Create a circle feature

The Circle tool creates planar circular features using the pointer or entered values. This tool is available on the Mapview toolbar with polygon feature layers.

When you use this tool, consider the following:

• Vertices for 3D z-aware features are assigned z-values based on your current elevation settings.
• The feature is automatically finished when its center location and radius are fully defined.

Note:

If the active map is set to a geographic coordinate system, your specified distances and directions are measured using the North Azimuth (0 degrees) system and may produce unexpected alignment or accuracy errors.

To avoid these types of errors, the best practice is to assign the active map a projected coordinate system that matches the coordinate system of the layer or layers you are editing.

Draw or enter a radius

By default, the Circle tool creates a circle with two pointer clicks. The first click sets the center and the second sets the radius. After the first click, you can right-click the map and enter a radius value.

To draw a circle, complete the following steps:

1. Add the data and configure the editing settings.

   Confirm that the feature layer you are editing is editable, the coordinate system assigned to the active map is suitable for the type of edits you're performing, and snapping is configured to help you work efficiently and accurately.

2. On the Map tab, in the Features group, click Edit .
3. In Contents, click a polygon layer.
4. Click the Circle tool on the Mapview toolbar.
5. Click the map to create the center point.

   To enter a coordinate location, right-click the map and click Absolute X,Y,Z .

6. Move the pointer and click the map to specify a radius.

   To enter a radius value, right-click the map and click Radius .

7. On the Mapview toolbar, click Save All Edits.

   Optionally, on the ribbon, in the Manage Edits group, click Save All Edits .

   Alternatively, on the ribbon, in the Manage Edits group, click Save All Edits .

8. On the Edit tab, in the Close group, click Close Edit Mode .

   Optionally, continue editing until you're ready to close Editing mode.

   Alternatively, continue editing until you're ready to close Editing mode.

   Edit Mode is enabled and the Edit tab appears on the ribbon.

Keyboard shortcuts

The keyboard shortcuts described in the following table provide an alternative way to run commands for this tool:

Keyboard shortcuts for the Circle construction tool

Keyboard shortcut	Action	Comment
F6	Specify absolute X,Y,Z .	Open the Absolute X,Y,Z dialog box.
R	Specify a radius.	Open the Radius dialog box.