topic Re: How to edit the attribute table of a shapefile? in ArcGIS Mapping and Charting Questions

How to edit the attribute table of a shapefile?

GeorgiaSharkey — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 12:59:41 GMT

I have created a shapefile and want to label this. I order to do this I need to add a field in the attribute table and give the file a name. I have managed to add the field in the attribute table and am in editing mode. For some reason It will not let me type into the empty cell, I have also ensure that the field type is 'text'. I tried it out on the attribute table on a data point and it worked fine, it seems to be an issue with only shapefiles which is strange as I know I have edited these in the past.

Does anyone know what might be wrong?

Re: How to edit the attribute table of a shapefile?

JosephCarter — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 15:57:38 GMT

Hi, Georgia.

I am not sure how your map is set up. . . .but you should make sure you follow a few rules before editing a shapefile:

1. make sure the shapefile has the same coordinate system as your data frame

2. keep all your shapefiles in the same folder during an edit session

3. if you are in layout view, make sure you are in a focused data frame.

4. you can use the "File/Analyze Map" to see if any warnings are active.

5. try "Add Field" in the attribute table Before you start your edit session. Now try "Edit Features" and populate the cells. . as needed.

Let me know how it goes. Good luck,

Joe