Summary
Returns a Python list of DataFrame objects that exist within a single map document (.mxd).
Discussion
ListDataFrames always returns a Python list object even if only one data frame is returned. In order to return a DataFrame object, an index value must be used on the list (e.g., df = arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd)[0]). For loops on a list provide an easy mechanism to iterate through each item in a list (e.g., for df in arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd):).
Wildcards are not case sensitive. A wildcard string of "la*" will return a data frame with a name Layers.
It is possible that there might be data frames in a map document that have the same name. If that is the case, then other properties may need to be used to isolate a specific data frame. Properties such as a data frame's credits or description could be used to do this. It is ideal that all data frames be uniquely named.
Syntax
ListDataFrames (map_document, {wildcard})| Parameter | Explanation | Data Type |
map_document | A variable that references a MapDocument object. | MapDocument |
wildcard | A combination of asterisks (*) and characters can be used to help limit the results. (The default value is None) | String |
| Data Type | Explanation |
| DataFrame | A Python list of DataFrame objects. |
Code sample
This script will search for a data frame with the name Transportation and set the scale and rotation to the appropriate values.
import arcpy
mxd = arcpy.mapping.MapDocument(r"C:\Project\Project.mxd")
for df in arcpy.mapping.ListDataFrames(mxd, "t*"):
if df.name.lower == "transportation":
df.scale = 24000
df.rotation = 5.5
mxd.saveACopy(r"C:\Project\Project2.mxd")
del mxd