Edit Polygon with Donut

[MichaelKohler3]

Hi, I have a polygon which has an inner polygon, which has different attributes than the outer.  What I want to know how to do is cut the outer polygon to exclude an area.  I tried cutting the polygon and reshaping it, but I got the error message:

    "The Cut Polygons task could not be completed. A polygon cut operation could not classify all parts of the polygon    as left or right of the cutting line."  What I would like to do is cut out the polygons labelled Canoe Creek out of the larger polygons.

Thanks,

MIchael

[DanPatterson_Retired]

Use the Multipart to singlepart tool in arctoolbox before you try to edit it..

Multipart To Singlepart—Data Management toolbox | ArcGIS Desktop 

There is probably a way to do it in editing, but multiparts should usually only be constructed after geometry is done 

[JosephCarter]

Hi, Mike. After using Multipart to Singlepart, experiment with the Erase (Analysis) tool. Some use its nickname "cookie cutter". I believe it will take care of the tasks you are attempting. . .

Good luck,

Joe