topic ArcGIS Pro- Geoprocessing Tools- When a selection and definition query are active tools only show definition query notice (filter notice) in ArcGIS Pro Questions

ArcGIS Pro- Geoprocessing Tools- When a selection and definition query are active tools only show definition query notice (filter notice)

Amanda__Huber — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:07:35 GMT

Hey Pro Team,

I noticed this behavior across a few of the GP tools recently. When a selection and definition query are active at the same time, the GP tools only show definition query is active (filter notice). This leads to a fairly un-intuitive user experience as the user is uncertain if their selection is also going to be respected by the tool (or no way to toggle off selection if chosen)

In the example below, I have both definition queries and selections on these layers, only the Filter (DQ) is showing up in the "alert":

Is there a reason for this or can this be under consideration for improvement?

Thanks,

Amanda Huber

Re: ArcGIS Pro- Geoprocessing Tools- When a selection and definition query are active tools only show definition query notice (filter notice)

marksm_macomb — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:58:32 GMT

I've also found this confusing, along with the fact that you have to click the "Get Count" button now to verify you're running the correct amount of features rather than the count just populating like before.

Re: ArcGIS Pro- Geoprocessing Tools- When a selection and definition query are active tools only show definition query notice (filter notice)

GlenterpriseUK — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:05:41 GMT

Hi @Amanda__Huber @marksm_macomb,

By default, when you run a GP tool the filtered records are those in the Definition Query of the Layer. If you do not have a Definition Query on the Layer and you select the records then the selected records appear.

The Get Count button shows in your situation to calculate the number of selected features that fulfil/match the definition query.

Hope the above explanation helps.

Regards,

Glen

Re: ArcGIS Pro- Geoprocessing Tools- When a selection and definition query are active tools only show definition query notice (filter notice)

Amanda__Huber — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:10:49 GMT

Hi @GlenterpriseUK ,

Thanks for clarifying, I understand this behavior but I think what I'm proposing is *also showing* the selection count by default when running the GP tool. I picture this as two toggles, one accounting for Filter (DQ records) and the other showing Selection count.

I still think that "get count" is not intuitive as it still appears to relate to the Filter message to the user and not addressing Selected records.

Thanks,

Amanda Huber

Re: ArcGIS Pro- Geoprocessing Tools- When a selection and definition query are active tools only show definition query notice (filter notice)

GlenterpriseUK — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:17:50 GMT

Hey @Amanda__Huber,

If you are requesting an Enhancement then feel free to go ahead and log a new ArcGIS Pro Idea or give Kudos to an existing one if the idea is already present.

https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-pro-ideas/idb-p/arcgis-pro-ideas

Regards,

Glen