topic Layout graphic elements offset when exporting in ArcGIS Pro Questions

Layout graphic elements offset when exporting

Kevin_Andras — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:50:12 GMT

I am making a map for a client. They didn't like how large rivers were hidden behind mountains in a 3D scene, so I drew some graphics to make the river lines continuous. Here's the layout view in Arc:

And here is the same area when exported as a PDF (TIF has same offset):

All of my graphic elements are offset similarly. How can this be avoided?

Re: Layout graphic elements offset when exporting

TomBole — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:48:07 GMT

Hi @Kevin_Andras

I don't believe that you are working with Layout graphics. Layout graphics live in the page space and are unconnected to the geographic space of the scene being displayed. There cannot be an "offset" from geographic features. I'm pretty sure that there is not an issue with Layout graphic elements or with exporting.

From the screenshots you provided it appears that the graphics are draped over the terrain. I believe you are working Map graphics. You can confirm this by looking at the layers within the scene (map frame). Is there a graphics layer under the "2D Layer" group?

According to the help topic - Work with graphics layers - "Graphics layers cannot be created in scenes. They can be added to scenes, but to the 2D Layers category only. The contents of a graphics layer cannot be edited in a scene." I would expect that you would have the same issues with map graphics as you would with a feature layer.

I can think of 2 possible solutions.

1. To "show what's hidden behind X" is to make X semi-transparent so you can see what is behind.

2. You could "fake" the effect by drawing a Layout graphic on top of the map frame.

Here is an example with an exported PDF.

However, since this graphic lives in "page space" and is not connected to the scene, if you change the extent, for example the tilt angle" the graphic will no longer line up.

Hope this helps,

Tom

Re: Layout graphic elements offset when exporting

Kevin_Andras — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 21:43:20 GMT

Hi Tom,

Thanks for your response. I fully understand that changing the tilt would affect the placement of any graphics. I have not changed the map orientation. I added the graphics using the Insert tab > Graphics and Text. They are shown as layers in the TOC under Layout, and are not in the Map Frame/Scene. See my screenshot. Is there another way to add graphics?