Combining separate files (shapefiles or gdb) into one large file

Question

What is the best way to combine several files into one large file? I have point files in a number of geodatabases I used in Arc GIS on-line and want to combine them into one single file. There are photo attachments with each and I would like those to persist. The only think I can think of is the Append function.  All the files  have the same field names. Anyone know of any other method? I ultimately want to use this file in a Web Mapping application.

SiranErysian2 · Answer

Jake,

Having trouble with the merge tool. It is telling me that 'the collection contains multiple Global ID fields' which I cannot delete. I turned them off in all of the layers but am still getting the error. Any suggestions?

SiranErysian2 · Answer

Thank you. I will give this a try as soon as I finish preparing all the separate files.

JakeSkinner · Answer

If you are working with shapefiles or feature classes, you can use the Merge tool to do this.  This will maintain the attachments.