Adding text that flows within a graphic

You can add text that flows within a graphic to your map annotation or graphic text by using the Polygon Text, Rectangle Text, and Circle Text tools on the Draw toolbar.

Note:

When in layout view, ArcMap will, by default, add new text to the layout.

Learn more about adding text to the layout

1. Specify the active annotation target on the Draw toolbar.

   By default, text added to the data frame is added to the <Default> annotation group.

2. Click one of the Paragraph Text tool buttons on the Draw toolbar.

Choose either Polygon Text , Rectangle Text , or Circle Text .

3. Click where you want to position the text, drag to create the graphic shape, then double-click to complete the shape.
• When creating a polygon shape, press SHIFT+F6 to type in coordinates of a vertex. Press E to type in the coordinates of the last vertex and close the polygon. This will also work for the Circle Text tool.
• When creating a rectangular shape, hold down SHIFT to create a square.
• When creating a circular shape, press A or R to specify the area or radius.



4. Double-click the graphic to change the text and modify its display properties.



5. Click OK.

Tip:

You can set the default symbol properties for new text by clicking Drawing on the Draw toolbar and clicking Default Symbol Properties.

Tip:

You can use the Create Text From Graphic Elements tool to create paragraph text from an existing graphic. To use this tool, click Customize > Customize Mode, click the Commands tab, find the Page Layout category, then drag the tool onto any toolbar. Next, select an existing graphic and click the Create Text From Graphic Elements button.