In ArcGIS AllSource editing tools are available on the ribbon and editing toolbars and in panes. Commands on the context menu are available for specific tools and enable them to perform a variety of editing tasks.
The following sections are an overview of the editing user interface. For steps to use a specific tool, browse the table of contents or search the help using a keyword or phrase.
Data tab
The Data tab contains groups and tools related to adding, importing, and manipulating data. On the Data tab, in the Add group, you have access to tools to create features.
Add group
The Add group contains the tools described below, which you can use to add data and connections to a map.
Add Data
Use this tool to add data from a local computer, portal, or path to a project.
New Feature Layer
A feature layer is a grouping of similar geographic features, for example, building, cities, roads, and terrain. Features can be points, multipoints, lines, and polygons (areas). Feature layers are most appropriate for visualizing data on top of basemaps. To add a feature layer to a map, in the Add group, click New Feature Layer, and choose the geometry.
Connections
Use this tool to create a connection to databases, servers, and cloud stores to access data.
Layer Template
Access a gallery of layer templates to add a new editable layer to the active map. A layer template is a schema-only layer package; it defines the symbology and other display properties for the layer and the schema for the underlying dataset. When you add new features to the layer, they are stored in a new dataset. To add a layer from the template to an active map or scene, in the Add group, click one of the layer templates in the Layer Template gallery.
New Graphics Layer
Graphic layers are containers for graphic elements—geometric shapes, lines, points, text, and pictures. They provide a way to include simple notations on a map or layout that highlight particular areas or label places. You can use graphics to visualize a map without creating features. For example, you can add a rectangle and text elements to a graphic layer to highlight an area of interest and its nearby access points. Use New Graphics Layer to add graphics to a project.
Map tab
The Map tab interacts with the active map through navigation, selection, measurement, and basemap changes. It enables edit mode, opening the Edit tab. Start edit mode by clicking Edit 
in the Features group, on the Map tab.
Edit tab
On the Edit tab, the groups contain tools and commands that are used to start and complete common editing workflows. Some groups contain a dialog box launcher in the lower right corner that opens a dialog box or task pane related to the group.
Tip:
You can right-click a button on the ribbon and add it to the Quick Access toolbar.
New Features group
Quickly create new memory feature layers with New Point Layer, New Line Layer, New Polygon Layer, and New Multipoint Layer.
Clipboard group
In the Clipboard group, the Cut 
, Copy 
, Paste 
, and Paste Special tools copy features to the clipboard and paste them to the same layer or a different layer.
Snapping
Use the Snapping pane to set your snapping preferences. These controls are also available in the pop-up menu on the status bar at the bottom of the active map.
Selection group
In the Selection group, you can set the active selection method, run a selection tool, clear a selection, and open the Attributes pane. The selection tools in the Modify Features pane also use the active selection method you set in this group. The tools in the Selection group are described below.
Attributes
The Attributes tool 
opens the Attributes pane where you can edit feature attributes and related records, modify annotation properties, and manage file attachments.
Attachments tab
The Attachments tab and toolbar appear in the Attributes pane when you select a feature with file attachments enabled.
Features group
In the Features group, you can open editing task panes to create or modify features, delete selected features in the active map or scene, set snapping preferences, and create military symbols. The tools in the Features group are described below.
Create
The Create tool opens the Create Features pane, which contains the feature templates and related construction tools for layers in the active map.
Modify
The Modify tool 
opens the Modify Features pane, which contains the full collection of editing tools that modify features. On the My Tools tab, you can create a customized collection of tools for quick access.
Military Overlay
The Military Overlay tool 
opens the Military Overlay pane, which provides a selection of military symbols for accurate feature representation. In this pane, you can search for basic symbols, modify attributes, preview complete military symbols, and save favorites. To add these military symbols to the map, click the map or provide coordinates.
Manage Edits group
In the Manage Edits group, you can view editing permissions for layers in a workspace and change a project and application settings for editing
There are no buttons to start or stop an edit session. An edit session automatically starts when you modify existing data or create data. Saving or discarding your edits automatically stops the edit session. The tools in the Manage Edits group are described below.
Learn more about automatic edit sessions
Editing Options
The Editing Options dialog box launcher 
provides access to project and application settings for editing.
Mapview toolbar
The Mapview toolbar is a content sensitive toolbar that is active in Edit Mode. It opens on the top of the current map and consists of selection, navigation, and edit tools based on the selected layer in Contents.
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
 | Mapview toolbar is enabled in Edit Mode. |
 | Selection and navigation tools are readily available while editing. |
 | Create feature tools change based on the selected layer in Contents. |
 | Modify feature tools also change based on the selected layer. |
 | Save or discard pending edits. |
 | Red map border indicates pending edits are ready to save or discard. |
Contents pane
In the Contents pane, you can write-protect a layer and turn snapping on and off by layer. Two of the tabs in the Contents pane are described below.
Learn about specifying layers to edit
List By Editing
Check the layer check boxes under Editing on the List By Editing 
tab to enable editing for a layer. These settings apply to the active map and do not change permissions granted at the data source.
List By Snapping
Check the layer check boxes under Snapping on the List By Snapping tab 
to enable snapping for a layer.
