You can choose to abbreviate labels with an expression. This is useful if your table does not contain a column containing abbreviated text.
To create an expression for label abbreviations:
-
Double-click the layer name in the Explorer window.
-
From the Label Display tab in the Layer Properties dialog box, select the Allow abbreviated labels check box.
-
Alternatively, from the Label Content group on the LABELS tab, check the box near the Abbreviate with: drop-down list.
-
Click the Expression button on the Layer Properties dialog, or click Expression from the Abbreviate with drop-down list on the LABELS tab. From either location, the Expression dialog box opens. Create an expression with abbreviated text. The following expression uses the first three letters of a label.
-
Click OK to save the changes.
The map refreshes with this change. (Depending on how densely labeled your map is, you might not see any abbreviated labels. Abbreviated labels only appear when there is not enough room to display an ordinary label.)
For more information about creating expressions, see Labeling with Expressions.