Building label classes from symbology classes

Label classes can also be created from existing symbology classes in the map. Adding label classes from symbology categories lets you automatically make label classes for each of the symbol classes you have already defined for this layer. In this way, you can specify different label properties for the features in each of the symbology classes you have already defined. For example, you can label cities with a large population in a larger font than those with a smaller population.

After you've created label classes from symbology categories, the label classes do not get automatically updated if you change or edit the symbol classes on the Symbology tab. If you change the symbol classes and want to update your label classes to match the change, add the label classes again. When you are prompted, choose the option to overwrite the existing label classes. Note that overwriting the existing label classes means that the label properties you already defined for these classes will be overwritten as well.

Steps:

1. Click the Label Manager button on the Labeling toolbar.
2. Click a layer in the Label Classes list.
3. Check the check box next to the symbology class or classes in the Select symbology categories box that you want to use to make a new label class or classes.

   There will be no symbology categories listed if this layer currently has no symbol classes defined. To define symbol classes, go to the Symbology tab on the Layer Properties dialog box.

4. Click the Add button.
5. Click Yes or No on the Overwrite label classes dialog box depending on what you want to do with your existing label classes.
6. Click OK.