idea Add ability to move features precisely using arrow keys in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

Add ability to move features precisely using arrow keys

AaronKoelker — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:24:39 GMT

Currently, there is a 'Move' option in the Modify Features panel to relocate features by clicking an dragging on a yellow anchor point. While this works generally well with the "Snapping" functionality on Point features, it does not work as well with multi-vertex features like lines or polygons. Currently the only keyboard shortcuts for Move pertain to relocating the anchor. It would be helpful to something similar to what's available for moving Layout elements—where you can hold Shift or Ctrl and use the arrow keys to move features in specific increments (even better if there were options to customize those increments, too!) This would allow for more precise control compared to manually dragging with the mouse, as well as providing a more accessible control alternative.

As an example, I am working on creating / modifying floorplan Details for ArcGIS Indoors. Furniture details (desks, cabinets, etc.) are often represented by multiple features, and can be copy and pasted from existing features. However, (re)aligning them along walls or each other is challenging and time consuming to do manually by dragging back and forth with the mouse. It would be much easier to drag it roughly into place, then fine tune the position using the arrow keys.

EDIT: I wanted to correct that it is possible to control what part of a multi-vertex line or polygon (or a selected group of lines/polygons) will snap to other objects by relocating the anchor (see link above for Move keyboard shortcuts) but being able to do precise incremental movements without snapping would still be a useful addition.

Re: Add ability to move features precisely using arrow keys

DanPatterson — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 21:23:22 GMT

ArcGIS Pro- Allow Arrow Keys to Move/Nudge Layout ... - Esri Community

Re: Add ability to move features precisely using arrow keys

RTPL_AU — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:47:26 GMT

This ties in with more flexible editing options such as align vertical or horizontal, distribute, etc.

It is silly how much faster some tasks are in AutoCAD compared to ArcGIS for some really basic things.

I understand some users have issues with this not being data driven or 'accurate / precise' enough but sometimes we don't have to be; we just need to get a concept or representative map out the door without spending hours editing basic things.

Re: Add ability to move features precisely using arrow keys - Status changed to: Under Consideration

Scott_Harris — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:07:48 GMT

Re: Add ability to move features precisely using arrow keys

Scott_Harris — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:08:19 GMT

FYI @RTPL_AU you can align and distribute features with the Move tool (more info).

Re: Add ability to move features precisely using arrow keys

RTPL_AU — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:40:01 GMT

@Scott_Harris Thank you and yes, aware of that (along with its foibles).
Comment was intended to show that this idea fits in with the alignment tools and other quick geometry editing 'shortcuts' that have been requested (some implemented) for decades 🤣

Re: Add ability to move features precisely using arrow keys

RTPL_AU — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:44:28 GMT

@Scott_Harris

Can you, while considering the implementation, add to the concept that it should work when edited data is not in the same coordsys as map?
The align tools have this constraint, and it is a valid use case to want to align/move things in the projected space, not in the geographic space (for example), while not having to create a copy of the data into another coordsys.

Re: Add ability to move features precisely using arrow keys

Scott_Harris — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:12:02 GMT

Good call @RTPL_AU , I agree Align/Distribute commands should work while projecting on the fly. That is a valid use case. Thanks for pointing that out.

Re: Add ability to move features precisely using arrow keys - Status changed to: In Product Plan

JenniferCadkin — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:59:13 GMT

Re: Add ability to move features precisely using arrow keys - Status changed to: Implemented

JenniferCadkin — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:38:51 GMT

The functionality to Nudge features, via a context menu or keyboard shortcuts, is available with the Move and Annotation tools at ArcGIS Pro 3.6.

https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/editing/nudge-features.htm

Re: Add ability to move features precisely using arrow keys

AaronKoelker — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:12:35 GMT

@JenniferCadkin Woo! Awesome, I'm looking forward to trying it out. Thanks for the update.