Adding a map frame to your layout is a straightforward process when designing maps for print or digital export. A map frame acts as a container for displaying geographic data within your layout.
The exact answer to how to add a map frame is: On the Insert tab, in the Map Frames group, select a map frame shape from the drop-down menu.
Steps to Add a Map Frame
To successfully add a map frame to your layout, follow these simple steps:
- Navigate to the Insert Tab: In the software interface, locate and click on the Insert tab. This tab typically contains tools for adding various elements to your layout, such as text, images, legends, and of course, map frames.
- Locate the Map Frames Group: Within the Insert tab, find the Map Frames group. This group bundles all the tools related to adding and managing map frames on your layout.
- Select a Map Frame Shape: Click on the drop-down menu within the Map Frames group. Here, you will find options for the shape of the map frame you want to add.
By following these steps, you can easily insert a map frame onto your layout view. Once added, you can then link it to a specific map or data frame from your project.
Understanding Map Frame Shapes
The shape you choose from the drop-down menu determines how the map frame will appear on your layout. According to the reference, common options include:
- Rectangular or Square: This is the most common and often the default shape. It allows for a map frame of any rectangular or square dimensions you define when drawing it on the layout.
- Sketched Shapes: You may also have options to create map frames with custom shapes composed of connecting straight lines that you sketch directly on the layout. This offers more flexibility for unique layouts.
Choosing the right shape depends on your layout design needs and aesthetic preferences.
Once the map frame is placed, you can resize, move, and configure its properties to display your map data exactly how you need it.
