Setting buffering options for data frame rules

You can define a buffer between the data frame and extent. This allows the data frame to extend to a larger area. A positive buffer increases the extent size. For example, a 10 percent buffer would increase the extent size to 110 percent of its original size.

To set buffering options for data frame rules, you must allow size or scale to vary. If you allow size to vary and set a buffer, the data frame size increases. If you allow scale to vary and set a buffer, the map scale becomes smaller.

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap.
2. If necessary, load data in the map.
3. Switch to layout view.
4. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Production Cartography.
5. Click the Layout window button on the Production Cartography toolbar.

   The Layout window appears.

6. Click the Apply Data Frame Rules button on the Layout window.

   The Apply Data Frame Rules dialog box appears.

7. If necessary, click the Source Data Frame drop-down arrow and choose the source data frame.
8. Click the Properties button .

   The Data Frame Rules dialog box appears.

9. If necessary, click the General tab.
10. Click the Allow drop-down arrow and choose either Scale or Size.
11. Click Buffering Options.

    The Buffering Options dialog box appears.

    
12. Choose one of the following options:
    • No Change—Do not apply a buffer. This is the default.
    • Percent—Buffer a percentage of the data frame.
    • Custom—Buffer by fixed value, units, and unit type (page or map).
13. If you chose Custom in step 12, perform the following steps:
    1. Type a distance value in the Value text box.
    2. Click the Units drop-down arrow and choose a unit format (for example, decimal degrees, nautical miles, millimeters).
    3. Click the Unit Type drop-down arrow and click a unit type (page or map).
14. Click OK to apply the buffer settings.