Set the default properties for text and graphic elements

Every text and graphic element has a default symbol or font. When working with text and graphic elements in a map, layout, presentation, or report, you can configure the default properties, such as the color of a line graphic symbol. When a default property is changed, it is applied to newly created graphic elements of that type.

Default fonts and styles for text elements, labels and annotation, as well as symbol and color settings for polygon, line, and point graphic elements are managed on the Options dialog box.

To change the default properties for text and graphic elements:

1. Perform these steps to access the Options dialog box from within an open project.
2. In the Options dialog box, under Application, click the Text and Graphics tab.
3. Modify the default font property or graphic element symbol settings as needed.
4. Optionally, click the image of the point, line, polygon, or text symbol and choose a symbol from a style to be used for specific graphic element types. On the Default Symbol dialog box, specify the symbol to be used, and click OK to apply the symbol.

   Note:

   The gallery in the Default Symbol dialog box includes symbols from the project styles, but you can search for more. See Find symbols to learn more about using this dialog box..

5. Optionally, use the color and size controls next to the images of the default symbols to further refine their basic symbol properties.
6. Click OK again to update the settings. \
   1. To return the default font property settings to their original values, click the Reset default font to the default values button .
   2. To return the graphic element symbol properties to their original values, click the Reset graphic symbols to their default values button .