Scaling a feature in 3D using the Scale command

Available with 3D Analyst license.

The Scale command is used to change the size of a feature you have selected in a 3D edit session. It works by changing the size dimension of the existing feature to a desired scale you specify, either bigger or smaller, on the Scale dialog box.

The Scale dialog box used with the Scale command for absolute resizing

Scale is supported for lines, polygons, and multipatches, but not point geometry. You can only scale a point feature if it has been symbolized with an imported 3D model, such as a multipatch, or has a size attribute applied to the symbology.

Keep in mind it is important to know your data. Scaling in ArcGlobe and ArcScene will resize a 3D feature in all three dimensions simultaneously. So if you are scaling a 2D polygon that has had extrusion applied to it (so that it appears 3D), it will still scale only in 2D (x,y). The extrusion value will need to be adjusted afterward from the Layer Properties dialog box. A 2D extruded polygon may look like a multipatch, but be aware that the editing experience will be different.

To scale an existing feature in 3D, do the following:

1. Click the Edit Placement button on the 3D Editor toolbar.
2. Click the feature you want to scale. Hold down the SHIFT key while clicking to select additional features or drag a selection box.
Learn more about using the Edit Placement tool to interactively drag a selection box around the features you want to scale.
3. Scale the features by either:
   • Clicking 3D Editor > Scale.
   • Pressing the C key after selecting the features.
The Scale dialog box appears.
4. Type in the desired scale factor and press ENTER.

Tip:

As a shortcut, another way to scale features is to interactively resize them using the Edit Placement tool. Press and hold SHIFT and the right mouse button, then drag to interactively scale the feature directly in the 3D view.