Adding text to the data frame in layout view

You can add map annotation to the data frame while in layout view by setting focus on the data frame before adding the text. By default, text added to the data frame is added to the <Default> annotation group. You can change this by setting Active Annotation Target (available on the Drawing menu) before you add your text.

Learn more about working with data frame contents in layout view

1. Click the Select Elements button on the Draw toolbar.
2. Double-click anywhere in the data frame to give it focus.

The data frame is drawn with a special hatch symbol outline.

3. Specify the active annotation target on the Draw toolbar.
4. Use one of the Text tools on the Draw toolbar to add new text to the data frame.