How to convert labels to feature-linked annotation

This sample converts labels to feature-linked Geodatabase annotation. The sample works similarly to ArcMap's Convert Labels To Annotation command (Feature layer context menu), but without the dialog or user interaction. The macro creates a new annotation feature class in the same workspace as the Geodatabase layer in the map (the annotation feature class name is hardcoded in the macro). Labeling properties are taken from the first layer in the map. The annotation feature class is populated with annotation elements from the first layer, labels are turned off for the original layer, and finally the map and TOC are refreshed. This sample works with maps being labeled with the ESRI Standard Label Engine and the ESRI Maplex Label Engine.

How to use

  1. Add a Geodatabase feature class to ArcMap. Set labeling properties on layer.
  2. Copy/paste the macro code into VBA.
  3. Run the macro.
[VBA] 
Option Explicit

Public Sub ConvertLabelsToAnno()
    
    Dim pMxDoc As IMxDocument
    Dim pActiveView As IActiveView
    Dim pMap As IMap
    Dim pConvertLabelsToAnnotation As IConvertLabelsToAnnotation
    Dim pEnumLayer As IEnumLayer
    Dim pFClass As IFeatureClass
    Dim pFeatureLayer As IFeatureLayer
    Dim pDataset As IDataset
    Dim pLayer As ILayer
    Dim pGeoFeatureLayer As IGeoFeatureLayer
    Dim pMapLayers As IMapLayers
    Dim pTC As ITrackCancel
    Dim pAnnoEnumLayers As IEnumLayer
    
    Set pMxDoc = ThisDocument
    Set pActiveView = pMxDoc.ActiveView
    Set pMap = pActiveView.FocusMap 'get the focus map from the view
    Set pMapLayers = pMap
    Set pTC = New CancelTracker
    Set pConvertLabelsToAnnotation = New ConvertLabelsToAnnotation
    
    'change global level options for the conversion by sending in different parameters to the next line
    pConvertLabelsToAnnotation.Initialize pMap, esriDatabaseAnnotation, esriAllFeatures, True, pTC
    
    'We'll convert the first layer in the map.  Change this index value to change which layer is converted
    'Labeling should be enable for this layer.
    Set pLayer = pMap.Layer(0)
    
    If Not TypeOf pLayer Is IFeatureLayer Then
        MsgBox "layer " & pLayer.Name & " is not a feature layer"
    End If
    
    Set pFeatureLayer = pLayer
    Set pFClass = pFeatureLayer.FeatureClass
    Set pDataset = pFClass
    
    'add the layer information to the converter object.  Specifiy the parameters of the output annotation feature class here as well.
    pConvertLabelsToAnnotation.AddFeatureLayer pFeatureLayer, pFeatureLayer.Name & "_Anno", pDataset.Workspace, pFClass.FeatureDataset, _
        False, False, False, True, True
    
    'After setting everything up, now perform the conversion
    pConvertLabelsToAnnotation.ConvertLabels
    
    Set pAnnoEnumLayers = pConvertLabelsToAnnotation.AnnoLayers
    
    'Turn the labels for the converted label off
    Set pGeoFeatureLayer = pLayer
    pGeoFeatureLayer.DisplayAnnotation = False
    
    'add the anno layer to the map
    pMap.AddLayers pAnnoEnumLayers, True
    
End Sub





Additional Requirements
  • A Geodatabase feature layer being labeled