Changing default values for a feature template in a composite template

The default attribute values are some of the most important properties you can set for a feature template. The attributes defined for the template are assigned to new features created with that feature template. Setting the appropriate default values saves time and improves accuracy since the attributes are populated automatically in the new features.

Composite templates combine two or more feature templates. The attributes of the templates that are contained in a composite template are not displayed on the Create Attributes window. The Composite Template Properties dialog box can be used to access the attributes of templates and update the attribute values.

Note:

When you change the attributes for a composite template, the enhanced validation rules are not automatically applied. You need to right-click the Create tab on the Manage Features window, then click Validate Templates to ensure that the attribute combinations on the composite template are valid.

Steps:

1. Start ArcMap.
2. If necessary, load data in the map.
3. On the main menu, click Customize > Toolbars > Production Editing.
4. Click the Production Start Editing button on the Production Editing toolbar.
   Note:

   The Manage Features and Create Attributes, Update Attributes, or Metadata Attributes windows automatically appear when you start an edit session using the Production Start Editing tool.

   Tip:

   If the Create Attributes, Update Attributes, or Metadata Attributes window does not appear when you start an edit session, click the Show/Hide Attributes button on the Manage Features window.

5. Click the Create tab on the Manage Features window.
6. Double-click a composite template on the Create tab on the Manage Features window.

   The Composite Template Properties dialog box appears.

7. Double-click a template in the list.

   The Template Properties dialog box appears.

8. Change the attributes of the template as appropriate on the Template Properties dialog box.
9. Click OK.

   The Composite Template Properties dialog box appears.

10. Set the order of the templates using the Up and Down arrows next to the list of templates.
    Note:

    Some composite construction tools, such as Point at Line Start or End, create features based on the order of the templates.

11. Update other properties for the composite template as necessary.
12. Click OK.