Geometric effects can be applied individual layers in a representation rule, or to all layers in the rule. To apply a geometric effect to all the symbol layers in a representation rule, it must be added as a global effect.

To apply an effect globally, open the layer properties for the layer with representations (in this example, TrailL_Rep). Click the representation rule (in this example it is called Trail). Then click the top-level tab to open the Global Effects dialog box. You will see a message indicating that there are no global effects at this time. Click the (+) button on the right side of the dialog box to open the Geometric Effects dialog box. Choose the a geometric effect (in this example, the Dashes effect from the Line input section) and click OK.

A new dialog box will be added to the Global Effects section of the representation rule. You can edit the parameters for this effect. In this example you see how to change the default values provided for dash pattern symbology to a 3 and 1 pattern. To change the values, type “3 1” in the Pattern text box. Be sure to include a space between the two numbers.