topic Re: Draw tools don't work in Data view in Mapping Questions

Draw tools don't work in Data view

RebeccaGeauvreau — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 15:54:27 GMT

My 'Draw' toolbar won't work in Data view. The tools appear to work, but are invisible when they actually draw and I can't select and access the properties. Any suggestions on how to fix? They do however, work in Layout view...Thanks!

Re: Draw tools don't work in Data view

DarrenWiens2 — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 16:55:00 GMT

Do they work in a new mxd? If not, does it help to reset your Normal.mxt (see bottom of this page)?

Re: Draw tools don't work in Data view

MichaelAugust — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:11:50 GMT

This might help, might not, try creating a new annotation group or ensuring that yours is turned on, the active annotation target, and/or set to the right scale:

ArcGIS Desktop

Re: Draw tools don't work in Data view

XanderBakker — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:14:48 GMT

Might have something to do with the coordinate system. The graphic draw in layout units (e.g.cm or inches or any other unit defined). In the map (dataframe) view it will use the coordinate system defined.

The other day I was drawing a simple floor plan to see if some thins would fit. The dataframe had Unknown as coordinate system and when I wanted to measure I couldn't. I decided to select a projected coordinate system and my graphics disappeared. I was able to find them zooming out a lot, but they were all screwed up and most didn't show.

What I mean to say is that having a correct coordinate system is very important. However, if you already have data in the dataframe and they show correctly, the graphics drawn should show.

Could you include a screen shot of what you see (are the handles of the graphic visible after drawing)?

Re: Draw tools don't work in Data view

RebeccaGeauvreau — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:16:45 GMT

No they don't work in new map. I gave your suggestion a try - renamed normal.mxt and restarted - same problem .

Re: Draw tools don't work in Data view

DavidBarnes — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:24:08 GMT

Also, check to make sure the data frame's "target" annotation group is set to be visible. To do this, open the Data Frame properties, Annotation Groups tab and make sure the checkbox next to the annotation group name is checked on.

You can check to see which Annotation Group is the target for drawing by going to the Draw toolbar, Drawing menu, Active Annotation Target pullright.

Re: Draw tools don't work in Data view

RebeccaGeauvreau — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:31:16 GMT

Hi Xander,

I think the coordinate system is ok; all other data is displaying & behaving correctly. Attached is a screen grab - I used the circle tool and drew a circle; when I finish the handles are visible but not the circle.

thanks.

Re: Draw tools don't work in Data view

RebeccaGeauvreau — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:33:27 GMT

I went in and checked the box next to 'default' and everything works! Thanks David!

(i have a whole bunch of shapes that i'd drawn that are visible now)

Re: Draw tools don't work in Data view

MichaelAugust — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:34:09 GMT

So under "Drawing" dropdown - what is the active annotation group, and is it turned on?

Re: Draw tools don't work in Data view

MichaelAugust — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:35:12 GMT

that's what I meant by "ensuring yours is turned on" above, glad it's working now

Re: Draw tools don't work in Data view

RebeccaGeauvreau — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:36:08 GMT

Thanks Michael - your suggestion was the right one!

Re: Draw tools don't work in Data view

RebeccaGeauvreau — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:37:04 GMT

default is now but I suppose it wasn't. Funny how the simplest things cause such frustration! Thanks again for your help

Re: Draw tools don't work in Data view

RebeccaGeauvreau — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:42:51 GMT

Yes thanks – it took me a re-read to understand what you meant! Thanks so much for your quick suggestions.