topic Re: Difficulty Modifying Geodatabase Annotation in ArcGIS Pro Questions

Difficulty Modifying Geodatabase Annotation

DaveMartin1 — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:41:00 GMT

Hello, I'm attempting to modify annotation that was originally feature linked annotation in a MXD file. I've inserted an MXD to create a new APRX project. I have a GDB file in the APRX containing HouseNum_Anno. I ran the Upgrade Dataset tool on the Anno feature class . That succeeded (as far as I could see). I set my Anno and Parcel layers as selectable. When I go Edit > Annotation tool, and try to select the Annotation (graphically) in the Map window, the annotation doesn't select.

Anyone know what I'm not doing right?

Dave

Re: Difficulty Modifying Geodatabase Annotation

DaveMartin1 — Tue, 26 May 2026 14:56:41 GMT

Is it people's understanding that GDB annotation is not 'editable/modifiable' (even after the Geodatabase has been upgraded)?

Re: Difficulty Modifying Geodatabase Annotation

JMutunga — Tue, 26 May 2026 16:27:12 GMT

@DaveMartin1 Could you confirm if any error message appears on the annotation layer in Contents pane? I took this screenshot of an MXD I imported in ArcGIS Pro BEFORE running the Upgrade Dataset tool. If the tool runs successful, that message/badge should disappear and you should be able to select and edit the features with the Annotation editing tool.

It is always advisable to backup your data and understand all limitations before running the Upgrade Dataset geoprocessing tool.

Re: Difficulty Modifying Geodatabase Annotation

Debert — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:02:38 GMT

I really wish we could publish feature class annotations as a feature layer. I've logged an enhancement for that here.

Cheers!

Re: Difficulty Modifying Geodatabase Annotation

DaveMartin1 — Tue, 26 May 2026 21:43:58 GMT

Hey folks, It turns out the Upgrade Dataset DID work for me. My problem was I was trying to select the annotation with a single click of the Annotation Tool. That did not select. When I double-clicked the annotation, it did select and was editable. Case solved