Setting a data frame to allow scale to vary

If you set data frame rules to allow the scale to vary, you must specify the data frame's extent and size. When you apply data frame rules, the active data frame's size and extent will reset to the values defined in those rules. This can cause the scale to change.

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 Scale.

    The dialog box reconfigures itself to display options for Allow Scale to vary.

    
11. Check the Round to Nearest check box if you want to round the scale to the nearest value set in the text box.
    Tip:

    Use this value to display a more cartographically appropriate number. For example, the tool will round a scale of 1:25123 to 1:25000 if the nearest value is set to 1000.

12. In the Extent area, do one or more of the following:
    1. Check the Same as source data frame check box to derive the extent from the source data frame.

       This option is enabled if there are two or more data frames. If you check this check box, Specify Extent becomes unavailable.

    2. Check the Clip to shape based on extent check box to clip the active data frame to the specified extent or source data frame (if the Same as source data frame check box is checked).

       Features outside the clipped extent will not display.

    3. Click Specify Extent to display the Define Extent dialog box.
    4. Click Buffering Options to display the Buffering Options dialog box.
13. In the Size area, choose one of the following options:

    To derive the size from the source data frame	Check the Same as source data frame check box and proceed to step 18. Note: This option is enabled if there are two or more data frames. If you check this check box, the Width and Height text boxes and the Units and Unit Types boxes become unavailable.
    To manually define the size of the data frame	Proceed to the next step.

14. Type a value in the Width text box to set a fixed width.
15. Click the Units drop-down arrow and choose a unit.
16. Click the Unit types drop-down arrow and choose a unit type.
17. Repeat steps 14–16 for Height.
18. Click OK to set the data frame rules.