topic Re: How can I save my drew features as a layer? in ArcGIS Mapping and Charting Questions

How can I save my drew features as a layer?

MINZHIYE — Sat, 26 Nov 2016 19:05:42 GMT

Can I save the drew arrows as a layer? I drew some arrows on a map. Then I need to make other things on the map that without arrows. However, I need to keep these arrows for later analysis. I don't want to draw them again. How could I keep these arrows as a layer so in the future, I can display or hide them?

Re: How can I save my drew features as a layer?

AbdullahAnter — Sat, 26 Nov 2016 21:54:22 GMT

Are your Arrows graphic drew?

or symbology ?

Re: How can I save my drew features as a layer?

ChrisDonohue__GISP — Sat, 26 Nov 2016 22:07:01 GMT

If you are using ArcGIS, there is a process available to convert Graphics to Features. This would allow you to save the lines for later use.

However, this process doesn't save the arrowheads, so if you want to show arrowheads you will need to symbolize the lines once you have them as a layer. Also, you may have to go into editing mode and Flip some of the line segments to make the arrowheads come out in the desired direction.

You can convert graphics you draw on your map into shapefiles or geodatabase feature classes. The Convert Graphics To Features command, which is available from the Drawing menu on the Draw toolbar or by right-clicking a data frame in the table of contents, supports all the graphic types you can draw with the tools in the graphics palette on the Draw toolbar, including circles, curved lines, and freehand lines.

Understanding converting between graphics and features—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

A quick tour of symbols and styles—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

Flipping the direction of a line—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

Chris Donohue, GISP

Re: How can I save my drew features as a layer?

AbdullahAnter — Sat, 26 Nov 2016 22:13:46 GMT

If your arrows are symbology , you can save them by Save As Layer File.

If your arrows are graphic drew , you can save them by convert graphics to features.

Re: How can I save my drew features as a layer?

MINZHIYE — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 05:03:30 GMT

I can't mark both answers as corrected, but thanks for the reply!