Licensing and the Maplex extension
With a license for the Maplex for ArcGIS extension, you can use advanced label placement and conflict detection to add labels to your map and generate text saved either with the map document or as annotation layers in the geodatabase. You will have the full functionality of the ArcGIS Maplex extension available to you, whether you're using ArcView, ArcEditor, or ArcInfo.
License:Maplex capabilities are included with the following:
- ArcInfo
- ArcGIS Schematics
Viewing Maplex labels without a Maplex license
At ArcGIS 10, you can view Maplex labels in a read-only state using an ArcView or ArcEditor license without a Maplex extension license. You will be able to view the Maplex parameters that created the labels, but you will not be able to edit them.
Creating annotation from Maplex labels while in the read-only state
When viewing Maplex labels in the read-only state, it is not possible to convert them to Maplex annotation. Changing the label engine to use the Standard Label Engine will change the placement of the labels and allow you to convert your labels to standard annotation.
When editing features with feature-linked annotation created from Maplex labels, the new annotation created will be placed using the Standard Label Engine placement properties. Examples of these edits are modifying the shape of a feature, creating a new feature, or annotating a selected feature. You need the Maplex extension to create annotation with Maplex placement properties. If the feature edit does not create a new annotation feature, the Maplex placement will be maintained. Examples of these edits include editing the feature attribute that the annotation is based on or moving a feature without changing its shape.
Evaluating the Maplex for ArcGIS extension
At any time, you can evaluate the Maplex for ArcGIS extension before you purchase it. The evaluation is free of charge for a fixed period of time.