drag the handles on the bounding box with the Select tool to stretch the rectangle to proportionally reshape all the selected feature representations within the box.
Learn about resizing feature representations

Reshaping by moving vertices

You can reshape geometry with the Direct Select tool by moving one or more vertices from one or more feature representations simultaneously. Segments joining selected and unselected vertices will be stretched to accommodate the move, and representation symbology will be dynamically reapplied.

Reshaping with the Move Parallel tool

Using the Move Parallel tool , you can reshape geometry in a controlled way by moving each selected segment exactly parallel to its previous position. The Move Parallel tool can be used on more than one selected feature representation at a time only if the selected vertices are from connected segments that form a continuous polyline.

Reshaping with the Warp tool

The Warp tool lets you reshape geometry smoothly by displacing selected segments proportionally from the location you click and drag with the tool.

Reshaping with the Erase tool

With the Erase tool , you can reshape a feature representation by removing portions of its geometry. The representation rule is reapplied to the remainder of the feature representation.
Learn how to mask feature representations
Learn how to make feature representations invisible

How to reshape feature representations

Using the bounding box

1. In an edit session, select one or more feature representations with the Select tool or the Lasso Select tool .
   
A rectangular bounding box is drawn around the selection.

2. Move the pointer over one of the handles on the perimeter of the bounding box until it changes to a two-way arrowhead: .
   
3. Click and drag to reshape the bounding box.
   
The selected feature representations will be proportionally reshaped as well.

Tips

Drag a side handle to stretch the rectangle in just one dimension, or use a corner handle to change both dimensions at once. Hold down the Shift key while you drag from a corner handle to resize the horizontal and vertical dimensions proportionally. Hold down the Alt key while dragging to resize the bounding box from its center. Hold down Shift and Alt together to resize the bounding box proportionally from the center. Moving the pointer slightly farther away from the handles will activate the curved arrow pointer , allowing you to rotate the entire selection. Press G to switch from other representation tools to the Select tool . Press L to switch from other representation tools to the Lasso Select tool . Learn more about rotating feature representations

Using the Direct Select tool

1. In an edit session, select one or more vertices from one or more feature representations with the Direct Select tool or the Lasso Direct Select tool .
   
The geometry is highlighted, and selected vertices are filled.

2. Move the pointer over a selected vertex.
   
A four-way arrow appears next to the pointer: .

3. Click and drag to move all selected vertices.
   
Unselected vertices will remain in place, and the segments between selected and unselected vertices will be stretched to accommodate the move.

Tips

Use the Shift key to add representations to the selected set, or right-click and click Unselect Representation to remove representations from the selection. Press G twice to switch from other representation tools to the Direct Select tool . Press L twice to switch from other representation tools to the Lasso Direct Select tool .

Using the Move Parallel tool

1. In an edit session, select at least two adjacent vertices from connected segments that form a continuous polyline with the Direct Select tool or the Lasso Direct Select tool .
   
The geometry is highlighted and selected vertices are filled.

2. Click the Move Parallel tool .
   
3. Click and drag to move the selected segments exactly parallel to their previous positions.
   
Unselected segments will remain in place, and the segments between selected and unselected vertices will be stretched to accommodate the move.

Tips

The Move Parallel tool can be used on multiple selected feature representations at a time only if the selected vertices form a single continuous polyline. At least two vertices must be selected, and all selected vertices must be adjacent to one another. To move selected segments a specific distance, right-click with the Move Parallel tool and click Offset. Enter a positive or negative offset value in points. Click OK to move the segment the specified amount. Press P to switch from other representation tools to the Move Parallel tool . Press G twice to switch from other representation tools to the Direct Select tool . Press L twice to switch from other representation tools to the Lasso Direct Select tool .

Using the Warp tool

1. In an edit session, select any number of vertices from one or more line or polygon feature representations with the Direct Select tool or the Lasso Direct Selet tool , or select three or more point feature representations.
   
The geometry is highlighted and selected vertices or point feature representations are filled.

2. Click the Warp tool .
   
3. Click and drag to move the selected vertices or points.
   
The greatest amount of displacement will occur nearest—and in the direction of —the point from which you begin to drag. Displacement will be gradually diminished proportionally away from that point so that a smooth transition is made. Unselected segments will remain in place.

Tips

Press W to switch from other representation tools to the Warp tool . Press G twice to switch from other representation tools to the Direct Select tool . Press L twice to switch from other representation tools to the Lasso Direct Select tool .

Using the Erase Tool

1. In an edit session, select one or more feature representations.
   
The selected geometry is highlighted.

2. Click the Erase tool on the Representation toolbar.
   
3. Click and drag to erase portions of selected representations.
   
Polygon geometry will be automatically reclosed, and representation symbology will be dynamically reapplied to the remaining feature representation portions.

Tips

Press the Tab key to alternate between a round or square eraser. Hold down the Shift key and drag to increase or decrease the size of the eraser. Erasing over a point feature representation—or an entire line or polygon feature representation—will keep the geometry intact but override the Visibility property, making the feature invisible and nonprinting. Learn more about invisible features If Erase cuts a line or polygon feature representation in two, a multipart feature is created. Press E to switch from other representation tools to the Erase tool .

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