Moving Layout elements in ArcMap using Python

[MattBull]

I'm having some severe difficulties trying to move graphics and text elements in layout using Python. I figured it would be pretty simple, just access the layout elements and change the anchor point. I copied this code from the help and changed it to reflect the filepath and element name in my map document:

import arcpy
mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument(r"C:\Project\Project.mxd")
for elm in arcpy.mapping.ListLayoutElements(mxd, "GRAPHIC_ELEMENT"):
    if elm.name == "Title Block":
        elm.elementPositionX = 4.75
        elm.elementPositionY = 10.5
mxd.save()
del mxd

When I run it through a Python script tool or the Python window, I get this error message:

IOError: MapDocObject: Unable to save.  Check to make sure you have write access to the specified file and that there is enough space on the storage device to hold your document.

I have read/write privileges and there is certainly enough disk space, so I don't know what the problem is. I tried commenting out the last two lines of code and it ran without errors, but the element I was trying to use didn't move. I suspect there is something very simple and silly happening here that I am missing.

[RhettZufelt]

Normally get that error when the mxd is being viewed in ArcMap or ArcCatalog at the time the script runs.

Can't just close file either, need to exit ArcMap/Catalog before you run the script.  Also, look in task manager and make sure there isn't a "runaway" arcmap that is "locking" the file.

R_

[MattBull]

Thank you both, that is valuable information. Using the CURRENT keyword did exactly what I wanted the script to do, but it's also good to know that I need to be running the script outside of ArcGIS if I'm going to use the file path.

[AndrewBrachman1]

I am having some trouble with a similar issue in moving an element.  For some reason the code is passing right by the FOR loop.  I am guessing it is really simple.  Thanks.



import arcpy

# Open RigMap.mxd
mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument(r"D:\Temp\TestRigMapPython\UnitedStates_Basemap3.mxd")

# Export RigMap to JPEG
arcpy.mapping.ExportToJPEG(mxd, "D:\Temp\TestRigMapPython\TestRigMap.jpg", resolution = 300)

# Move text off of map area
for graphic in arcpy.mapping.ListLayoutElements(mxd, "GRAPHIC_ELEMENT"):
    if graphic.name == "Statistics":
        graphic.elementPositionX = 4.4688
        graphic.elementPositionY = -0.505

# Export 30 Day PermitMap to JPEG
arcpy.mapping.ExportToJPEG(mxd, "D:\Temp\TestRigMapPython\Test30DayPermitMap.jpg", resolution = 300)

[NeilAyres]

Andrew,
perhaps its not finding a graphic element called "Statistics".
Double check that.
Cheers,
N

[AndrewBrachman1]

I did check that and that doesn't seem to be the problem. 

One thing I tried was to put a print statement right inside of the for loop.  It never reaches the for loop so I am not sure what is going on.

[AndrewBrachman1]

I figured it out.  I should have been using a TEXT_ELEMENT instead of a GRAPHIC_ELEMENT.

Silly mistake, sorry.