Edit vertex z-values

The Edit Vertices tool allows you to edit vertex z-values in a geometry properties table using the current elevation units. You can change a single value or apply the same z-value across multiple vertices. This tool is available in the Modify Features pane.

When you use this tool to modify z-values, consider the following:

• The z-value attribute field is available only with z-aware point, line, and polygon features. To add the z-value attribute field to existing feature data, create a feature class with z-values and import the existing feature into it.
• To preserve the x,y coordinates of a vertex when you drag it with the pointer, press and hold the H key.
• To change the elevation units in a scene, right-click the map in the Contents pane, click Properties , and click the General tab. To change the default elevation units in a map view, define a new coordinate system.

  Note:

  In map views, ArcGIS AllSource sets the elevation units to the linear units defined by the map's vertical coordinate system, if it exists. If a vertical coordinate system is not assigned, it is set to the linear units defined by the map's x,y coordinate system.

To edit z-values in the geometry properties table, complete the following steps:

1. Add your data and configure settings for editing.

   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 ribbon, click the Edit tab. In the Features group, click Modify .
3. Click Edit Vertices in the Modify Features pane.

   To find the tool, expand Reshape, or type Vertices in the Search text box.

4. Click the Change the selection tool in the tool pane and select a polyline or polygon feature.

   If you select more than one feature, reselect the feature. Alternatively, click the feature in the pane selection view to flash it in the map, right-click and click Only Select This .

   Note:

   If Map Topology is enabled, click the Features tab.

   The Features and Edges tabs are not required to complete this workflow. These tabs are available only when map topology or a geodatabase topology is enabled so that you can switch between editing feature vertices and topological edges and nodes.

   

   The selected feature appears highlighted in the map with vertex handles. By default, project settings symbolize the first vertex green and the last vertex red.

5. Click the z-value attribute field in the geometry properties table, type the z-value, and press the Enter key.

   To select and apply the same z-value to multiple vertices, press the Ctrl key, and select the vertex rows in the geometry table. Click Update Z Values on the toolbar, type the value in the dialog box, and press the Enter key.

   

   Alternatively, right-click the vertex in the map, click Move or Move To , type the z-value in the dialog box, and press the Enter key.

6. To finish the feature, right-click and click Finish , or press the F2 key.

Keyboard shortcuts

The following table shows keyboard shortcuts for the Edit Vertices tool.

Edit vertices

Keyboard shortcuts for the Edit Vertices tool

Keyboard shortcut	Action	Comment
T and hover	Show vertices within the snapping tolerance.	Flash a square at vertices that are within the current snapping tolerance of the pointer.
Shift and click vertices	Select multiple vertices.	Drag multiple segments in unison between the selected vertices.
Shift and click segments	Select all vertices between the clicked segments.	Drag multiple segments in unison between the selected vertices.
Shift+Ctrl and click a selected vertex	Unselect a vertex.	Unselect one of many selected vertices.
A and click	Add a vertex .	Create a vertex where you click a segment.
D and click	Delete a vertex .	Delete the clicked vertex.
H and drag	Edit the elevation.	Move a z-enabled vertex vertically and preserve its x,y coordinates. Hover over a control handle until the pointer becomes a vertex and drag the vertex. This shortcut is available in 3D scenes.
Ctrl and drag	Move a Bézier curve.	Move a Bézier curve and preserve its shape. Hover over a curve until the pointer becomes a segment, and drag the curve.
Ctrl and drag	Move a Bézier handle.	Move a Bézier control handle that can't otherwise be selected when it is coincident with another vertex. Hover over a control handle until the pointer becomes a vertex and drag the handle.
Ctrl+H	Move the z-value to the pointer.	Move the z-value for the selected vertex to the elevation of the pointer. The x- and y-values are preserved. This is available only when stereoscopic mode is enabled.
Ctrl+G	Move the pointer z-value.	Move the pointer z-value to the elevation of the selected vertex. This is available only when stereoscopic mode is enabled.