tut Pro: Key Numbering

One of the options for Labels is to use Key Numbering. Key Numbering is an automated way of labeling the features with 1, 2, 3 or A, B, C and then moving the labels to a nearby list.

Historically, this process has been done by converting the Labels to annotation (or graphic text) and then manually moving the text strings to a list, adding numbers (1, 2, 3...) to both the list and to the map beside the feature. Using Key Numbering Groups purports to do this automatically - however in my opinion, not very well. Indeed, I have not found the Key Numbering options for labels to be of any use at all (so far)... At best, I think you might be able to use the Key Numbering as a way of creating an initial key list, and then convert the Keys (which are still labels) to annotation or graphic text (so you could then fine-tune the lists). Personally, I think it's easier to just do the whole process manually as I don't find their help very helpful. Still, if you want to try to use Key Numbering tools you are encouraged to do so, and here are a few pointers.

And also, see ESRI's page on the topics: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/mapping/text/key-numbering.htm 

~ ~ ~ ~

First off, there are two aspects to the Key Lists:

  1. Creating / Configuring a Key Numbering Group
  2. Assigning a Key Numbering Group to a particular layer’s labels

~ ~ ~ ~

The simplest way to use Key Numbering is to modify / use the 'Default' Key Numbering Group and to use that Key Numbering Group for ALL of the labels for a given layer. You can make it more complicated by using multiple Key Numbering Groups and/or using the Key Numbering Group(s) for different label classes... but let's keep it simple for the moment: Use a Definition Query (if needed) to create a layer with only the features / labels that you want to have in your key list, and then use the Default Key Numbering Group and apply that to all of the labels for that layer.

~ ~ ~ ~

To Create / Configure / Modify a Key Numbering Group:

  • From the Labeling Ribbon, from the Map group, open the More drop-menu
  • From the More drop-menu, check to be sure that the box for Use Maplex Label Engine is checked (it should be by default)
  • From the More drop-menu, choose Key Numbering...
  • In the Key Numbering Group dialog box, you can create a new group or tweak the Default group
    • For starters, just work with the Default group...
  • Adjust the various settings (see the ESRI's Key Numbering page)
  • Check the box for Always Place Labels with Key Numbers (to get started)

Having configured a Key Numbering Group, you then can use that group for the labels for one (or more) layers.

Open the Labeling Properties for one of your layers:

  • First, configure the labels for the layer as usual (size, font, color...)
  • In the Label properties pane, choose the Class your want to apply key numbers for
    • By default, all labels will be in a Class 1 label class...
  • Click the Position tab and the Fitting Strategy sub-tab
  • Expand the Key Number section
  • From the Group Name drop-menu, choose the Key Numbering Group you wish to use (i.e., Default)
  • Wait for the screen to refresh / redraw...

If you want to adjust the Numbering Group settings you can re-open the Key Numbering Group dialog box. If you have more than one Numbering Group be sure you choose the one you wish to modify.

You may want to also check the View Unplaced button (from the Labeling ribbon, in the Map section) to see if there are are features that are being 'dropped' (they will show up in Red text and red labels).