How to Bring a Layout Element to the Front in ArcMap?
To bring a layout element to the front in ArcMap, you can use the Bring to Front option available within the layout view context menu after selecting the element.
In ArcMap's layout view, elements like text, images, data frames, scale bars, north arrows, and legends are arranged on the page. Their drawing order determines which elements appear on top of others. If you want a specific element to be visible above all other overlapping elements, you need to bring it to the front.
Here's how you typically perform this action based on the provided reference:
Steps to Bring a Layout Element to the Front
- Ensure you are in Layout View. You can usually switch to Layout View from the View menu or by using the Layout View button at the bottom left of the data frame window.
- Access layout tools. The reference mentions using the Production Cartography toolbar to display the Layout window, although element arrangement tools are standard in layout view regardless of specific toolbars.
- Select the element or multiple elements you wish to bring forward. You can do this by clicking on them directly in the layout view.
- Right-click on the selected element(s).
- From the context menu that appears, choose Bring to Front.
This action moves the selected element(s) to the very top of the drawing order within the layout, ensuring they are displayed on top of any other overlapping elements.
Reference Insight:
The provided reference specifically states:
"...on the Production Cartography toolbar to display the Layout window. Select one or more elements. Right-click and do one of the following: Choose Bring to Front to move the selected element to the top of the draw order."
This confirms the right-click method on selected elements within the layout context is the way to achieve this.
Layout Element Ordering
Understanding layout element order is crucial for designing clear and effective maps. ArcMap allows you to manage this order using commands like:
- Bring to Front: Moves selected element(s) to the very top.
- Send to Back: Moves selected element(s) to the very bottom.
- Bring Forward: Moves selected element(s) one step up in the drawing order.
- Send Backward: Moves selected element(s) one step down in the drawing order.
These options provide fine-grained control over how your layout elements stack on the page.
| Command | Action | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Bring to Front | Moves selected element to the top | Appears above all others |
| Send to Back | Moves selected element to the bottom | Appears below all others |
| Bring Forward | Moves selected element one layer up | Appears above the element directly below |
| Send Backward | Moves selected element one layer down | Appears below the element directly above |
Using these tools effectively ensures your layout elements are positioned and layered correctly for optimal visual communication.
