New layer in Synchronize with map setting in Legend properties not honored

Question

If I open a saved project with an existing map and layout and add a new layer to the map, the new layer does not appear in the legend. It's not that it's not turned on, it's not in the legend list at all. I have "New layer" checked under "Synchronize with map" in the Legend properties. I was excited to find KB article, Problem: Layer visibility is not honored in the legend in an ArcGIS Pro layout, but that's just operator error (not checking the legend item in layout view to make it visible). In my case, the legend item for the layer does not appear at all in the legend item list. The only way to work around it is to insert a new legend. Anyone else?

TomBole · Answer

Hi Neil,

Your assumption is correct. When legend synchronize with map "New layer" option is checked a new legend item should appear in the the Contents pane under the Legend node.

It is possible that the legend item does not display in the actual legend on the layout. This will occur if the default legend item has the Feature Display Options "only show features visible in the map extent" option checked.

When I run a simple scenario a new legend item is added to the legend when the "New layer" option is checked. I'm unaware of any known issues concerning this functionality.

The problem you are running into may be specific to your data/workflow. Can you contact Esri Support? They are better equipped to handle troubleshooting steps and gather bug data. They can be contacted at https://support.esri.com/en/contact-tech-support.

Thanks,

Tom

necurri_VC_SSO · Answer

OK, so there is a way to manually add new items to the legend. Quicker workaround than having to add the legend again. But I would assume that the synchronize setting in the legend properties should make this happen automatically.