Save a copy of an item's ArcGIS metadata

It can be useful to save a copy of an item's internal ArcGIS metadata to a stand-alone metadata XML file. The following are examples:

• Save a copy of the metadata display from the details panel in the catalog view as an HTML file. For example, you might post this on an internal web page or convert the output to a document, such as an Adobe PDF file, to share information about your data with people who don't have access to ArcGIS AllSource.
• Save a backup of an item's metadata, for example, before performing an operation that alters a database.
• Create a copy of an item's ArcGIS metadata where sensitive information has been filtered out of the resulting file. The resulting ArcGIS metadata XML file can be uploaded to a portal item in ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise and shared with the public.
• Start a metadata template from metadata you authored for an item.

When you save a copy of an item's metadata, the metadata content is not converted to a standard-compliant metadata format. Learn about exporting metadata.

Save an item's metadata as an HTML file

Save a copy of an item's metadata as an HTML file to share information about the map or data with people who don't have access to the map or data.

1. Open a catalog view.
2. On the Catalog tab on the ribbon, in the Options group, check Show Details Panel.
3. Browse to and select the item in the contents list.
4. On the Catalog tab on the ribbon, in the Metadata group, click Save As > Save As HTML.
5. On the Save Metadata Display As HTML dialog box, browse to the folder where the HTML file will be stored.
6. Type a name for the HTML file in the Name text box.
7. Click Save.

   The metadata display on the details panel in the catalog view is saved as an HTML file.

Note:

The HTML display is optimized for use in ArcGIS AllSource. Its appearance may change when the file is viewed in web browsers.

Save an item's metadata as an XML file

You can save a copy of an item's ArcGIS metadata as an XML file to keep a record of an item's state at the current time, or to serve as a backup of your work. You can save an exact copy of the item's metadata, or the item's metadata can be filtered to remove some or all sensitive information that may be present.

1. Open a catalog view.
2. Browse to and select the item in the contents list.
3. On the Catalog tab on the ribbon, in the Metadata group, click Save As.
4. Point to the Save As XML menu and click one of the available options.
   • All Content—The item's metadata is not filtered. An exact copy of the item's metadata is saved to an XML file.
   • Without Machine Names—The item's metadata content is filtered to remove any machine names that exist. Appropriate actions are taken depending on the context in which the machine name is found. The metadata element will be removed if it doesn't cause the document to be invalid, the machine name will be removed from the beginning of a UNC path, or the value will be changed to identify the location as being withheld.
   • Without Sensitive Info—Machine names are filtered as described above. Additionally, local and network file paths and internet locations other than http or https addresses are removed in the same manner. Operating system information, database information, and geoprocessing history are also removed.
5. On the dialog box that appears, browse to the folder where the XML file will be stored.
6. Type a name for the XML file in the Name text box.
7. Click Save.

   The item's original ArcGIS metadata content is filtered, if appropriate, and the resulting content is saved to a new stand-alone metadata XML file.

If the folder where the XML file was created is available in the project as a folder connection, you must refresh the folder's contents for the file to appear in the catalog view.