Set layer draw/output order separately from table of contents order

andysp — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:29:42 GMT

Our maps' tables of contents are normally organized according to subject matter rather than geometry type (we don't want a ToC with point layers at the top, then line layers, then polygon layers). But, this can cause smaller features to be obscured by larger features.

For this reason, it would be great to be able to set a layer drawing order separate from the order shown in the table of contents.

For example, the following ToC causes point features to be drawn underneath line and polygon features (Leak points underneath Main lines; Critical Customer points underneath Project polygons):

Assets
- Water
  - Mains (line features)
Work
- Asset Condition
  - Leaks (point features)
- Projects (polygon features)
Master Planning
- Critical Customers (point features)

Some of the concepts available in Map Layouts might be leveraged to help. When composing a Layout, you can drag and drop items to change their draw order - to bring them "forward" or "back" - in the final output. A similar model could work here for Map viewers (hopefully carrying through to published services). I could envision a new tab at the top of the ToC for controlling output order with a drag-and-drop interface.

Re: Set layer draw/output order separately from table of contents order

AlfredBaldenweck — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:49:57 GMT

idea Set layer draw/output order separately from table of contents order in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

Set layer draw/output order separately from table of contents order

Re: Set layer draw/output order separately from table of contents order