Edit Layer Labels

Post, classed post, and base layer labels can be moved interactively so that labels do not overlap or so that labels appear in a more desirable location. The post map or classed post map must have the Worksheet column on the Labels page set to a column other than None or the base map must have the Label source on the Labels page set to a column to use the Map Tools | Edit Layer | Layer Labels command.

Enter Edit Layer Labels Mode

To enter the label edit mode, click on a post, classed post, or base layer in the plot window or Contents window. Once the map is selected, click the Map Tools | Edit Layer | Layer Labels command . Alternatively, right-click on the selected map and click Edit Labels. The cursor will change to a to indicate you are now in label editing mode. The layer labels can now be individually moved.

Move Individual Labels

To move a label, enter the Edit Layer Labels mode. Click once on the label you wish to move. Once the label is selected, hold down the left mouse button and drag the label to a new location. When the label is in the desired location, release the mouse button.

Labels can also be moved using the keyboard. To click on a label using the keyboard, hold down the ARROW keys until the cursor is above the label. Press and hold the SPACEBAR to select the label. Press the ARROW keys to move the label to a new location. When the label is in the desired location, release the SPACEBAR.

Exit Edit Layer Labels Mode

To end layer label edit mode, press the ESC key or click the Map Tools | Edit Layer | Layer Labels command again.

Move Around the Plot Window in Edit Mode

If you are zoomed in on the map, use the scroll bars to move to locations that appear off the screen. Alternatively, click and hold the scroll button of a mouse wheel to pan the plot window.

Changing Coordinate Systems

When either the source coordinate system or the target coordinate system changes, all post and classed post map labels are returned to the default location. Base map labels maintain their modified locations

Reset Labels to Default

All labels in the map can be reset to the default position. To reset the labels, click on the layer to select it. In the Properties window, click on the Labels tab. Change the Position or the Position relative to symbol to any position other than the currently selected position to reset the labels to the default locations. Click Yes in the Post Map Properties or the Surfer Warning dialog to restore all of the labels to the default positions.

The Post Map Properties warning message is displayed when you change the label Position relative to symbol after moving post map labels.