Documentation

Labels and Symbols

Configure how a layer reads in context by controlling labels, quick styles, and symbol behavior.

8 minutesGIS analystsValidated 2026-05-15
Before you start
  • Project layer loaded in Map Builder

Labels and symbols are not cosmetic afterthoughts. They are how users make the map readable enough for day-to-day interpretation, collaboration, and publication.

Labels and symbolsLabels and symbols

Typical styling workflow

  1. Open the layer action menu.
  2. Choose Labels & Symbols.
  3. Decide whether feature labels should be shown.
  4. Adjust the style so the layer is readable against the basemap and neighboring layers.
  5. Save changes and review the result back in map context.

What to tune here

  • whether labels are enabled
  • the visual style applied to the layer
  • how strongly the layer should read relative to nearby operational and reference layers

When this page matters most

Use labels and symbols early in a project when the initial layer stack is hard to read, and revisit it before sharing or publishing the work.