Working with representation rules

This topic applies to ArcGIS for Desktop Standard and ArcGIS for Desktop Advanced only.

Feature class representations are composed of representation rules

Representation rules contain the instructions ArcMap needs to symbolize the features of a feature class representation. A feature class representation must have at least one representation rule but can contain many to categorize its features into groups. The RuleID field holds integer values that correspond to each representation rule in the feature class representation. If a feature class representation is created by converting a symbolized layer in ArcMap, representation rules are automatically created, defined, and assigned to the appropriate features to match the symbolized layer. A feature class representation that is made directly from a feature class in ArcCatalog can optionally have rules created—and even assigned to features—based on the properties of another feature class representation.

Representation rules are composed of representation properties

Each representation rule contains one or more symbol layers that provide the primary drawing instructions for features. One or more geometric effects can be added to a representation rule to dynamically process geometry before the symbol layer definitions are applied. Each component of the symbol layers and geometric effects become properties of the rule that can be overridden for individual features, if necessary, during editing.

All representation rule properties have a default value. Additionally, representation properties can be mapped to a field in the feature class table. The values in this field will be used as the property value. If the value in the field is NULL, the default value will be used. Overriding this property in an edit session will store the new value in the field.

Learn how to modify and add symbol layers to a representation ruleLearn how to modify and add geometric effects to a representation ruleLearn how to change representation properties for individual features

How to create a new representation rule

1. Open the Layer Properties dialog box for a layer drawn with the representation that needs a new rule.
2. On the Symbology tab, ensure that the representation is active.
3. Click the Create New Rule button to create a new representation rule. The new rule will appear at the bottom of the list and be assigned the next available RuleID.

Tip:

• You can also create new rules by duplicating existing rules. Click the Rule Options button and choose Duplicate Rule.
• To apply the new representation rule to certain features of this feature class, begin editing, select the desired features, then apply the rule using the Representation Properties window or use the Calculate Representation Rule geoprocessing tool.

How to modify a representation rule

1. Open the Layer Properties dialog box for a layer drawn with the representation you are working with.
2. On the Symbology tab, ensure that the representation is active.
3. Click the representation rule you want to modify. A box appears around it.
4. Modify the representation rule by performing any combination of the following:
   • Choose new values for any of the representation properties.
   • Set any of the representation properties to an explicit field by switching to field mapping view.
   • Add, remove, or modify symbol layers in the rule.
   • Add, remove, or change geometric effects in the rule.
   All feature representations assigned to this rule will be updated.

How to rename a representation rule

1. Open the Layer Properties dialog box for a layer drawn with the representation you are working with.
2. On the Symbology tab, ensure that the representation is active.
3. Click the representation rule you want to rename. A box appears around it.
4. Click the representation rule name inside the box to highlight the text.
5. Type a new name for the representation rule.

How to delete a representation rule

1. Open the Layer Properties dialog box for a layer drawn with the representation you are working with.
2. On the Symbology tab, ensure that the representation is active.
3. Click the representation rule you want to delete. A box appears around it.
4. Click the Delete Rule button to remove the rule from the feature class representation.

Tip:

Any features that were assigned to this representation rule will no longer be associated with any rule. Use the Representation Properties window or use the Calculate Representation Rule geoprocessing tool to assign a different rule to these features.

How to switch between default values and field overrides views

1. Open the Layer Properties dialog box for a layer drawn with the representation that you are working with.
2. On the Symbology tab, ensure that the representation is active.
3. Click the Display Default Values button to manage the default values of the properties, or click the Display Field Overrides button to manage explicit override fields.

How to change the symbol units used to define representation properties

1. Open the Layer Properties dialog box for a layer drawn with the representation that you are working with.
2. On the Symbology tab, ensure that the representation is active.
3. Click the Options button and choose Units. Then choose Points, Millimeters, Centimeters, or Inches. Numeric representation rule property values will be converted to the new units.

Tip:

The size at which feature representations appear on a map is dependent on the reference scale set in the data frame.

Learn about working with reference scales