This tutorial walks through the process of digitizing polygons using the tools available in ArcGISto to create features.

Included in this tutorial:

Setting up for Digitizing: accessing the Digitizing Toolbar and Toggling Editing mode
Adding PolygonFeatures
Editing Polygon Features with the Vertex tool
Highlighting other digitizing tools

Software version in examples: ArcGIS Pro 3.6.0

Credits: D. Wexler & L. Meisterlin (2026)

The overall process of digitizing is simple:

Create an editable data layer
Add and edit features within your editable layer.
Save changes to your editable layer.

Setting Up for Digitizing

Create an Empty (Polygon) Feature Class

To set up ArcGIS Pro for digitizing polygons, we first need to create an empty feature class which can store our spatial data. Within your interface, summon the Catalog Pane. (To do this, click on View and select the Catalog Pane. The pane will open on the righthand side of your ArcGIS Pro view.)

Next, select the location for your new feature class. (In our example, we will create a new geodatabase feature class.) Right-click on your chosen location, hover over New and then select Create New Feature Class.

The Create Feature Class dialogue box will open, prompting you to name and choose settings for your feature class. Name your feature class something recognizable and make sure your Feature Class Type is Polygon.

You can click “Next” at the bottom of the dialogue box to access other settings for the new layer (including establishing attribute fields and setting a CRS, setting a tolerance, resolution, and storage configuration).

Accessing the Create Features pane

Now that we have a feature class in which our spatial data can be stored, we will want to access the Create Features pane by clicking Edit (from the top ribbon) > Create. The Create Features pane will open, prompting you to select the data layer in which to store your polygons.

In our example, we select the new empty feature we just created.

When you select the feature class in the Create Features pane, you will see there are a number of different options for creating your polygon shapes. You can hover over each icon to see which option best suits your needs. For the sake of this tutorial, we will just use the first option for Polygon.

Adding Polygon Features

Now that we’ve created our polygon feature class and have selected the create polygon option, you will notice your cursor has changed to a crosshair in the map frame. This means you’re ready to start creating your polygons.

To create (digitize) a new polygon feature, with the Add Polygon Feature tool activated, (left-)click on your map view wherever you want to start the polygon. You will notice that as you click, you are creating multiple segments which comprise your polygon feature. You will also notice that the tool automatically fills in the rest of your shape for you; however, you can continue clicking and the shape will adjust. Each time you click and add an additional segment to your polygon feature, a vertex (node) is generated.

In our example below, we are digitizing a feature on an empty map. More likely, you may be digitizing over a basemap image.

*adding and committing polygon features to the active layer*

Once you are satisfied with the polygon feature you’ve drawn, (right-)click on your map view. A number of options will appear. You can play around with these options, depending on the end goal for your project. For this tutorial, we are focused on simply creating and finalizing the polygons we have created; therefore, you can select Finish to save your work. You can also select Finish from the large icons that appear on your map frame (or hit F2 on your keyboard).

If you are dissatisfied with the shape you’ve drawn, you can select Cancel when you right-click to remove your work.

*canceling your work so it’s not committed to the active layer*

Modifying and Deleting Polygon Features

Accessing the Modify Features Pane

The Modify Features pane allows you to manipulate geometry in your data. Access the Modify Features pane by clicking Edit (from the top ribbon) > Modify (next to where you clicked Create).

The Modify Features dialogue box will open, providing you with a robust list of tools and options with which you can modify the polygons in your feature class. You can get more information about each option by hovering over its icon.

*accessing the Modify Features pane to edit your polygon features*

Deleting Polygon Features

You can also delete features from your data. First, select the feature you hope to delete, and then click Edit (from the top ribbon) > Delete.

Snapping

Depending on the nature of your work, it may be beneficial to have the polygons you’re creating snap to themselves, to other polygons in your new feature class, or to other polygons from different data layers. (Snapping allows you to maintain topologically accurate geometries and avoid generating “spaghetti data.”)

You can adjust your snapping settings by navigating to Edit (from the top ribbon) > Snapping. You will see there are a number of snapping options available to you. You can hover over each icon to learn more, and decide which may be most helpful for you, given the nature of your work.

Digitizing Polygons