https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-pro-ideas/persistent-layer-links/idi-p/956412 <P>Layer files are good, however as soon as they are loaded into ArcMap the link to the LYR file is lost.<BR />This means that for corporate layers if we change the source or styling, all the old MXDs will have the original data/styling.<BR /><BR />So, a solution.&nbsp;&nbsp;A modification to the LRY file for it to contain a GUID. And an option on the layer properties to retain/restore layer to original state, plus storing the lry file location in the MXD.<BR /><BR />When a layer is loaded&nbsp;into a MXD it stores the LYR location and GUID.&nbsp;<BR /><BR />When that MXD is opened again ArcMap checks the LYR file stored and compares GUIDs.&nbsp; If there is a difference it loads the new properties of that layer file.&nbsp; If not it continues.<BR /><BR />&nbsp;If a user modifies the&nbsp;proeprties in any way the link is "broken" and the start up checks are by-passed.&nbsp; However there shou;d be a "restore to default lyr properies" button to remake the link.<BR /><BR />Implementing this idea will help all of us with large corporate networks to ensure all our users have the right data, displayed in the corporate way.</P><!-- content transformation source ID: 087E0000000kBUO --> Tue, 23 Jul 2024 17:14:40 GMT AdrianMarsden 2024-07-23T17:14:40Z https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-pro-ideas/persistent-layer-links/idi-p/956412 <P>Layer files are good, however as soon as they are loaded into ArcMap the link to the LYR file is lost.<BR />This means that for corporate layers if we change the source or styling, all the old MXDs will have the original data/styling.<BR /><BR />So, a solution.&nbsp;&nbsp;A modification to the LRY file for it to contain a GUID. And an option on the layer properties to retain/restore layer to original state, plus storing the lry file location in the MXD.<BR /><BR />When a layer is loaded&nbsp;into a MXD it stores the LYR location and GUID.&nbsp;<BR /><BR />When that MXD is opened again ArcMap checks the LYR file stored and compares GUIDs.&nbsp; If there is a difference it loads the new properties of that layer file.&nbsp; If not it continues.<BR /><BR />&nbsp;If a user modifies the&nbsp;proeprties in any way the link is "broken" and the start up checks are by-passed.&nbsp; However there shou;d be a "restore to default lyr properies" button to remake the link.<BR /><BR />Implementing this idea will help all of us with large corporate networks to ensure all our users have the right data, displayed in the corporate way.</P><!-- content transformation source ID: 087E0000000kBUO --> Tue, 23 Jul 2024 17:14:40 GMT https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-pro-ideas/persistent-layer-links/idi-p/956412 AdrianMarsden 2024-07-23T17:14:40Z