You can copy all or some layer properties from one layer and paste them to another (or from one stand-alone table to another table) in a map or between maps in a project. This can help you maintain consistency between items or adhere to organizational guidelines.
Understanding layer and table properties
A layer (or table) property controls the visualization, function, or definition of the layer or table. Visual properties such as symbology and transparency, and others including custom queries and filters, label class properties, and elevation information can also be copied between layers or tables, if applicable.
Copying properties between layers or tables can help you adhere to schemas or other requirements. For example, if you have several street polyline feature layers that follow the same schema but are from different data sources, you can configure one feature layer and copy its properties to the other feature layers, rather than configuring each layer manually.
When you copy properties from a source layer to a target layer, a notification message indicates when the properties are successfully pasted.
Inapplicable properties
A property is considered applicable if it can be copied to another feature layer, stand-alone table, subtype layer, or subtype table. Depending on circumstances, you may be able to copy all, some, or none of the properties between layers or tables. For example, most properties can be pasted between layers of different geometry types. However, if the target layer is not the same geometry type as the source layer (point-to-point, polyline-to-polyline, and so forth), a warning message may appear to indicate the paste could not be completed.
The properties listed below cannot be copied and pasted to another layer or table. Other layer and table properties not listed here can be copied. Review the data type's documentation for further information.
The following layer and table properties cannot be copied:
- Item name
- URI path
- Visibility status in the Contents pane
- 2D or 3D Layers status in the Contents pane (scenes only)
- Metadata
- Data connections and data sources
- Selected features and records
- Label weighting
- Table definitions (subtype layers only)
Copy all properties
To copy all applicable properties from one layer to another, or one table to another, complete the following steps:
- In an open map, in the Contents pane, choose the source layer or table that contains the properties you want to copy.
- On the Map tab, in the Clipboard group, click Copy
.This copies the layer or table, as well as its properties.
- In the Contents pane, click the target layer or table to select it.
- On the Map tab, in the Clipboard group, click the Paste drop-down menu, and choose Paste Properties
.
Copy a subset of properties
If you do not want to copy all properties, certain subsets of properties can be individually copied from the Contents pane. These property subsets group together common layer and table property categories. In some cases, the layer geometry types of the source and target do not need to match. For example, you can choose to copy the definition queries from a point feature layer and paste them to a polygon feature layer.
To copy a subset of properties from one layer or table to another, complete the following steps:
- In an open map, right-click the name of the feature layer, stand-alone table, subtype layer, or subtype table in the Contents pane.
- Hover over the arrow next to the Paste Properties command to view the complete list of available subsets:
Symbology
All properties of the Symbology pane (except display filters—see below). For stream layers, it includes previous observation and track line symbology. Aggregation settings are copied but must be enabled to view them.
Labeling
Label classes, placements, visibility ranges, and text symbols. It includes other properties available on the Label tab of the Map Properties window. It does not include label weights.
Pop-ups
Pop-up status (enabled or disabled), title, text, charts, images, Arcade expressions, carousel, and fields options.
Display Filters
All properties on the Display filters tab of the Symbology pane.
Field Properties
Field properties that can be edited in the Fields view, such as field visibility, read-only status, aliases, and so forth.
Charts
All charts and applicable properties in the Chart Properties pane. Newly pasted charts are appended to the target layer or table; existing charts are not deleted or overwritten.
Definition Queries
All queries and applicable properties in the Definition Query tab of Layer Properties.
Display Expression
(Only accessible with subtype layers and tables) The Display field (expression) value.
Visibility Range
(Only accessible with subtype layers) All visibility range properties, such as minimum and maximum scale.
- Click to paste the subset of properties.
Limitations and considerations
Consider the following when planning to copy properties between layers or tables:
- You cannot copy labeling or symbology properties between layers of different geometry types. For example, you cannot copy the symbology of a polyline feature layer to a point feature layer or a multipatch layer to a polygon layer.
- You cannot copy properties when multiple items are copied to the clipboard. An error may occur if a layer and a table are copied simultaneously.
- Properties that define the layer's identity—such as its name, data source, and metadata—are not copied. See Inapplicable properties for more information.
- You cannot copy properties to more than one layer or table at a time.
- If a layer or table property is not part of a subset, it can only be copied and pasted to another layer or table by selecting the All Properties option.
Caution:
Review layers and tables for unintentional changes after copying properties to ensure valid configurations. For example, if a field used for a definition query in the source layer does not exist in the target layer, the query is successfully copied to the target layer, but the query may not function as expected.