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I am trying to show the layer names of all visible layers in ArcGis 10.1 when creating a map in layout view.

First I tried to use "insert legend" and show there only the layername, but I can't disable the decription/symbology display. That did not work, so I think it is better to use "insert dynamic text" instead.

That is easy for the Document name Document Name: <dyn type="document" property="name"/> but I don't know, what to insert when I want the layernames. What is the correct type and property?

Thank you!

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If you are comfortable with arcpy.mapping and Python this is easy. You create a static Text Element with a string like say layersVisibleListVar in it. Then you use ArcPy to read which layers are visible and get this into a string. Then you can use ListLayoutElements to get hold of that text element and change its text property from layersVisibleListVar to the string you made. –  PolyGeo Mar 6 at 11:35
    
I call the above pseudo dynamic text and it is most suited when exporting to PDF or saving MXDs i.e. no live update like dynamic text but great for map automation. –  PolyGeo Mar 6 at 11:41
    
I have no idea about arcpy.mapping and only very little experience with Python :( –  Iris Mar 6 at 11:46
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2 Answers

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If you want to add the layers to your legend go into legend property's where you can choose to add layers to the legend (unclear on what exactly you are asking)that are only checked (visible) in TOC or add all layers, etc.

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I tried this at first, but I only want the layer names, not their symbology/decription. And I think, ArcGis does not allow to not show the layer symbologoy in the legend... –  Iris Mar 6 at 11:50
    
A (not so) quick workaround might be to add another data frame,copy/paste the layers you wish to label on the document into it, turn the symbology for each off by choosing no colour, and then use that dataframe to populate your legend... –  user21646 Mar 6 at 12:13
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A quick workaround is to add the legend like you have then right click it and choose "Convert to Graphics". That will change your legend to a grouping of text elements and graphics. Then just right click and choose "Ungroup" that will break it down to the individual legend elements, another "Ungroup" on each of these will allow you to delete the patch of symbology.

The problem here is that this disconnects the text elements from the text in the TOC. So make sure you do this after you have everything named the way you want it or you'll have to go in and change the text for each item manually.

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