Merge features into one feature

The Merge tool combines two or more features on the same layer into an existing feature or unions two or more features into a new feature. Features that do not touch or overlap, merge as parts of a multipart feature. This tool is available in the Modify Features pane.

When you use this tool, consider the following:

• The domain merge policy defined by the source geodatabase doesn't affect attributes constrained by attribute domains.
• When you merge m-aware line features, the Preserve overlapping segments check box on the Existing Feature tab allows you to merge overlapping features as parts of a multipart m-aware feature, making it possible to create a complex route feature from two or more simple routes.
• To merge overlapping z-aware polygon features and create non-planar geometry, enable the application option for editing z-aware polygons.

Tip:

To combine features of the same data type from multiple layers, use the Merge geoprocessing tool.

Modify existing features

The Existing Feature tab merges features into an existing feature. Features that do not touch or overlap, merge as parts of a multipart feature.

1. In the Contents pane, confirm that the layer you are editing is selectable and editable.

   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 Edit tab, in the Features group, click Modify .

   The Modify Features pane appears.

3. Click the Merge tool in the Modify Features pane.

   To find the tool, expand Construct, or type Merge in the Search text box.

4. Click the Existing Feature tab in the tool pane.
5. Click Select and select the features on the same layer you want to merge.
6. Click the Layer drop-down arrow and choose a layer to narrow the selection to features on the same layer.

   If all selected features are on the same layer, only one layer is available.

7. To remove a feature from the selection, click the Delete button in the Features to merge section.

   Note:

   The selected features in the Features to merge section are identified by the display field layer property setting. If the field is null, the OBJECTID field value is shown.

8. Click the feature you want to preserve in the Features to merge section.

   The word (preserve) appears next to the feature.

9. To merge overlapping m-aware features as parts of a multipart feature, check the Preserve overlapping segments check box.

   Note:

   The Preserve overlapping segments check box is available only with m-aware line features.

10. Edit the attribute values in the Merged Feature Attributes table.
11. Click Merge.

Merge new feature

The New Feature tab creates a new feature from the selected features. To keep the selected features, check the Keep original features check box.

1. In the Contents pane, confirm that the layer you are editing is selectable and editable.

   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.

   Tip:

   If you keep the original features and need to move them, turn off map topology.

2. On the Edit tab, in the Features group, click Modify .

   The Modify Features pane appears.

3. Click the Merge tool in the Modify Features pane.

   To find the tool, expand Construct, or type Merge in the Search text box.

4. Click the New Feature tab in the tool pane.
5. Click Select and select the features on the same layer you want to merge.
6. Click the Layer drop-down arrow and choose a layer to narrow the selection to features on the same layer.

   If all features are on the same layer, only one layer is available.

7. To remove a feature from the selection, click the Delete button in the Features to merge section.

   Note:

   The selected features in the Features to merge section are identified by the display field layer property setting. If the field is null, the OBJECTID field value is shown.

8. Check the Keep original features check box.
9. To create the feature on a layer that is different from the selected feature layer, check the Use Template check box, click the drop-down arrow, and choose a feature template.
10. Edit the attribute values in the Merged Feature Attributes table.
11. Click Merge.