idea ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

ValCannon1 — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 16:10:53 GMT

A very common task in ArcMap is to copy the symbology from one layer to another. The symbology tab has a nice import dialog that lets you copy the complete symbology definition, just the symbols or just the classification.

ArcGIS Pro seems to have a limited version of this capability buried in the Geoprocessing Tools call Apply Symbology From Layer but I do not see a way of doing it from the layer properties. There are work-arounds such as saving a layer file and then importing it to another layer, but it would be nice to have the same level of ease and control that was available in ArcMap.

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

EmelineRenz — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 15:46:24 GMT

I've noticed that I can copy the symbology from one layer to another pretty easily with this tool, but If I'm using quantitative classes, the classes are not maintained. The classes are "recast" based on the data in the other layer. I would at least like the option in the Apply Symbology tool to choose whether class ranges are preserved or modified to fit the new data range based on the classification method.

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

JosiahMoore — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 12:52:24 GMT

https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/help/mapping/symbols-and-styles/import-symbology-from-another-layer.htm

Import symbology from another layer

Potential errors using the tool

To maintain consistent drawing between multiple layers, import the symbology of another layer file or layer. This way, the feature layer displays with the same symbology as the layer you imported from.

Select the feature layer in the Contents pane.
On the Appearance tab, in the Drawing group, click Import.
The Apply Symbology From Layer geoprocessing tool opens. Define the layer you want to import from. Make sure all fields match the fields used for defining the symbology.
Run the tool. The imported symbology is applied to the layer.

Potential errors using the tool

The imported layer is in an invalid format, that is, you cannot apply a group layer .lyr file to a single layer.
The import geometry type does not match the destination geometry type, that is, you cannot apply a layer file from one feature type to a different feature type.

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

RyanPaquette1 — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 13:48:45 GMT

Josiah Moore

Copy/pasting the ArcGIS documentation not so helpful here / does not address the OP's issue / reason for this idea.

In ArcGIS for Desktop; during the Import Symbology function you had the option to import the 'Complete Symbology Definition' which maintained the classifications / (Natural Breaks - Jenks) of the source dataset in lieu of just 'in spirit'

In ArcGIS Pro 2.0.1, you can import the symbology from another layer but it only uses the symbology 'in spirit'. The colour ramp & number of breaks are maintained but the actual values used in the classifications are rebuilt for the target dataset in lieu of what was present in the source dataset.

This will be OK in many applications, but not useful when you want 2 features containing similar data to have consistent symbology.

Right now it seems the only option would be manually build the breaks in the target layer or merge the datasets?

What really needs to happen is for ArcGIS Pro to have the pre-existing functionality that is still present in ArcGIS for Desktop: Complete Symbology Definition

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

Business_IntelligenceSoftware — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 20:15:35 GMT

I'm currently having this same issue. Has anyone found a work around, or some other way to get the "Complete Symbology Definition" in ArcGIS Pro? Would using ArcPy potentially work?

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

KristianHerner — Wed, 15 May 2019 11:54:20 GMT

The right click function to "copy symbology"/"copy definition query" are among the functions I use the most in Xtools Pro for ArcMap. I am surprised ESRI haven't implemented these simple 'Quality of Life' improvements in ArcGIS Pro.

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

JeffPrice — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 16:00:15 GMT

I am having an issue where copy symbology from layer does not save between sessions. It works fine and the maps have the same symbology, I then save the project but when I reopen the project it is back to the original symbology. How do I make the copied symbology 'stick'? I really like most things better in ArcGIS Pro but I think this was a huge step backward from ArcGIS.

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

mettegreve — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 08:31:04 GMT

I had the same issue with Apply Symbology From Layer. What you must do is save your symbology layer as a *.lyrx file. You can then import this from the Symbology pane of the layer you want to change, using the three horizontal lines on top.

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

JakeJacobs — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 15:41:48 GMT

I'll just put in a mention that the OP mentioned other layer properties as well that would be nice to copy. I would find this helpful. Copy Labeling, for example. Is there a way to do that? Another one is zoom scales. Another is popup formatting. All to the purpose of maintaining consistency in a map.

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

CelluleCartographie — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 09:43:42 GMT

Please bring this to pro

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

Anonymous User — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 23:40:18 GMT

awesome, I was wondering where it had gone. going back and forth between arcmap and arcpro can be confusing sometimes.

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

LeandraGordon — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 04:53:54 GMT

BTW: Don't go trying to do this in Python. The command works **sometimes**

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

JohnGuetterman — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 23:12:51 GMT

This functionality from XTOOLS works so good - minimal clicks (once you add it as a button), symbology is applied almost instantly, versatile (can copy any layer property), easy to quickly apply to other layers in your table of contents. Something like that would be a great addition to Pro.

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer

Anonymous User — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 01:09:33 GMT

Can any one provide an update to this?
@EmelineRenz's comment is a great summary of this issue: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer - Esri Community

To add, I wonder how labels can be stored in symbology and if this functionality is applicable here

Regards,
Nina

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer - Status changed to: In Product Plan

KoryKramer — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 16:13:00 GMT

Re: ArcGIS Pro copy symbology from layer - Status changed to: Implemented

EdiePunt — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:16:35 GMT

Thank you for your feedback. Beginnng in ArcGIS Pro 3.4 you can copy a subset of layer properties, including symbology. Please see Copy and paste properties between layers or tables > Copy a subset of properties for more information.