Explode a multipart feature

In the Modify Features pane, Explode separates the component parts of a multipart feature into single-part features with attribute values that match the original multipart feature. You can separate all component parts at one time or separate individual parts by clicking them.

For steps to create new component parts, see Resume editing a finished feature.

Explode features

Exploding a multipart feature separates all of its component parts into single-part features. Feature attributes from the multipart feature are copied to the new features. You can choose to keep or discard the original multipart feature.

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

   The Modify Features pane appears.

2. Expand Divide and click Explode .

   The tool opens in the pane.

3. Click the Features tab.
4. Click Active Select and select the multipart feature you want to explode.

   The selection appears as a list in the pane.

5. To refine your selection, right-click a feature in the list and use the following commands on the context menu:
   • Flash —Flash the selected features on the map.
   • Zoom To —Zoom the view to the selected features.
   • Pan To —Pan the view to the selected features.
   • Only Select This —Remove all other features from the selection.
   • Unselect —Remove the feature from the selection.
6. To preserve the original feature and copy the parts, check Keep original features.
7. In the pane, click Explode.

Explode parts

Exploding parts of a multipart feature enables you to click an individual component part and separate it into a single-part feature. Feature attributes from the multipart feature are copied to the new feature. You can set this tool mode to explode parts without a selection.

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

   The Modify Features pane appears.

2. Expand Divide and click Explode .

   The tool opens in the pane.

3. Click the Parts tab.
4. Do one of the following:
   • Click Active Select and select the multipart feature you want to explode.
   • Check Allow explode without a selection.
5. Hover over the part you want to explode, and click it when it appears highlighted.