Creating Graphic Callouts (Manual Placement) in ArcGIS Pro

Callouts are useful for highlighting specific map features with descriptive text or labels that stand out visually. Whether you're preparing a printed map, a presentation, or an internal report, callouts in help you make your message clear and visually compelling.

This article walks you through how to create and customize graphic callouts (manual placement) using ArcGIS Pro’s labeling tools and annotation features. This method is ideal when you want full control over where and how callouts appear on the map.

Software requirement(s):

  • ArcGIS Pro 3.4.x

Dataset:

The dataset used in this tutorial - Chinook salmon return counts - is the same dataset featured in the article "How to Create Charts in ArcGIS Pro".

Disclaimer: This dataset is fictional and was created for educational and demonstration purposes only. It does not represent actual Chinook salmon return counts. For accurate data, please consult NOAA Fisheries, state agencies, or tribal resources departments.

A callout is a label that includes a leader line pointing from the label text to the feature it describes. Callouts are most commonly used with point features, but you can use them with any geometry type.

Step 1: Add a Map to a Layout

  1. From the Insert tab, choose New Layout and select your page size (Letter here).

  1. Add your Map Frame to the layout.
  • Click Map Frame > Select the map at your current scale > Draw it on the layout

Sometimes, even if you selected your desired map scale when adding a map frame to the layout, the map may not display the expected extent. This is because the layout frame inserts a linked map but doesn't automatically zoom to your current view. To correct this, go to the Layout tab and use the Activate tool. Once the map frame is activated, you can manually pan and zoom within the layout to match the extent you had in your map view. When you are done, be sure to click Close Activation in the Layout tab to return to the layout view and finalize your changes.


Step 2: Use the Callout Tool: Add River Name Callouts in Layout View

  1. On the Insert tab on the ribbon > Graphics and Text group, choose Rectangle Text, Polygon Text, or another text shape based on your preference. I'll choose the Rectangle Text.

  1. Click and draw the text box on your layout, then type your river name (or another label).

  1. In the Contents pane, right-click the text element > Select Show/Hide Leader.

4. A leader line (callout) appears - you can now drag the text box and the end of the leader line to position them as needed. Repeat for all your rivers (or other labels).

Step 3: Customize Your Callout

  1. In the Contents pane, rename your texts.

  1. Once the leader is visible, you can format it by right clicking the text again and choosing Properties.
  2. The Text Element properties pane opens.

  1. In the Text Element properties pane, use Text & Text Symbol to change:
    • Font
    • Size
    • Color
    • Shadow or halo
    • Callout style, leader, and Dart style

You can manually move the callout and the end of the leader line for precise positioning.

  • Use consistent styling across all feature callouts for clarity.
  • If labelling multiple features, align your callout text horizontally or neatly curve the leader lines to reduce clutter.
  • You can group callouts or lock them in place once you are satisfied with their position, especially in layout maps.

  • Save your project!

If you need to add more elements to your layout - such as a compass rose/North arrow, scale bar, title, data credits, legend, or other finishing touches - these tools are also available in the Insert tab while working in the Layout view.

For guidance on adding these elements and exporting your final map, refer to our knowledge base and in particular:

Use the Maplex Label Engine for more advanced labeling options, including callouts.

  • In the Labeling tab, click More > Use Maplex Label Engine

Tips for Better Callouts

  • Use dynamic labeling (Option 1) for maps that update regularly.
  • Use graphic callouts (Option 2) for final layouts or publication-ready maps.
  • Use halos or contrasting backgrounds for legibility over aerial imagery or busy basemaps.
  • Avoid overlapping labels—use label priority and placement rules.
  • Group related callouts using grouped annotation layers.

Callouts in ArcGIS Pro are a powerful way to communicate important information visually. Whether you're labeling a single cultural site or several features across a landscape, mastering callouts helps your maps speak more clearly.


We hope that this article has been helpful! If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to send us an email or connect with us for a chat. The NTGISC team is here to assist you further!

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