topic Re: How to use the draw categories function in ArcGIS Pro in ArcGIS Pro Questions

How to use the draw categories function in ArcGIS Pro

PatriciaKingston — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:15:00 GMT

In ArcMap, we created category rules within the layer properties under the Symbology tab using options such as “Draw categories by matching field values to symbols in a style” or “Draw categories using unique values combining up to 3 fields”.

What equivalent function or workflow in ArcGIS Pro can be used to achieve the same result?

Re: How to use the draw categories function in ArcGIS Pro

Robert_LeClair — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:58:20 GMT

There's a couple ways to accomplish this:
1. In ArcMap, create a layer file (*.lyr) from the layer in the Data Frame that has your predefined category rules. Then in ArcGIS Pro, add that layer to a new map view and use the Apply Symbology From Layer (Data Management Tools) | ArcGIS Pro documentation to recreate the layer symbology in ArcGIS Pro.
2. Or in ArcGIS Pro, use the Unique Values option and set the attribute field for Field 1. Then click Add Field for Fields 2 and 3.

Re: How to use the draw categories function in ArcGIS Pro

PatriciaKingston — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:40:34 GMT

I applied the symbology to the layer that needed updating; however, the symbology did not match the original rules or field settings. Instead of being categorized into the appropriate field value ranges, all features were assigned to the "<all other values>" category.

Re: How to use the draw categories function in ArcGIS Pro

Robert_LeClair — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:50:21 GMT

Hmmm...the layer that you're applying the *.lyr file to have the same attribute values as the originating source?

Re: How to use the draw categories function in ArcGIS Pro

PatriciaKingston — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:58:59 GMT

Yes, when I changed the applying layer to the same feature type the geoprocessing tool worked.