idea Implement Option to Make Dataframe Unselectable! in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

Implement Option to Make Dataframe Unselectable!

MikeMacRae — Thu, 13 May 2021 12:22:16 GMT

Hello,

I've been frustrating with a function in ArcMap since I started using ESRI products many years ago. When I am working in a map and I want to select elements withi the map (i.e. text elements, graphic elements, etc) a lot of the time, the dataframe gets selected and tehn it gets locked in focus mode. I (and many other users I know) would love love love to have an option to make the dataframe unselectable when editing a map.

Thanks,
Mike

Re: Implement Option to Make Dataframe Unselectable!

CharlesMoor — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 14:42:04 GMT

Mike, I wholeheartedly agree! It gets to be so frustrating sometimes!

Re: Implement Option to Make Dataframe Unselectable!

Luke_Pinner — Thu, 13 May 2021 05:18:22 GMT

If you're suggesting this for desktop/ArcMap, I wish you luck, there's not going to be any more ArcMap releases, 10.8.1 is it... https://support.esri.com/en/arcmap-esri-plan (presumably why there's no ArcMap ArcGIS Ideas page anymore).

For Pro, I agree that could be useful. Make layout elements selectable/unselectable just like you can for layers in a map.

A decent workaround and one that I now use exclusively (though it is a considerable change to workflow/muscle memory) is to make sure my elements are properly named and use the contents pane to select exactly which element/s I want to do something with instead of clicking around in the layout.

Re: Implement Option to Make Dataframe Unselectable! - Status changed to: Closed

KoryKramer — Thu, 13 May 2021 12:26:31 GMT

Luke is correct that no new features or functionality are being added to ArcMap. I realize that ArcGIS Pro was not around when this idea was submitted! It looks like this is available using Production Mapping in ArcMap: https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/latest/extensions/production-mapping/locking-and-unlocking-elements.htm

And the cool thing is that this is built-in to ArcGIS Pro for everyone to use.

https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/layouts/layout-contents-pane.htm

Here I have the map frame locked so that it cannot be selected in the layout while the other elements can be.

Just like when working with layers of a map, you can select multiple layout elements in the Contents pane and hold Ctrl +click the lock to toggle these on/off.

Hope this helps present-day workflows!

Re: Implement Option to Make Dataframe Unselectable!

Luke_Pinner — Thu, 13 May 2021 12:43:04 GMT

I so didn't check the date on this one, I was just searching for something else layout related and stumbled across this. But thanks @KoryKramer, I've never even noticed those little lock icons before 🤣